OUR VISION
We envision a world where every young person feels the strength of their identity and the warmth of their culture. Through storytelling, we dream of nurturing the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations young people, creating pathways to healing and connection that resonate across generations.
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Their vision for T & T Storylines is to create resources that speak directly to the hearts of First Nations young people, fostering a sense of pride in identity and culture that serves as a protective factor throughout their lives.
Tanja Hirvonen
Tanja is a proud Jaru and Bunuba woman from the Kimberley, Western Australia, born and raised on Kalkadoon Country in Mount Isa, Queensland. She is a clinical psychologist and researcher with expertise in mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention and trauma.
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Tanja brings together clinical experience, research and Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, with a strong focus on culturally safe practice and improving wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She is passionate about strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing workforce and supporting culturally safe practice across the broader health workforce.
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Tanja has experience working across remote, regional and community settings and in research, training and workforce development.
Tiarnee Schafer
Tiarnee Schafer is a proud Kalkadoon woman from Mt Isa, Queensland, and currently lives and works on Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Country. She is a mum and has Master’s qualifications in Suicidology and Clinical Psychology.
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Tiarnee is passionate about supporting the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly young mob. Her work is informed by lived experience and the impact of suicide within her family and community.
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As a psychologist, Tiarnee combines evidence-based practice with Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing. She takes a culturally safe and decolonising approach to supporting healing and wellbeing, with a strong focus on connection, collaboration and strengths.
Tiarnee is passionate about walking alongside young people and communities in their journeys of healing, growth and empowerment, recognising young people as the strength and future of their family.