Meet the team...
Safer Communities is a leader in Mental Health First Aid training, with the aim of helping create thriving communities across Australia and online.
Mark
Principal Master MHFA Instructor
Founder, Director and Principal Master MHFA Instructor, Mark Smith, can deliver your next staff professional learning session on any topic area relating to mental health. Mark also offers a broad range of consultancy services including coaching, mediation, advocacy and advice as well as individual case management.
In a 25 year career in secondary education, Mark has held significant leadership positions, including over 10 years as Deputy Principal. Mark has undertaken and reported on research around educational inclusion. Mark has been the recipient of a NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarship and an Academy Fellowship.
Mark's expertise in delivering MHFA programs comes from deep insights into adolescent development, mental health and education. In 2018 Mark was appointed by Mental Health First Aid Australia as a Consultant Trainer of MHFA Instructors.
Mark is highly engaging, utilises humour and shares extensive professional and personal narratives to enrich the experience of workshop participants.
Mele
Mele O"Connor re-joined Safer Communities in July 2024 as our Administration Assistant. Mele makes magic happen in the admin environment of Safer Communities. Mele will be happy to assist you from pre-enrollment in our programs through to post-course accreditations.
e. office@safercommunities.com.au
p. 0491 041 378
Mele typically works three days a week - Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. If your matter is urgent and outside these days please contact Mark via mark@safercommunities.com.au or on 0413 684 350.
Tricia Siva is an experienced Master Instructor of teen and Youth MHFA, and a Standard (Workplace) MHFA Instructor. Tricia has a passion for improving the mental health and wellbeing of all people in our communities with a particular interest in young people and those in contact with adolescents.
She believes there is a need for Mental Health First Aid courses to be delivered as broadly as possible assisting people through educating the community and reducing stigma around mental health issues.
Tricia’s open and energetic instructor style is underpinned with significant academic background including a Bachelor of Psychological Science, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and is a member of the Australian Facilitators network. Tricia is excited to be part of the Safer Communities team.