Researcher biography

My research promotes a healthy start to life with children, young people and families who are at risk of social exclusion. I aim to enhance the social, economic and cultural well-being of vulnerable children, young people and families across the life course. I seek to build the theory and knowledge base of social work and human services. I use mixed methods and co-design approaches. I enjoy researching with people with lived experience of service systems, service providers and policy makers to create real world change. In 2016, I was appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for my contribution to social work particularly in relation to the health and wellbeing of vulnerable children and families, higher education and research. In September 2018, I was awarded the position of Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

My research focuses are:

a) policy and practice to support social and economic inclusion and the cultural well-being of vulnerable children, young people and families across the life course;

b) the participation of vulnerable children, young people and families in decision-making especially within child welfare, family support, health care and out-of-home care services;

c) professional education and organisation support for promoting job satisfaction, workforce retention and best practice among health and welfare professionals;

d) social work theories and professional practices.

My research is published several languages including Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Danish and Japanese.