Sandra is a Patron and Co-founder of the organisation. She has a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and a Diploma in Community Welfare.

James joined FDS in October 2015. As our Volunteer Manager, his role encompasses working with the Volunteer team, undertaking Interviews with potential volunteers, assisting with the delivery of the volunteer training courses, overseeing the 24/7 telephone roster including debriefing and supporting volunteers and any other administrative requirements.

Cadence began her FDS journey as a volunteer on the support line in 2023 and joined the Victorian team in 2024 as a Family Support Worker. She whole-heartedly believes in the FDS model, and person-centered care. She loves facilitating support groups and the Stepping Stones program as she is always inspired by the undercurrent of love in the room.

Cadence has a background in emotional intelligence coaching and psychoeducation, specialising in emotional regulation, and authentic relating. She brings this to her work with FDS as she sees the impact that managing emotions and improving communication has on family outcomes. She holds certification as an Emotional Mastery Coach, having trained in the Hale Method of Emotional Mastery and completed ICF-Level 2 coach training, and is currently completing her Bachelor of Counselling.

Cadence is passionate about harm reduction and social justice, and advocates for family inclusive AOD policy and practice.

Outside work, you’ll find Cadence having a boogie at local live-music events or festivals, exploring the bush with camping and hiking trips, swimming in nature, or enjoying a board game with friends and family.

Prior to joining Family Drug Support, Katelyn worked in the AOD field in a residential and day program.

Katelyn believes the FDS model is instrumental in providing the support and knowledge families deserve, in a safe and supportive environment.

In her spare time Katelyn enjoys reading and spending time with family and close friends.

Katelyn Durbin
Family Support Worker, Australian Capital Territory

Mona is a mental health and peer support worker based in Rockhampton, QLD.

Mona completed her Certificate IV in Mental Health and Peer Work and is currently enrolled in a Diploma of Project Management.

Her passion for helping families led her to start working for Family Drug Support in April 2023. Having worked with families in previous roles, Mona understands the importance of supporting families with loved ones experiencing substance dependency without judgment. She is committed to providing compassionate care and support to those in need.

Mona Elkhishin
Family Support Worker, Sunshine Coast

Edgar joined the FDS team having worked in the community sector for over 20 years. His experience and studies encompass the community services, human services, youth work, coaching and community development spaces. 

Edgar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role having worked with youth and families in a variety of capacities particularly relating to mental health and drug and alcohol support.

Edgar is specialised in trauma informed practice and person centred, strengths-based frameworks greatly influencing his current practice. He is a strong believer in the power of connection.

Edgar has also worked as a case manager, team leader and coordinator of activities for children, youth and parents who have required wellbeing support.

He has made it a priority to live his values through respectful, authentic, caring and compassionate interactions when living and working with community members. He is committed to supporting community.

In his spare time Edgar enjoys walking, playing and watching sport, listening to music, singing, coffee meet ups and family time. 

Belinda has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science and a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management.

Belinda has a long work history working with children and families in the public and private sector and this has endowed her with the knowledge and skills to work successfully with families, empowering them to cope and manage during times of adversity.

In her experience as a case manager Belinda has had the opportunity to work with children and families from many different backgrounds and understands the need to listen, respect and acknowledge the power and wisdom encompassed in families. She is also aware of the barriers families experience when seeking support and works to advocate and empower families to build relationships, connect with their communities and continue to care for themselves and the people they love.

As a manager in early intervention services, Belinda has worked alongside families impacted by drug and alcohol use and understands that empathy and building relationships are fundamental to working with people to remain engaged and to strengthen families.

Belinda is excited to be part of Family Drug Support and looks forward to connecting with carers and families in the Central Queensland Region.

 

Sophie has been part of the FDS Queensland team since October 2022. As a part-time Family Support Worker, she runs support groups, guides educational sessions and co-facilitates FDS’ award-winning Stepping Stones course.

