Karen de Wit

Psychology graduate with a strong interest in community mental health, mental health promotion and wellbeing, supported by current Lifeline Crisis Supporter Workplace Training and extensive experience in coordination, stakeholder communication, inclusion and community-facing roles. Experienced in building positive relationships with individuals, families, professionals and community stakeholders, coordinating services and responding to diverse needs. Brings strong interpersonal and organisational skills, a person-centred approach and a developing focus on improving mental health understanding, community connection and access to support.

Mental Health Psychoeducation Presentation Development - Independent Project

(2026-01)

• Developing a community-focused psychoeducation presentation that translates psychological and biological aspects of mental health into clear, accessible information, with the aim of improving mental health understanding and awareness.
• Applying psychological knowledge to the communication of mental health information in a way intended to be understandable and relevant to a broad community audience.

MHPE & MY DAISY Project Support - Yellow Bridge Alliances

(2026-01)

• Assisting with the development and review of written content for the MHPE and MY DAISY mental health project, including information for public and health-professional audiences.
• Assisting with educational material explaining how MY DAISY supports individuals to actively participate in their mental health management by tracking their treatment plan, mental health and progress over time, while providing useful information to support review and discussion with health professionals.

Crisis Supporter Workplace Training - Lifeline

(2026-01)

• Stage 1 completed; currently undertaking Stage 2 of structured crisis-support training.
• Developing skills in empathic listening, rapport building, recognising distress, maintaining appropriate boundaries and responding within established support processes.

Play Scheme Volunteer - Cairns Base Hospital Foundation — Paediatrics - Cairns

(2019-08 - 2020-08)

• Supported children and families in a hospital environment through structured play activities and positive engagement.
• Worked alongside hospital staff to help provide a welcoming, supportive and child-friendly environment.

Early Childhood Educator - Trinity Anglican School - Cairns

(2018-11 - 2022-06)

• Created a safe, supportive and inclusive environment responsive to individual needs, wellbeing and participation.
• Built positive relationships with children and families while respecting individual rights and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Worked collaboratively with families, colleagues and the wider school community.
• Contributed to observations, records and assessment of individual developmental needs, interests and progress.
• Worked consistently within the National Quality Framework, organisational policies, professional ethics and codes of conduct.

OSHC Coordinator - Trinity Anglican School - Cairns

(2016-03 - 2017-01)

• Held overall responsibility for children attending the service and coordinated safe day-to-day service delivery.
• Built and maintained relationships with parents, teachers, school leadership and the wider community.
• Managed staff, rosters, timesheets, administration and service records.
• Planned, coordinated and delivered vacation care programs and activities based on children's interests, individual needs and developmental stages, incorporating family input where appropriate.
• Organised community excursions and activities, including researching suitable opportunities, coordinating bookings and logistics, and completing follow-up arrangements.
• Applied for and managed Inclusion Support for children with identified additional needs, supporting equitable participation.
• Ensured administration and service delivery complied with relevant legislation, organisational policies and legal obligations.

OSHC Assistant - Trinity Anglican School / Trinity Beach State School - Cairns

(2014-03 - 2016-03)

• Assisted with planning and implementing programs based on children's interests, developmental needs and family input, using observations and participation to help guide future activities.
• Maintained accurate attendance and administrative records and worked cooperatively within staff teams.
• Supported activities, school functions and day-to-day service requirements while maintaining safety and duty of care.

OSHC Assistant - Trinity Anglican School / Trinity Beach State School - Cairns

(2017-03 - 2018-10)

Special Needs Assistant - Trinity Beach Community Kindergarten - Cairns

(2014-07 - 2014-11)

• Supported inclusion and everyday participation for a child with additional needs through individualised, unobtrusive support.
• Worked closely with the teacher and assistant to implement strategies, record observations and evaluate progress.
• Provided feedback and raised relevant concerns to contribute to ongoing program planning and support.

Family Day Care Manager and Educator - MCFDC Scheme - Cairns

(2010-01 - 2013-12)

• Managed day-to-day service operations and administration, including financial and statutory record keeping.
• Maintained ongoing communication with families regarding wellbeing, development and participation.
• Created an inclusive environment supporting health, safety, wellbeing and social and emotional development.
• Used positive behaviour-support approaches and activities responsive to individual developmental needs.
• Maintained accurate attendance, incident, illness and medication records and met regulatory requirements.

Bachelor of Psychological Science - Psychological Science - Central Queensland University (CQU) (2025)

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - Early Childhood Education and Care - FDCTA (2012)