Contributors

Every person has the power to make a positive difference

The Arts Wellbeing Collective works with hundreds of people from across the performing arts industry, as well as specialist contributors, to ensure that everything we do is informed by the best available research and evidence.

We are grateful to everyone who contributes and value the diverse range of experiences, points of view, and ideas that inform the Collective’s resources, program development, and services.

The Arts Wellbeing Collective works closely with:

Specialist psychologists, counsellors and other mental health professionals, who typically have significant experience and knowledge of the performing arts industry
Performing arts practitioners with lived experience of mental health problems, mental illness, or supporting peers and colleagues with mental health problems
Allied health professionals such as dietitians, nutritionists, and mindfulness and meditation coaches
Subject matter experts in the performing arts industry, which means those of us who work in the performing arts industry! We are all the experts in our own working environments, and all play a role in creating mentally healthy workplaces

Specialist Contributors

Sarah Borg, Green Room Psychology

Sarah Borg is the Principal Clinical Psychologist at Green Room Psychology, which specialises in providing industry-savvy clinical psychology services to creative professionals.

Sarah has worked in both clinical and research mental health settings across Australia, including with WA and Melbourne Health community and inpatient mental health teams; headspace and headspace Early Psychosis Program; and Orygen Youth Health and National Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health.

Sarah is a graduate from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts’ (WAAPA) renowned Acting program and continues to be active with the national entertainment industry union (MEAA) including being inaugural co-chair of MEAA’s Equity Wellness Committee.

Greta Bradman, Clinical Psychologist

Greta Bradman is a registered psychologist, researcher, writer, broadcaster, and performing artist. Greta consults on culture with public and private organisations across technology and creative industries and works in private practice as a psychologist.

Greta presents Weekend Brunch on ABC Classic, and is founder of pre-launch, values-based tech startup, Eiris Inc. She still sings from time-to-time.

Maggie Brittingham, researcher

Maggie Brittingham is an emerging filmmaker and researcher. Maggie graduated from the Bachelor of Film and Television at Swinburne University of Technology with Honours in Writing and Directing and a Minor in Sociology. During her studies, Maggie’s research focused on the responsibilities of Directors towards the mental wellbeing of child actors.

Maggie currently freelances primarily in development and production for film and television and as a researcher in the area of creative practitioners’ mental wellbeing.

Chris Cheers, Chris Cheers Psychology

Chris Cheers is a psychologist, facilitator and lecturer based in Melbourne. Before training as a psychologist, Chris worked for arts organisations across Australia, developing a rich understanding of the industry. Chris Cheers Psychology specialises in providing mental health support and workshops to clients in the arts, performance and creative industries.

Chris is an endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist and also has expertise in supporting LGBTIQ+ clients across all ages. Chris has been a university Lecturer in Psychology since 2011 and is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Alcohol and Policy Research at La Trobe University.

Glenda Chi, WHY Discovery

Glenda Chi is the Director and Purpose Coach at WHY Discovery, working with creative individuals, businesses and organisations in the arts and design sector. Glenda’s work is focused on helping people discover their purpose and creating purpose-led strategies to shape lives and the culture of the workplace.

Glenda is also the founding director of a not-for-profit arts organisation, Made to Create, with a core purpose to empower creatives so that they can thrive and make an impact through what they create.

Dr Louise Cooper, Talking Emotions

Dr Louise Cooper (Lou), is the director of Talking Emotions, a counselling practice based in South Yarra and Fitzroy. Lou works in therapy with individuals and facilitates groups using Emotion Focused Therapy as her primary approach. She draws from her past experience as an actor and ABC broadcaster to engage people in stories and metaphor to facilitate learning and change.

Lou is a former co-ordinator of group programs at the Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) and practitioner at Drummond Street Services Queerspace. She is an AHPRA registered supervisor and an internationally accredited supervisor in Emotion Focused Therapy.

Madeleine Dore, Extraordinary Routines

Madeleine Dore is a freelance writer and founder of the interview project Extraordinary Routines. Her interviews, life-experiments, and articles regularly explore creativity, everyday life and the imperfection in between and have appeared in ArtsHub, Sunday Life, 99u, Womankind, BBC, and more.

Madeleine has written several articles for Spotlight: The Arts Wellbeing Collective magazine.

Gabriel Edwards, Breathing Space

Gabriel Edwards is a highly experienced counsellor, facilitator, business strategist, consultant, and public speaker. Gabriel is the founder, principal counsellor and facilitator of Breathing Space.

Breathing Space is a unique practice providing confidential counselling and highly-skilled facilitation services for Business Leaders, Performing Artists and their teams.

Susan Eldridge, Notable Values

Susan Eldridge is an educator, coach, consultant and musician who works at the crossroads of human communication, creativity, and innovation. Susan is renowned for her ability to see elegant solutions to complicated problems, and has supported organisations across the country to rethink and redesign their learning experiences and models.

As a coach Susan has mentored over 1,000 performing artists, so she knows creative people and the challenges they face to build a life of means and meaning. Helping artists to thrive is her jam!

Fernanda Fain-Binda

Fernanda Fain-Binda is a freelance writer and copywriter with more than 10 years experience as a Marketing Manager. A migrant daughter of migrants, Fernanda writes about family life and friendship, as well as the migrant experience, multilingualism, and mental health.

In 2019, Fernanda won Runner-Up in the Better Read Than Dead non-fiction writing competition. Fernanda is currently working on a book, and contributes regularly to Spotlight: The Arts Wellbeing Collective magazine.

Amy Felman, We All Wear it Differently

Amy Felman is a registered clinical psychologist and host of the podcast interview series: We All Wear It Differently. We All Wear it Differently aims to entertain and inspire psychologists by illustrating the diverse world of psychology through conversations with colleagues, peers and mentors.

We All Wear it Differently speak to psychologists from diverse fields and with all levels of experience as they share their journeys, challenges and career breakthroughs that have led them to where they are today.

Trisnasari Fraser, I Am Ready Psychology

Trisnasari Fraser is a registered psychologist with an interest in the wellbeing and fulfilment of artists, performers, creatives and all those who follow their passions. Trisna’s work focuses on psychology of music, mental health in the entertainment industry, the experience of artists of CALD background in Australia, and social cohesion and community resilience through intercultural music and dance engagement.

As well as assisting clients manage challenges of working in creative industries and life in general, Trisna is also involved in research as well as individual and group therapy for depression, anxiety, grief and adjustment issues.

Heather Gridley, Victoria University

Heather Gridley is a highly respected broad-based psychology professional with more than thirty years’ experience in community, higher education and not-for-profit organisations.

Heather has served two terms on the Board of the Australian Psychological Society and currently works in the National Office as Manager (Public Interest). Heather was a founding member of the APS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology (ATSIPP) Interest Group and was the manager responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the APS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Heather is a community and counselling psychologist who has published and presented widely. Heather is an Honorary Fellow in the College of Arts at Victoria University.

Tracy Hardy, Wattleseed Nutrition and Dietetics

Tracy Hardy is a Gamilaroi woman, Accredited Practising Dietitian, Nutritionist and founder of Wattleseed Nutrition and Dietetics. During Tracy’s 2018 graduation ceremony, she was honoured to be awarded the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Chancellor’s Medal. Tracy has worked as both a clinical and community dietitian for First Nations Peoples in South East Queensland. In April 2019, Tracy commenced
a PhD exploring Indigenous food sovereignty and food security for First Nation Peoples of Australia. She has since taken leave from her PhD in order to support community based, led and controlled projects and work.

Dr Glen Hosking, Clinical Psychology and Counselling

Dr Glen Hosking is a Lecturer in Psychology. Glen is a registered Clinical Psychologist and approved supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Glen completed his Doctorate in Psychology at the Australian Catholic University in 2003. His work since then has been in a range of positions as a Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer in psychology.

Cailin Howarth, The Performer's Edge

Cailin Howarth trained as a classical singer at The Conservatorium of Music at The University of Melbourne before performing in Australia and Europe. As a performer, Cailin saw the need for skilled practitioners who understood the specific challenges of the performing arts, and subsequently returned to study psychology in order to be the change she wanted to see in the industry.

Cailin has created The Performer’s Edge to support creatives and performers reach their full potential through performance coaching utilising best practice performance psychology.

Dr Anastasia Hronis, Australian Institute for Human Wellness

Dr Anastasia Hronis is a clinical psychologist and founder of the Australian Institute for Human Wellness. Anastasia is a practicing clinician, as well as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney.

Anastasia is also a trained classical concert pianist and provides performance coaching and consultations, as well as running workshops and masterclasses for those in the performing arts industry. She has performed on stages around the world including the Sydney Opera House seven times, and the internationally renowned Carnegie Hall in New York.

