Francis Kim (Convenor)
runs a private practice as a counsellor and psychotherapist in
Strathfield and Campsie NSW and lectures in counselling and psychology
courses in Sydney. He obtained a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
from the Australian College of Applied Psychotherapy and has been a
member of PACFA since 2014. Prior to the PACFA restructure Francis Kim
served as the treasurer and a member of the Ethics Committee for CAPA
NSW. Francis is passionate to see qualified counsellors and
psychotherapists recognised in Australia at a government level, as well
as in the minds of hearts of Australians.
Malibu Bert (Deputy Convenor)
completed a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy after finishing the
Bachelor of Counselling at the Australian College of Applied
Psychology. Malibu is passionate about supporting older populations
both in their own homes and in a clinical setting. Malibu is
particularly interested in Existential psychotherapy as one of the most
appropriate modalities for a demographic most likely to suffer multiple
existential crises concurrently such a physical, psychological, and
social declination. Malibu studied Understanding Dementia and Dementia
Prevention at the University of Tasmania. Malibu is a regular guest
speaker at seniors’ events, hosting power point presentations on
psychological well-being and dementia prevention strategies. Malibu runs
her own mobile counselling service on the northern beaches of Sydney,
receiving referrals from Uniting Care (North Sydney region). She also
counsels at Lifeline Northern Beaches.
Diana Sands,
PhD, Director, Bereaved by Suicide Centre for Intense Grief, is a
postvention and prevention clinician, researcher and educator. Diana
provides counselling following sudden, violent and traumatic death, and
in particular individual, couple and family counseling and group
programs, for those who have lost a loved one through suicide. Her
counseling and group programs draw on a range of theoretical
perspectives including narrative and family systems theory and
incorporate expressive artwork. She is a Clinical member of PACFA, and
the Deputy Chair of Postvention Australia, and the Honorary Advisor to
the Wings of Hope Charity. Diana has served on the NSW Executive
Committee, National Association Loss and Grief, and as the NSW
representative with Suicide Prevention Australia. Diana is a Member of
the International Work Group Death, Dying and Bereavement, and a
recipient of the Vice Chancellor Post Graduate Research Grant,
Australian Government Research Scholarship. Diana has presented seminars
and workshops in Australia and Internationally drawing on her clinical
experience and research. She has published a number of peer reviewed
academic articles and book chapters and is the author of a book and DVD
resource, “Red Chocolate Elephants: For Children Bereaved by Suicide.
Marlene Formosa
has been involved in Aged Care which earned her acceptance by the
Department of Health’s My Aged Care Review to advocate for Aged Care
providers and the elderly. Marlene is an Employee Assistance Counsellor
for staff working in Aged Care. Marlene’s maturity and expertise attract
the over 50s to seek her out and she does home visits for elderly
clients. Her areas of specialisation are cultural issues, and gambling,
alcohol, and sex addictions. Marlene also works with families
transitioning into parenthood or caring for parents, especially those
with dementia. She supports clients to cope with their palliative care
journeys or that of a loved one.