Based in Narrabri, NSW, Cigdem will provide FDS support services and programs across the New England, North West NSW area. She looks forward to establishing and facilitating regular FDS family support meetings for that area. Cigdem will provide 1-1 support for families and will deliver FDS programs including Stepping Forward information sessions and Support the Family – Improve the Outcome professional development workshops, as well as facilitating our award winning Stepping Stones interactive and experiential course.

Cigdem’s first involvement with FDS began in 2006 as a volunteer on FDS National Telephone Support Line.

Cigdem truly believes in the FDS model for supporting families and welcomed the opportunity to expand FDS supports for families across the New England, North West NSW area.

Cigdem has over 15 years’ experience working across the Alcohol & Other Drugs, Youth, homelessness, and Mental Health sectors in rural and remote NSW. Cigdem has Diplomas in Counselling; Alcohol & Other Drugs and Community Services Case Management.

Prior to joining Family Drug Support, Katelyn worked in the AOD field in a residential and day program.

Katelyn believes the FDS model is instrumental in providing the support and knowledge families deserve, in a safe and supportive environment.

In her spare time Katelyn enjoys reading and spending time with family and close friends.

Katelyn Durbin
Family Support Worker, Australian Capital Territory

Mona is a mental health and peer support worker based in Rockhampton, QLD.

Mona completed her Certificate IV in Mental Health and Peer Work and is currently enrolled in a Diploma of Project Management.

Her passion for helping families led her to start working for Family Drug Support in April 2023. Having worked with families in previous roles, Mona understands the importance of supporting families with loved ones experiencing substance dependency without judgment. She is committed to providing compassionate care and support to those in need.

Mona Elkhishin
Family Support Worker, Rockhampton, Central Queensland

Edgar joined the FDS team having worked in the community sector for over 20 years. His experience and studies encompass the community services, human services, youth work, coaching and community development spaces. 

Edgar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role having worked with youth and families in a variety of capacities particularly relating to mental health and drug and alcohol support.

Edgar is specialised in trauma informed practice and person centred, strengths-based frameworks greatly influencing his current practice. He is a strong believer in the power of connection.

Edgar has also worked as a case manager, team leader and coordinator of activities for children, youth and parents who have required wellbeing support.

He has made it a priority to live his values through respectful, authentic, caring and compassionate interactions when living and working with community members. He is committed to supporting community.

In his spare time Edgar enjoys walking, playing and watching sport, listening to music, singing, coffee meet ups and family time. 

Belinda has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science and a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management.

Belinda has a long work history working with children and families in the public and private sector and this has endowed her with the knowledge and skills to work successfully with families, empowering them to cope and manage during times of adversity.

In her experience as a case manager Belinda has had the opportunity to work with children and families from many different backgrounds and understands the need to listen, respect and acknowledge the power and wisdom encompassed in families. She is also aware of the barriers families experience when seeking support and works to advocate and empower families to build relationships, connect with their communities and continue to care for themselves and the people they love.

As a manager in early intervention services, Belinda has worked alongside families impacted by drug and alcohol use and understands that empathy and building relationships are fundamental to working with people to remain engaged and to strengthen families.

Belinda is excited to be part of Family Drug Support and looks forward to connecting with carers and families in the Central Queensland Region.

Sophie has been part of the FDS Queensland team since October 2022. As a part-time Family Support Worker, she runs support groups, guides educational sessions and co-facilitates FDS’ award-winning Stepping Stones course.

Sophie brings over 20 years of experience as a somatic educator, group facilitator and wellbeing coach, as well as lived experience caring for loved ones with mental health and substance use issues. She warmly connects with people of all ages and backgrounds, holding a non-judgmental and compassionate space for learning, sharing, and healing. 

Sophie is certified as a trauma-sensitive mindfulness and movement teacher and the only Australian Trainer on the international faculty for the Nia Technique. With a contagious energy, Sophie inspires people to reclaim their embodied joy and personal power, which often get diminished when caring for a loved one with AOD challenges.

Sally is the South Australia Clinical Services Manager and facilitates support groups and the Stepping Stones course as well as delivering the Stepping Forward information sessions and the Support The Family – Improve The Outcome professional workshop. She enjoys helping people find coping skills, express their emotions and find empowerment to make their own choices and decisions while still maintaining a safe connection and support for their loved one using substances.

Sally joined FDS in June 2019, after being a support line volunteer since January 2018 but has also worked in a harm minimisation treatment service providing case management and counselling to people experiencing substance use issues. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English, worked in the private sector for many years in targeted marketing and client engagement before pursuing further study, gaining a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science then continuing on to complete a degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy.