Karen joined the Southern Highlands Bereavement Care Service in November 2024 as Co-
ordinator and Bereavement Counsellor.
Karen brings with her a broad range of experience from a variety of backgrounds. These
include Education, Health, Private Practice and work within Indigenous organisations in the
Northern Territory. She also has previous experience working for our service as
Bereavement Counsellor. Her counselling practice is underpinned by an undergraduate
degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counselling.
“My previous experience with the service deepened my appreciation and understanding of
the nature of life and death. I truly enjoy working together with those who come to this
precipice. It can be a time of great loneliness and confusion. There can be so many
unanswered questions.
This service provides an environment of safety allowing an atmosphere of acceptance and
respect where expression of grief and mutual conversation can lead to a greater sense of
understanding and well-being.”
Jo-Anne joined the Souther Highlands Beravement Care Service in 2018 as a counsellor, held the position as coordinator from 2021 - 2024, and has stepped back into the role of counsellor.
Jo-Anne's past experience includes assisting clients and carers with residential placement and respite in the aged care and disability sectors. Jo-Anne has previously been part of a volunteer team supporting palliative clients as well as volunteering with the National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG) from 2012 - 2023, providing grief support via telephone and zoom.
"Working with those who are experiencing grief and loss has been a passion of mine for many years, knowing that it is often difficult for people to find support when they are grieving. It is an honour to work in this field, walking with and supporting those who ar in the midst of a difficult phase of their life journey".
Jo-Anne holds a Bachelor of Social Science, Graduate Diploma of Counselling, and a Graduate Certificate in Bereavement Counselling and Intervention.