College Counsellors

We would like to formally introduce Mrs Tanya McConnell who has joined our College Counselling Team and is working alongside our other College Counsellor, Mrs Kimberley Greene.

Tanya is an Accredited Social Worker, having completed a 4-year Bachelor degree (with Honours) in addition to a previous Bachelor of Social Science (with majors in Human Services and Youth Work). Prior to joining Mount Alvernia College, Tanya has worked for over 25 years in a range of child and family-related roles, both in clinical and non-clinical capacities. In recent years, Tanya has specialised in the paediatric disability sector, and also undertaken professional development in the areas of trauma, anxiety and grief and loss. 

Tanya utilises a family-focussed and strengths-based approach to practice. Her individual work with students offers a welcoming, person-centred and supportive space, in which the emphasis is on restoring and maintaining wellbeing. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her family; spending time in nature and reading. Tanya is looking forward to supporting the students and families of Mount Alvernia College. 

Financial Support / Household Stress

It’s hard not to be aware right now of the increasing pressures that many households are experiencing across Australia. Whether it’s the housing crisis or cost of living increases, many in our community are finding themselves having to balance essential family needs alongside financial constraints. Parents may also find themselves in the delicate situation of trying to shield their children from these concerns as much as possible, whilst also making unpopular decisions or sacrifices around household expenditure.

We would like to take this opportunity to outline some of the supports available in the wider community for those who may be experiencing difficulty:

Financial assistance | Community support | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

Financial Assistance | The Salvation Army Australia

Emergency Relief Program | Community support | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

Grants and financial support | UnitingCare (unitingcareqld.com.au)

Please know that you are always welcome to contact Kimberley or Tanya (confidentially and discretely) if you’d like to further discuss ways to minimise impact on your family. Similarly, if you find that you are in a position to be able to support others in their current time of need, there are many ways to do so, and we can assist to link you in with those options.

Our contact details are: counsellor@mta.qld.edu.au