Sophie brings over 20 years of experience as a somatic educator, group facilitator and wellbeing coach, as well as lived experience caring for loved ones with mental health and substance use issues. She warmly connects with people of all ages and backgrounds, holding a non-judgmental and compassionate space for learning, sharing, and healing. 

Sophie is certified as a trauma-sensitive mindfulness and movement teacher and the only Australian Trainer on the international faculty for the Nia Technique. With a contagious energy, Sophie inspires people to reclaim their embodied joy and personal power, which often get diminished when caring for a loved one with AOD challenges.

Sophie comes alive sharing Nia dance classes, hiking Mt Coot-tha, swimming in the ocean, and hugging her children.

 

Jascinta has a Diploma in counselling and is currently undertaking a BA in Counselling. In addition, she has also completed a number of courses in the mental health sector.

Jascinta is elated to be a part of the FDS team and is looking forward to connecting with families in the Brisbane Bayside, Logan and Gold Coast regions.

 

 

 

 

 Lucinda is the Acting ACT & NSW State Manager at FDS, overseeing the team of family support workers. In this role, she leads program coordination and facilitation, and builds strong networks with agencies across the alcohol and other drugs (AOD), mental health and wider community services sectors.

She brings a background in early childhood education and holds an Honours degree in Philosophy and Political Economy from the University of Sydney.

Lucinda Slevin
State Manager, ACT & New South Wales

Sally is the South Australia State Manager and facilitates support groups and the Stepping Stones course as well as delivering the Stepping Forward information sessions and the Support The Family – Improve The Outcome professional workshop. She enjoys helping people find coping skills, express their emotions and find empowerment to make their own choices and decisions while still maintaining a safe connection and support for their loved one using substances.

Sally joined FDS in June 2019, after being a support line volunteer since January 2018 but has also worked in a harm minimisation treatment service providing case management and counselling to people experiencing substance use issues. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English, worked in the private sector for many years in targeted marketing and client engagement before pursuing further study, gaining a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science then continuing on to complete a degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

In her spare time Sally enjoys creative writing, reading, yoga, music and spending time with close friends.

 

Catherine first came to FDS in June 2019 as a parent struggling with the impact her son’s substance use was having on her family. She regularly attended the Elizabeth Support Group and found that as well as getting help for herself, she also got a great deal of satisfaction out of listening to others and offering her support.

 

Catherine feels very passionate about the FDS model and welcomed the opportunity to join the organisation in November 2020 as a Family Support Worker.

 

Originally coming from Scotland, Catherine came to Australia with her parents at age 13. She definitely calls Australia home, but loves to go back to visit her home country when she can.

 

Outside of work she enjoys the physical challenge of Boot Camp and Yoga. She loves catching up with friends and family & walking her dog Baxter.

 

Lindi joined the Adelaide team of FDS at the start of 2025, after being supported by FDS for over 15 years. Tragically, Lindi’s son, Aaron, died from his alcohol dependance in 2023, a year before her other son, Alex, died from cancer. Following these life changing events Lindi felt ready to direct her compassion and empathy towards supporting other families during their time of need.

Lindi has undergraduate qualifications in teaching and visual art, and post graduate qualifications in educational counselling and developmental trauma, and has worked with all developmental stages across the life span, including people living with severe and multiple disabilities, and children with a trauma history. As well as working 3 days a week with FDS, Lindi currently teaches communication and counselling topics to students at Flinders University.

Lindi uses art, gardening and yoga as strategies to manage her bereavement, and is constructing a ceramic totem pole in honor of her sons’ lives.

 

 

 Jan joined FDS in January 2024, bringing with her a diverse professional background shaped by various careers and lived experience. Often finding herself in the role of the "accidental counsellor," she eventually embraced this calling and pursued a career in counselling. She is particularly passionate about delivering the Stepping Stones program to families, as well as Support the Family training for health sector workers. Jan is deeply committed to harm reduction, promoting equity and addressing injustice, and she believes strongly in the importance of supporting the families and friends of those experiencing substance dependence. Her empathetic approach and commitment to education and advocacy continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she works with.