Meet our community education volunteers: Michelle
Get to know PANDA's community education volunteers
In this series, we invite you to get to know our volunteers. Here you'll meet Michelle.
Michelle is a PANDA Community Education Volunteer, we work together to raise awareness to reduce stigma, advocate for improved perinatal mental health systems and share messages of hope.
Tell us about yourself
I’m Michelle. I’m married with two children, Ben 20 and Mia 16. I have been a volunteer with PANDA for about 12 years. Firstly, as a telephone support worker and now as a Community Educator. I’m studying at Deakin university towards registration as a psychologist. I hope to complete my Master of Professional Psychology in 2023. I also work part-time as a psychology administrator in a busy psychology practice.
In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, reading and taking my dog for a walk.
Why did you choose to volunteer with PANDA?
I saw a real need for support for families transitioning to parenthood. Personally, I found it a very challenging time and know lots of other parents do too.
What has been your proudest achievement since becoming a PANDA volunteer?
During community education talks, my aim to create a safe space for parents to share both good and bad experiences they’ve had since starting a family. My proudest achievement is opening up the discussion around mental health and wellbeing and noticing when parents in the group feel safe enough to have an honest discussion and are happy to share their ups and downs. I feel humbled and privileged when people share their inner world with me.
What is your most favourite activity to do with your family?
Cooking and enjoying a meal together then playing a game of table tennis – it gets very competitive!
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