Amy Hume, Victorian College of the Arts

Amy Hume is a Lecturer in Voice at Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and a voice and dialect coach for theatre and screen. Amy was previously voice teacher to BFA Acting and MFA Voice students at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney.

Recent productions include New Gold Mountain (SBS), Six the Musical Australia (LWAA), Billy Elliot Australia (LWAA), Cyrano (Melbourne Theatre Co), White Pearl (Sydney Theatre Co/National Theatre of Parramatta) and Fangirls (Queensland Theatre/Belvoir).

Amy is one of only a handful of Designated Linklater Teachers in Australia and currently serves on the Board of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA), the international organisation for voice practitioners.

Jess Jellie

Jess Jellie is currently the Company Manager at The Australian Ballet, which tours throughout Australia’s regional towns, capital cities and internationally over 28 weeks of the year. After graduating from NIDA – Bachelor of Dramatic Arts, Production, Jess has travelled with touring parties of 20 through to 130 experiencing the ups and downs of life on the road with companies such as Bell Shakespeare, Poetry in Action and many commercial musicals.

Jossy Jimenez, Jossy Jimenez Wellbeing

Jossy Jimenez is an expert mindfulness facilitator, and mindfulness-based wellbeing consultant. Jossy’s work focuses on simple, accessible, evidence-based methods to cultivate awareness, compassion, creativity and human flourishing in individuals, leaders, and organisations.

Jossy has a master’s degree in human development and is certified as a mindfulness facilitator by UCLA’s Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour. She has training in Stanford University’s Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) and has completed teacher-training in the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program with UCSD. She is also trained in the work of Brené Brown.

Claudia Kardaras, The Centre for Positive Psychology

Claudia Kardaras is a health professional committed to helping individuals and organisations to improve mental health and increase wellbeing.

Claudia is trained as a Psychologist, with a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and a Masters of Health Psychology.

Romi Kupfer

Romi Kupfer is a contemporary theatre maker, director and producer. Romi’s practice has evolved since 2013 through practical experience collaborating with companies, artists and communities as well as theatre training.

Romi holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) from Monash University and a Masters of Directing for Performance from the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.

Jacqui Louder, Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre

Jacqui Louder has been a practicing psychologist for sixteen years, specialising in eating disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, athletic transitions, motor sport, critical incident management, performing arts and children’s sport.

Jacqui works with teams and organisations in establishing a healthy leadership and culture, and ensuring healthy working environments, as well as coaching groups on communication and enhancing team performance.

Clinically, Jacqui works extensively with individuals suffering depression and anxiety, pain management and sleeping issues, relationships, and general life balance.

Jamie Marloo Thomas, Wayapa Wuurrk

Jamie Marloo Thomas is a GunaiKurnai man and Maara Descendant, who is the Co-Creator of Wayapa Wuurrk. For the past 30 years Jamie has been deeply committed to revitalising his Maaraculuture with his Elders and passing on the knowledge, practices and ceremonies of his ancestors.

Jamie is also passionate about helping people activate their reciprocal relationship with the environment to create a healthier, more connected people and planet.

Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley, Sage Psychology

Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley is a NIDA graduate in Directing, and currently works as a clinical psychologist who consults to companies such as Bell Shakespeare, Arts on Tour and CDP Theatre Producers. Jane is also the research stream lead for the InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, University of Sydney.

Jane has experience as a large event specialist choreographer with extensive touring experience, and has worked on Pan American, Commonwealth and Olympic Games Ceremonies.

Coco Nkrumah, Reality Based Mindfulness

Coco Nkrumah is a secular mindfulness educator with a passion for sharing the practice of mindfulness. As a teen, Coco had an interest in Chinese martial art also known as Kung Fu and by the age of 17 began full-time training. This led him to complete a martial arts and sports coaching apprenticeship. During this time he also became certified in Chinese Taoist and Buddhist meditation.

Coco wanted to understand the underlying principles of the different meditation styles across the world. This led him to study Western mindfulness in which he was trained and certified as a mindfulness educator and meditation teacher.

Claire Pearson

Claire Pearson is a creative with extensive experience as an arts practitioner across theatre, film, voice, workshop facilitation, children’s entertainment, content creation, writing and production. Claire is also an administrator, producer and arts educator with experience across health, festivals and project administration.

