About
Who Am I?
After years working in education as a teacher and a principal, watching our children change in a system ill equipped to support their increasing needs, it was time to alter my path. Bringing creativity and artistic skills with a deep interest in and understanding of mental health together, I aim to continue to support children and families in our region.
The skills I have developed through my experiences—effective communication, critical thinking, and empathy—have been instrumental in my journey. They have empowered me to face challenges with confidence, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to every endeavour I undertake. Reflecting on these experiences, I am reminded of the profound impact that continuous learning and personal growth have on our lives.
Kristie Miller
I am driven by connection; to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.
I am a mother to a wonderful son, with whom I love to travel and explore- we take trips in our lovely campervan and when we can- we head off around this amazing planet!
Along with all of that, I am an extreme animal lover! I have 2 sheep, 1 super cuddly goat, and 2 of the craziest, sweetest, most wonderful dogs!
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Trauma
• Pre-verbal
• Generational
• Situational
• Sustained
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Behavioural Disorders
• Oppositional Defiance Disorder
• Relational Aggression
• Social Disorders
• Dissociative Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Childhood Depressive Disorders
- Gender/ Sexuality Issues
- Learning Disabilities
- General Mental Wellbeing
Skillset
Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design
Graduate Diploma in Education- Primary
Graduate Certificate in International Relations
Masters in International Relations
Formal Qualifications
Over the years, I have cultivated a diverse array of skills that have not only shaped my professional journey but have also enriched my personal life. Reflecting on this journey, I recognize that each skill learned has contributed to my growth in unique and meaningful ways.
Some of the skills I have developed can assist with:
"The Gecko's Path"
When dreaming up the idea of this new career path, I found the concept of a name quite challenging- this is, until I thought of The Gecko’s Path- I knew I had a name!
But why?
To begin with I knew that the word, path, had to be in it- because that is the core of the way I work with children. It is always about finding the path- through, around, back, towards.
“Path” is a simple word, with so much meaning. It means that anything can be worked through, it means that mistakes, issues, difficulties are not an end point, just a moment along the path. It also means that there is length and effort to walk along the path- mental health is something we must work towards, sometimes get diverted from, but can always come back to the central path for ourselves. I purposefully chose path over journey, because, for me, a journey is travel to a specific destination.
Ok, but geckos? Well, this is a bit more personal and complex!
Firstly, I have spent a lot of time in South-East Asia, and while I love travel, I am also a homebody. To make wherever I am in the world home, I focus on things that make me feel comfortable and at home. Geckos were my sweet little travel companions wherever I went, just gently saving me from mosquitoes!
Next, with my own health issues, a sweet little marbled gecko kept appearing on my window, in my kitchen, on the wall, seemingly whenever I need his companionship most. One time, he actually spent an afternoon tucked into my jumper on my shoulder. For an added bonus- Marbled Geckos live in the Grampians and are active all year round.
Lastly, I looked up the spiritual meaning of geckos, and they symbolise growth, moving on after troubled times, resilience in the face of difficulty- all concepts that are so important to ongoing mental health. And, golly, they are so cute!
THE STORY OF
