Kerri Hopcraft
Narrandera,NSW
Summary
Compassionate and motivated peer support worker in training, with lived experience of mental health and recovery. Currently completing a Certificate IV in Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drugs, supported by a Certificate III in Theology and formal qualifications in music theory and practice.
While I am new to the mental health sector, I bring over 25 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults and families through roles as a teacher’s aide, music teacher, and youth pastor. These roles have equipped me with strong skills in communication, mentoring, and trauma-informed care, which I am now building on through formal training.
I am passionate about beginning a career in peer work, using my personal journey, education, and transferable skills to promote recovery, inclusion, and resilience for people experiencing crisis.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Teacher
Self Employed, St Josephs' Narrandera, Narrandera Public School
2000 - Current
- Teaching piano, guitar, drums, and percussion to children, teenagers and adults from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
- Supporting students in developing self-confidence, resilience, and creative expression.
- Building trusting relationships with families and adapting teaching approaches to meet individual needs.
- Organizing successful concerts and recitals, showcasing students'' talents and hard work.
- Mentoring students in various ensembles, boosting their confidence and performance skills.
- Enhancing students'' understanding of music theory through engaging activities and exercises.
- Improving student musicianship by incorporating a variety of teaching methods and techniques.
Special Education Teacher's Aide
Narrandera High School
2005 - 2011
- Supported adolescents with mental health and behavioural challenges in classroom and small group settings.
- Worked collaboratively with teachers, parents, and wellbeing staff to provide inclusive education and pastoral support.
- Developed strong skills in documentation, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Utilized evidence-based interventions to promote skill acquisition across various domains such as academics, social-emotional functioning, and communication skills.
- Supported students during non-academic times such as lunch, recess, and transitions between classes, ensuring safety and appropriate behaviour.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
Youth Pastor
Narrandera CRC Church
2001 - 2011
- Built lasting relationships with youth and parents or guardians.
- Collaborated with church leadership to develop strategies for growing the congregation's youth ministry program.
- Utilized various teaching techniques to effectively communicate biblical truths to young people in an engaging and relevant manner.
- Ensured a safe environment for all participants during activities by adhering to strict safety guidelines and protocols.
- Created an inclusive atmosphere that welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the youth group.
- Developed strong connections within the local community by partnering with schools, organizations, and other churches on various initiatives.
- Recruited volunteers from the congregation to assist in various aspects of the youth ministry program such as event planning or leading small groups during Bible studies or retreats.
- Empowered young people to take ownership of their faith journey through small group discussions and Bible study sessions.
Education
Certificate IV - Mental Health/Alcohol And Other Drugs
Open Colleges
Online01-2025
Grades in Music Theory And Practice. -
Australian Music Examinations Board
Sydney01-2019
Certificate III in Theology -
Vision Christian College
Sydney, NSW01-2004
Higher School Certificate -
Narrandera High School
Narrandera12-2001
Skills
- Lived experience of mental health, AOD and recovery
- Trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approach
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families
- Ability to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Documentation and note-taking for case progress and reporting
- Program development and group facilitation
- Mentoring, resilience-building, and empowerment strategies
Accomplishments
2007: Recipient of the Australia Day "Young Citizens of the Year" award, for service in the community of Narrandera and beyond.
Timeline
Music Teacher
Self Employed, St Josephs' Narrandera, Narrandera Public School
2000 - Current
Special Education Teacher's Aide
Narrandera High School
2005 - 2011
Youth Pastor
Narrandera CRC Church
2001 - 2011
Certificate IV - Mental Health/Alcohol And Other Drugs
Open Colleges
Grades in Music Theory And Practice. -
Australian Music Examinations Board
Certificate III in Theology -
Vision Christian College
Higher School Certificate -
Narrandera High School
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