Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE (ABRIDGED))
Timeline
Generic

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)
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
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
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
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
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, VIC
12.2020

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

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Janelle Shaw