NICKNAME: Debbie
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Postgraduate diploma in Psychology. Currently completing a Masters in Clinical Psychology.
ACHIEVEMENTS: My greatest achievement would most likely be representing NSW multiple times at National Championships in Figure Skating, and representing Australia in 2008 for Synchronized Skating. My proudest moment, is probably winning the Ros Gribble Prize in Psychology at the University of Newcastle for the top grades for the first year of my Clinical Masters Program.
WHY DID YOU PURSUE PSYCHOLOGY? As a teenager I gained an interest in sport psychology as a result of my Figure Skating career. Whilst skating I noticed how much one’s mental state and attitude contributed to their success and that fascinated me. Then once I started my bachelor majoring in psychology and learnt more about mental health disorders, I became interested in how mental health disorders develop and how they can be treated. I always imagined myself to be working with other people, in a role that really makes a difference.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT BODYMATTERS? I have a special interest in working in the eating disorders field. Also, I was also especially impressed that BodyMatters target a range of disordered eating and have a focus on raising awareness, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders.
YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE: “Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in out hand and melting like a snowflake”- Francis Bacon Sr
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS: In 10 years I see myself working with young people that have eating disorders. I hope that I may have completed a Phd researching anorexia nervosa or childhood eating disorders such as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. I also hope that I would have seen a lot more of the world, and have my own place- on the beach would be nice.
FAVOURITE SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES: This is a tricky one because I love most sport. Figure skating gives me a unique sense of freedom. However, I also love oztag, tennis, dancing, pilates, yoga, and a lot more!
FAVOURITE HOBBIES OR INTERESTS: Spending time on the beach, eating out and finding new cafes and restaurants to try, as well as travelling and learning about other cultures.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SKILL: I think it would have to be my ‘never give up’ attitude.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU: I would have to say people that succeed in the face of adversity and show us that nothing is impossible.
WHO WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD HEROES: Tara Lipinski. She was the youngest Figure Skater to ever win the Olympics.
3 THINGS YOU WOULD TAKE ON A DESERT ISLAND: My best friend for some good company, a boat to explore with and escape if needed, and cozzies for some swimming.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE INDULGENCE: Rich chocolate cake. Yum!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE: Hmm, I think I need to go with ‘Notting Hill’.
FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL: I would like to see the world. Of the places I have seen so far, my favourite would have to be Venice, and of the places that I haven’t seen yet, I think a white Christmas in New York would be magical.
IF YOU DIDN’T PURSUE PSYCHOLOGY, WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU PURSUE: If I didn’t do psychology I would have considered travelling the world doing figure skating shows, or becoming a residential architect or pediatrician.
