MAD FOUNDER (they/them)

Matthew is a gender diverse, non-binary award winning international Mad Activist. They are the recipient of the Mental Health Foundation of Australia's National Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award in 2020. They live with Bipolar Affective Disorder and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (as defined by DSM/Psychiatry). They view their ‘illness’ through a Mad lens as a spiritual and cultural gift from their mother.

They are a sibling supporter, partner and co-conspirator to their younger brother and sister who live with enduring psychosocial diverse abilities. They have lost their mother to suicide, and consequently their grandparents due to stigma. Their intersectional, intergenerational and complex experiences of distress, trauma, grief and service use drive their passion for global social change in mental health through the Mad movement.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION LEAD (she/her)

Bachelor of Social work (Hon.)/Criminology & Criminal Justice (UNSW)

Queer🏳️‍🌈 | Research📚 | Mindfulness🧘🏻‍♀️ | Travel🌏 | Music🎧 | Milktea fan🧋 | Sushi lover🍣

I am a qualifying social worker and criminologist who is passionate about normalising mental health issues, upholding the concepts of lived experience and MAD studies, promoting education on mental health and improving the accessibility of mental health services.

I am also a proud member of the queer community and highly interested in advocacy and research. I have experience working in different roles with individuals & groups from diverse cultural backgrounds, and I believe that applying empowerment-based and non-judgemental approaches are always the key to communication in the mental health setting.

PROJECT MANAGER / STUDENT PLACEMENT COORDINATOR (she/her)

I have completed my Bachelors in Psychology, Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Masters in Social Work. I am appointed as a Multicultural Ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation of Australia. Growing up I have always wanted to be in a career that makes a positive difference

in people’s lives. Up until I was completing my matriculation in college the goal for me has always been to be a doctor. Towards the end of my matriculation course, my plans for my future were redirected and that led me towards pursuing my degree in Psychology and which has now led me towards working as a Social Worker. I am passionate about mental health and family violence and use the lens of intersectionality in my practice.

My interests include spending time with my dogs 🐕, going to cafes, beaches 🌴 and travelling 🌏