Claire holds a BFA (Acting) – QUT, a Post Graduate Certificate in Arts Management (UNE) and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (Melbourne Polytechnic) and a Mental Health First Aid certificate.

Alex Rathgeber, Maker Productions

Alex Rathgeber stepped into a principal role on London’s West End aged 24, appearing as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera. He has since appeared in numerous acclaimed Australian productions, including The Boy From Oz, Ghost, The Wizard of Oz, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Rocky Horror Show, An Officer And A Gentleman and Anything Goes, for which he earned a coveted Helpmann Award.

In 2020, Alex launched a new performing arts production company, Maker Productions, producing SOUND MIND in partnership with the Arts Wellbeing Collective.

Dr Melissa Ree, Sleep Matters

Dr Melissa Ree has a Masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology. Melissa specialises in the psychosocial management of adults with insomnia and sleep difficulties through evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Melissa works in both clinical and research roles and is active in treatment, training and research into the psychological aspects of insomnia, anxiety and depression and has published a number of papers and treatment protocols on the topic.

Dr Alison Robb

Dr Alison Robb is an LGBTQI+ community member/ally and an intersectional feminist committed to dismantling diet culture.

Alison is an Associate Lecturer with the School of Psychology, currently teaching into the undergraduate program. She also works as a research assistant, most recently in the area of refugee and asylum-seeker mental health.

Alison is a freelance wellbeing consultant, working mainly in the arts industry, having trained as a theatre director at the Flinders University Drama centre. Alison worked in the performing arts industry for about 10 years as a director, assistant director, stage manager and theatre technician.

Alison’s consulting work includes teaching in a range of contexts, as well as preparing/delivering resources, seminars and workshops.

Fumi Somehara

Fumi Somehara is the founder and principal dietitian of DDD Centre for Recovery. Her expertise is in Dance Nutrition and Eating Disorders Treatment. She is passionate about supporting individuals to nurture respectful and compassionate relationship with their food and body.

Fumi believes, and advocates for, inclusive and respectful care for everybody, regardless of their size, shape, race, culture, gender, or background.

Annie Strauch

Annie Strauch is the Director of Performance Medicine and is a passionate performance physiotherapist with extensive experience working with professional performers and athletes and is one of Australia’s leading Vocal Physiotherapists. Annie holds both a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy and Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and believes that every Performing Artist deserves bespoke attention and elite physiotherapy care.

Annie’s passion for the Performing Arts developed on London’s West End where she learnt much about the Performing Arts industry and the importance of Vocal Physiotherapy.

She now manages the physical healthcare of many Australian touring shows, is the resident physiotherapist for the Melbourne Theatre Company and is passionate about bringing the Art and the Science together.

Abe Watson

Abe is an experienced arts manager and creative based in Central Victoria with specialist skills in theatrical production and operations, producing, and technical theatre. Abe is currently the Production Manager at Melbourne Theatre Company, and President of Bendigo Theatre Company.

Jedison Wells

Jedison Wells is a proud Yuwaalaaray woman who works and lives on Gundungurra and Tharawal lands. She is the owner of a Private Healing and Therapy Practice, which supports people in contributing to their economy and community. Her work includes facilitating workshops to share skills in taking back the power by determining one’s own story. Jedison is one of the counsellors working with the First Nations Dedicated Helpline.

Eugene Wong, A Stronger Narrative

Eugene Wong coaches leaders and organisations in forming healthy processes and connecting more effectively with their audiences. He was the founder of Candlelight Productions, introduced Squeaky Clean Comedy to the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and consults on strategic engagement for festivals and arts organisations nationally and abroad.

Eugene mentors many artists and serves on several arts organisations’ boards, including Melbourne Magic Festival, Made To Create and The Elysian Sanctuary (USA).

Deone Zanotto, Performance Based Meditation

Deone Zanotto has performed all over the world, and while working on Broadway, Deone was not sleeping well and highly stressed, and knew she needed something in her life to get through the daily grind. She found meditation, and suddenly life looked completely different.

After studying meditation in New York and Los Angeles, Deone now teaches meditation and has had a daily practice for nearly 15 years.

If you have relevant clinical or professional expertise working within the performing arts or with people from the performing arts and are interested in getting involved with the Arts Wellbeing Collective, we’d love to hear from you.

Together we are creating a future where every person in the performing arts industry can thrive.