Merisha – Family Outreach Officer

My name is Merisha and I am a proud Anaiwan and Dunghutti woman. I’m passionate about supporting mob in accessing ATSICHS Brisbane services, in particular our wonderful Deadly Kindy programs.

My role is the family outreach officer for Deadly Kindy, which means that I am the person to come to if you’re looking to enrol your jarjum or gundoo in Deadly Kindy.

I started my career in the early childhood sector three years ago at another centre located in the Logan area. Two years ago I joined ATSICHS to further my career in early childhood. I started at our Burragah kindy as the transport driver, assisting the children to gain access to the kindys. During this time my role also included supporting the educators in all three of our Deadly Kindy’s and co-facilitating the Child and Family Centre playgroup.

In my previous role I didn’t have the opportunity to work with the Indigenous people in community. When I saw an opportunity for employment at ATSICHS I knew I had to apply. I have a passion for supporting my mob and assisting them to achieve their goals. I know from personal experience the struggles our mob endure when it comes to education so I love contributing towards breaking down many barriers.

My favourite part of my job is being able to support my mob to gain access to the services of ATSICHS to ensure children are equipped to receive a great start to their education through the kindys and the support from the allied health professionals.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family especially my 4 children. We love to go out to the parks to play basketball and have BBQs. Now that my mother has moved to Logan I enjoy spending more time with her going shopping.