Meet Meg – Q&A
Nickname: Megz
Qualifications: Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Primary) double degree, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours), and is currently completing her Masters in Professional Psychology.
Achievements: My 3 babies – Miliya, Elisiya, and Cooper
Why did you pursue psychology? As a teacher, I saw how important it was for students to understand and work on their mental health… I just didn’t always have the skills to help them. After a significant life event for which I received psychological support, I realised that becoming a psychologist was the next right step and that I wanted to be able to provide support to others the way it had been provided to me.
Why BodyMatters? I literally jumped at the chance to work at BodyMatters as I knew I’d be working with a group of like-minded clinicians who were all focused on helping people recover and find freedom from eating disorders, disordered eating and body distress. Being able to work within a health based paradigm is incredibly important to me as I feel there are many people out there who are suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating alone. There are so many people out there who don’t see themselves represented in eating disorder treatment and weight na recognises and celebrates their diversity. All bodies are worthy and deserving of care!
Fav quote: My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style. – Maya Angelou
10 years’ time: In 10 years’ time I hope to still be working in the eating disorder field, knowing that I’ve made space for diversity, made noise when necessary (and sometimes even when it’s not!), that I’ve been a rung in someone’s ladder to living their best life, and that I’m still learning new things and being surprised and awed by each new day.
Fav sports/activities: Gymnastics, yoga and taking my kids the beach
Hobbies/interests: Being a book-nerd, a podcast-nerd, a polyvagal-nerd, and enjoying the odd crafternoon
Secret skill: Chalk drawing – discovered during lockdown!
Who or what inspires you? Some amazing women leading health based paradigm within Australia like Meg McClintock, Fiona Sutherland, Louise Adams, and Fiona Willer.
Childhood heroes: Gaia and the Planeteers from Captain Planet
You are stuck on a desert island, what do you bring? Sunscreen – thanks to my Irish genes, a suitcase full of books (probably ones I’ve already read!), someone to share them with.
Favourite indulgence: Full body massage
Favourite movie: Anything that isn’t adapted from a novel because they are never as good as the book!
Favourite places to travel: Anywhere with sun and saltwater
If I didn’t pursue psych…. Teaching was my only other dream