Sally Fania Cassidy
North Adelaide ,SA
Summary
Senior leader in university residential college with expertise in student wellbeing and strategic initiatives. Director of Wellbeing at St Mark’s College, contributing to Senior Management Team. Proven success in implementing effective wellbeing strategies and managing complex mental health challenges. Recognised for developing impactful support frameworks and fostering safe, inclusive environments for student achievement.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Wellbeing
St Mark's College
NORTH ADELAIDE, SA
11.2022 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives for mental health and wellbeing in residential university housing for 240 students.
- Provided confidential support to students facing mental health challenges and interpersonal difficulties.
- Managed critical incidents involving suicide risk using effective triage protocols.
- Developed inclusive events and wellbeing initiatives to enhance student engagement and community building.
- Delivered training on mental health literacy, consent, and trauma-informed care for staff and student leaders.
- Contributed to strategic planning and policy development as a Senior Management Team member.
- Conducted interviews and made selection decisions to support admissions processes.
- Collaborated with external healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive support services for students.
Student Counsellor Complex Cases, Counselling Support
University of Adelaide
01.2015 - 11.2022
- Supported at-risk students experiencing crises through comprehensive case management and risk assessments.
- Developed effective crisis management plans for students with acute mental health conditions.
- Managed Triage and Assessment Advisors to ensure prompt identification of students in distress.
- Collaborated with university services to deliver responsive interventions and enhance student mental health.
- Provided clinical consultation to schools, focusing on early intervention for students of concern.
- Facilitated Mental Health First Aid training for staff and students, enhancing campus-wide awareness.
- Advised Accommodation Services and residential colleges on supporting students' mental health needs.
- Contributed to mental health awareness initiatives through resource development and community events.
Acting Team Manager, Counselling Support
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA
09.2022 - 10.2022
- Managed a staff of 15, including counsellors and administrative personnel.
- Coordinated human resource processes for sick leave and annual leave management.
- Submitted weekly, monthly, and annual reports to senior management, including funding proposals.
- Executed strategic decision-making to enhance service delivery effectiveness.
- Handled critical incidents, such as student deaths and suicide attempts, with urgency.
- Collaborated closely with Senior Management on organizational strategies and initiatives.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Advanced Mental Health Practice (Masters Level)
Bournemouth University
United Kingdom01.2011
Post Qualifying Award - Social Work Practice
Kingston University
United Kingdom01.2005
Bachelor - Social Work
Flinders University
Adelaide, SA01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Legal Studies and Politics
Flinders University
Adelaide, SA01.1998
Skills
- Crisis management
- Risk assessment
- Mental health training
- Policy development
- Community engagement
- Staff supervision
- Interpersonal communication
- Strategic planning
- Confidential support
- Collaborative partnerships
- Verbal and written communication
- Visionary leadership
Certification
- 2017 Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training, Mental Health First Aid Australia
- Blended Mental Health First Aid training for Tertiary Students
- Blended Online Mental Health First Aid Training for the Community
- Mental Health First Aid – Conversations about Suicide
Volunteer Experience
- Largs Bay parkrun, Event Director and Run Director, 2022-2023
- Bayettes Beefsteak and Burgundy Club, Food and Wine Coordinator, 2022-2023
Affiliations
Member – South Australian Regional Board, Asia Pacific Student Accommodation Association (APSAA), 2025–present
Presenter – APSAA National Conference 2024: Managing Complex Student Mental Health in Residential Colleges
Presenter – APSAA Regional Workshop 2024: Developing a Student-Centred Framework for Crisis Response in Collegiate Communities
Designer – Students in Distress framework now adopted by all residential colleges affiliated with the University of Adelaide
Training
2007 Mentalisation Based Treatment – Anna Freud Centre, North London
2007 Recovery and Social Inclusion Training – SWLSTG NHS Trust
2007 Introduction to Work based learning and assessment in support of the social work degree
2008 Motivational Interviewing – SWLSTG NHS Trust
2010 Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults training; entry level, Team Lead and Chairing – South West London and St Georges (SWLSTG) NHS Trust
Mentalisation-based treatment for adolescents – Anna Freud Centre, North London
Child Protection training – SWLSTG NHS Trust
2011 graduate diploma in mental health – Bournemouth University
2017 Recognise and Respond to Sexual Assault using Ethical bystander approaches. – Yarrow Place
2017 Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training – Mental Health First Aid Australia
2022 Mind Body Empowerment – Dr Greg Smith, University of Adelaide
2022 Single Session Thinking Session – Jessica Robinson, University of Adelaide
Timeline
Director of Wellbeing
St Mark's College
11.2022 - Current
Acting Team Manager, Counselling Support
University of Adelaide
09.2022 - 10.2022
Student Counsellor Complex Cases, Counselling Support
University of Adelaide
01.2015 - 11.2022
Post Graduate Diploma - Advanced Mental Health Practice (Masters Level)
Bournemouth University
Post Qualifying Award - Social Work Practice
Kingston University
Bachelor - Social Work
Flinders University
Bachelor of Arts - Legal Studies and Politics
Flinders University
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