Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Hobbies and Interests
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Timeline
Generic

Abigail Richards

Woodend,VIC

Summary

Empathetic and driven psychology honours student with hands-on experience in caregiving, child development, and community outreach. Passionate about social justice and supporting vulnerable populations, I bring a strong foundation in behavioural science, emotional intelligence, and crisis response. Committed to building inclusive, supportive environments where individuals can thrive. My goal is to contribute to social work with professionalism, compassion, and a client-centred approach.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics

Y Australia
01.2025 - Current
  • Built trusting, supportive relationships with children and young people, including those with additional needs or anxiety around water
  • Adapted teaching methods to meet individual learning styles and abilities, promoting inclusion and personal growth
  • Delivered clear, empathetic communication to young swimmers and their families, encouraging participation and confidence
  • Maintained a safe and positive learning environment while managing behaviour with calmness and consistency

Digital Crisis Supporter (volunteer)

Lifeline
06.2025 - Current

(Commencing training in August)

• Selected for nationally recognised training in digital mental health crisis support.

• Preparing to support vulnerable individuals through online chat-based services.

Volunteer Support Worker

St Vincent’s Aged Care
11.2024 - Current
  • Provided emotional support and companionship to elderly residents facing isolation, grief, or mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety
  • Built trusting relationships through consistent, empathetic engagement and active listening
  • Encouraged social interaction and peer connection among residents by initiating gentle conversations and inclusive group activities
  • Supported the delivery of community events (e.g. games and music sessions), promoting joy, belonging, and wellbeing
  • Demonstrated patience, cultural sensitivity, and discretion in all interactions, maintaining residents’ dignity and privacy

Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety

Ruyton Girls' School
10.2021 - Current
  • Monitored and recorded progress, providing feedback and tailored support plans to help each learner thrive

Education

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) -

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Melbourne, VIC
11-2026

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

The University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
12-2024

Resident -

Ormond College, University of Melbourne
11-2024

VCE -

Ruyton Girls’ School
Kew, VIC
12-2021

Skills

  • Strong foundation in developmental and behavioural psychology
  • Empathetic and culturally sensitive communication
  • Experience supporting children, elderly, and community members
  • Proven ability to build rapport and provide emotional support
  • Effective crisis response and de-escalation skills
  • Team collaboration and case support
  • Resilient, reflective, and committed to social justice

Certification

  • Current First Aid
  • Current CPR
  • Working with Children’s Check (Valid)

Hobbies and Interests

Swimming, Running, Reading, Playing with my dog, Community outreach and volunteering, Working on the family farm, Spending time with friends and family

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Salvation Army | 2018 – 2020

• Assisted in sorting, tagging, and cleaning items to support community outreach.

Timeline

Digital Crisis Supporter (volunteer)

Lifeline
06.2025 - Current

Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics

Y Australia
01.2025 - Current

Volunteer Support Worker

St Vincent’s Aged Care
11.2024 - Current

Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety

Ruyton Girls' School
10.2021 - Current

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) -

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

The University of Melbourne

Resident -

Ormond College, University of Melbourne

VCE -

Ruyton Girls’ School
Abigail Richards