Janelle Shaw
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
Professional counselor with significant residential house management experience. Strong background in providing emotional support, conflict resolution, and developing coping strategies. I’m a Natural & intuitive with youth, bringing a grounded yet relatable energy whilst being strategic
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Residential Care Worker – Youth Unit
Aruma (previously Vista/The Tipping Foundation)
Bendigo, VIC
01.2009 - 09.2013
- Trauma-informed care for up to 3 youth, often 5–6 consecutive 24-hour shifts
- Delivered prevention & connection-focused responses to crisis & complex behaviours using a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach & CARE
- Created & maintained a safe, nurturing, & engaging family-style home environment
- Built rapport, trust & connection while gently guiding insight & growth
- Collaborated with young people, staff, management, DHS, police, schools, & community stakeholders to develop & implement effective care plans
- Researched & implemented neurodivergent & mental health condition-specific informed support
- Managed full array of residential care house operations including record keeping, incident reports, house administration, appointment drop-offs, school & visitation supervision, & chores
- Conducted new staff training & shadow shifts
- Administered medication & maintained accurate medication records
Primary Carer – Kinship Care (Short-term)
Child Protection Victoria
Melbourne, VIC
06.2025 - Current
- Providing short-term crisis accommodation to a 15-year-old Aboriginal relative following a residential care breakdown
- Facilitating cultural connection through education, a cultural program, & volunteering at our sweat lodge (see page 2), fostering inspiration, new perspectives, & cultural pride as a meaningful alternative to gang affiliation
- Supporting his search for identity & belonging, shifting focus from gang involvement toward embracing Aboriginal culture as a positive & empowering alternative
- Established safety & stability by building trust through empowerment, shared decision-making, & a respectful relationship dynamic
- Liaising with family, child protection, police, & residential care staff
Independent Counselor
Self Owned Private Practice
Remote/Online
01.2020 - Current
- Provide compassionate, client-centred support to adults navigating trauma, borderline personality traits (BPD), grief, anxiety, depression, ADHD & autism, life transitions, identity exploration, & relationship or communication challenges
- Central to my work is building strong, authentic relationships & creating a safe, trusting space where clients feel seen, supported, & empowered
- Integrate a blend of parts work (IFS), somatic therapy, & transpersonal approaches—offering gentle guidance & insight that support deep healing & lasting change
- Empower clients with education & practical tools on healthy communication, the brain & nervous system, trauma responses, & emotional regulation
- Manage all aspects of running an online practice, including intake, session planning, documentation, ethical compliance, & referrals to other professionals (e.g. psychiatrists or GPs) when additional support is needed
Community Healing Facilitator
Co-Founder/Volunteer
Healesville, VIC
06.2024 - Current
- Co-host cost-free traditional sweat lodges & community gatherings on Country with my (Indigenous) partner, facilitating community & cultural connection through land-based Indigenous practices
- Ongoing lived learning & cultural immersion in First Nations knowledge systems, values, & relational approaches
- Regularly engage with mob & local Elders seeking their guidance & counsel to ensure cultural protocols are respected & upheld
- Collaborate with & hold space for local mob & other Indigenous peoples to share cultural teachings & ceremonies, including smoking ceremonies & storytelling
- Hold regular meetings to refine our approach, striving to improve & ensure the space remains inclusive, trauma-informed, consent-based, & accessible
Private Nanny / Childcare Support
Various Employers
Melbourne, VIC
02.2016 - 05.2022
- Applied attachment theory principles to support smooth transitions into nanny-based care, helping preserve child-parent emotional bonds & promote healthy attachment
- Developed strong relationships with parents, maintaining open communication about each child''s progress and needs
- Supported holistic development & wellbeing through creative, sensory, outdoor, & nature-based play experiences
- Responded to children’s emotional cues with attunement & care, fostering trust & a sense of security
Education
Advanced Diploma In Trans Personal Therapy -
Ikon Institute of Australia
Melbourne, VIC12.2020
Certification
- Ideal Parental Figure (IPF) Protocol & Integrative Attachment Therapy
- Centre for Excellence in Child & Family Welfare:
- “With Care” Training: Foundations of Therapeutic - Residential Care
- WISE CHILD: Promoting Personal Safety for Adolescents
- Effective Conflict Management
- Residential Care Worker Fire Safety Training
- PARCOR: Residential Care Induction & Fire Safety Training
- CPR & Emergency First Aid
- Working with Children Check
- National Police Check
- Plus many additional trainings & ongoing professional development
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE (ABRIDGED))
- Live in Caretaker of “Green Gables Warburton Accommodation & Conference Centre” - 2023
- Full time pet & house sitter 2022-current
- Child & Youth Snow Sport Photographer - HarroART Gallery, Mt Buller - 2026
- Teaching English (Volunteer) - Various schools in South America 2023-2025
Timeline
Primary Carer – Kinship Care (Short-term)
Child Protection Victoria
06.2025 - Current
Community Healing Facilitator
Co-Founder/Volunteer
06.2024 - Current
Independent Counselor
Self Owned Private Practice
01.2020 - Current
Private Nanny / Childcare Support
Various Employers
02.2016 - 05.2022
Residential Care Worker – Youth Unit
Aruma (previously Vista/The Tipping Foundation)
01.2009 - 09.2013
Advanced Diploma In Trans Personal Therapy -
Ikon Institute of Australia