Kane, the founder of The Power In You Project, offers a unique lived experience having been addicted to drugs for the better part of 12 years.

On getting clean he noticed there was a critical gap in the system for individuals seeking treatment and sought to bridge that gap himself.

Importantly, Kane understands first-hand what it is like to be in the grips of an addiction and believes that if someone can build up the courage to ask for help, that they need that support immediately and should not be placed on a waitlist.

Jarrod is a psychology graduate with a wealth of knowledge and insight into substance abuse and mental health.

Jarrod is charged with keeping our program up-to-date with the most relevant information, and building and developing new programs.

ELISE

Elise has worked in the not for profit sector for 5 years. She has extensive experience as a volunteer and recently completed a Diploma in Community Services. Elise believes in giving back to the community and believes in giving people options and opportunities.

Elise is continuing to study a Diploma in Mental Health whilst being employed as a Support Worker at the Power in You. A qualified Yoga instructor, Elise leads clients through Yoga classes, helping them focus on breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques.

BasHia

Bashia is our key worker for women’s service. With specialist training in Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD), Bashia utilises her skills within groups and one on one support.

In addition, Bashia’s lived experience brings a non-judgmental, empathetic approach when working with our participants.

DION

Dion is a criminology graduate and currently furthering his studies in Mental Health. Dion has previously been in the grip of addiction and has recovered with strength and positivity that he is keen to share with others. Dion knows from the experience of rebuilding his life how important community connection is to recovery and promotes inclusion of all participants with an embracing approach.

Dion also has over 20 years of martial arts and boxing experience. He believes passionately that sport and recreation are highly beneficial to those wanting to build a life after recovery and is not afraid to push you to be your best.

MEL

Mel is the PIYP Justice Officer. She has a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and comes to us from Corrections with 4 years experience working with high risk offenders in the community. Prior to this, Mel spent 6 years with Disability Services in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, managing and promoting the needs of people with multiple and complex needs.

Mel assists in the development and facilitation of programs designed to support participants in a shift out of the Justice System to a pro-social lifestyle that is supported by community inclusion and healthy life habits.

Mel also provides 1-1 consultations focussed on behaviour management of participants with multiple and complex needs.

LEE-ROY

Lee-Roy is currently studying a Diploma in Mental Health. Accompanied with a lived experience, Lee-Roy is a strong advocate for Behavioural Change and enjoys supporting participants to get back on their feet and get the most out of their lives.

BRETT

Brett is a valued Support Worker with PIYP. Having previously worked as an electrician, Brett was looking for something more fulfilling, wanting to give back to the community. He started a psychology degree after doing volunteer work with the homeless and vulnerable.

Brett feels that his contribution to PIYP is aligned with his heartfelt pathway to supporting those in need. He is motivated to help people make positive change and approaches participants with humour and an obvious, unselfish desire to help.

GEORGIA

Georgia has undertaken a Cert 3 in Community Services Work and specialised in International Politics in her Bachelor’s degree at Deakin University. Through her Cert 3 and Bachelor’s degree, she refined her knowledge in policy making, and sparked her passion for diversity and inclusion in communities.

At The Power In You Project, Georgia uses her knowledge in policy and the community sector to develop appropriate policy that empowers The Power In You Project staff, clients and the community in which it operates. 

LACHLAN

Lachlan holds the role Peer Support Worker at PIYP. He is a self taught cook, achieving several awards in his field and has been generous in sharing his skills and  knowledge with participants.

Lachlan comes with life experience around addiction and recovery and has proven an active listener with the people he works with. Working with empathy and a non-judgemental approach, Lachlan has become a valued member of the team with staff and participants alike.

Conan

Conan is support worker who is also currently undertaking Alcohol & Other Drug [AOD] specialist training. Conan has worked with youth in a drug detox setting at YSAS for 2 years. Conan has experience working with people to support mental health issues, drug addiction and other areas in life that require a similar approach.

Conan believes in matching current theory with lived experience in his engagements with the Power in You Project.

DAMIEN

Damien is currently studying a Diploma in Mental Health. He brings a wealth of life experience. Damien has a fun and approachable persona, being able to reach anybody on any level. He will bring out the best in people with a perfect combination humour and sensitivity.

Mick

Mick is asupport worker who has completed study in Alcohol & Other Drug [AOD] and Mental Health specialist training.

He brings a unique combination of lived experience and understanding by sharing his own challenges to help inspire others.

Tiffany

Tiff is currently studying a Bachelor in Psychological Sciences and believes there is no better feeling than helping others aspire to become the best version of themselves.

She has a very friendly and outgoing personality which makes her very approachable.

On a personal note, Tiff has grown up around family and friends struggling with addiction and knows how a lack of supporting networks can have an impact on the path to recovery.

Tenille

Tenille is the first clinician appointed to The Power In You Project team. A Forensic Psychologist and a Board Approved Supervisor, Tenille has 10 years experience working within Forensic/Correctional settings. Over the past six years she has been employed as a Senior Psychologist in medium and maximum prisons within Victoria.

Tenille specialises in providing individual counselling with a focus on trauma, emotional dysregulation, personality disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, offending behaviour, grief and loss, mood/anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, exploring identity/values, and attachment.

Additionally, Tenille has experience in facilitating AOD, mental health and criminogenic group programs.