I started my career in mental health in 2006 in New Zealand as a support worker while I was studying two undergraduate degrees in therapeutic recreation and psychology. My first role was in a mental health day activity centre in which I supported people with severe and chronic mental illnesses by engaging them in leisure and recreational activities. About a year later I started a job in inpatient mental health doing the same line of work. In 2010 I started my postgraduate training as a psychologist. I also became registered as a alcohol and other drug (AOD) counsellor. As a AOD counsellor, I worked in a community clinic three days per week and in a forensic mental health hospital the other two. I supported a range of clients from those with mild to severe mental health issues compounded by problematic substance use. In 2012 I completed my training in psychology for which I graduated with a Masters degree (click here to read my research thesis). For a short period of time I started working with children and families providing behaviour management support.