SUDHA PODAGATTLAPALLI

I pride myself in being an empathetic, compassionate, and a considerate human. I am a highly sociable individual who enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. I am confident in my ability to communicate effectively and eagerly to engage in meaningful conversations with people on a personal level. I also believe that listening is an important skill, and I take pride in approaching conversations with empathy and a genuine interest in understanding others' perspectives. I have strived to create a safe and inclusive environment where people feel heard, respected, and supported in their faith or spirituality. I am also comfortable discussing sensitive topics and providing emotional and spiritual support to those in need.

Hindu Community Groups
Chaplain /Community leader
2013 - Present

• Provided guidance on emotional, social, spiritual, and sacramental rites within various Hindu community groups.
• Developed a deep understanding of Hindu traditions and offered emotional and spiritual support.
• Facilitated group discussions, led meditation and prayer sessions, and assisted with life events such as birth, marriage, and death.
• Made myself available 24/7 during the pandemic, working with organizations like Red Cross Australia and Multicultural Australia to support the community's emotional, financial, and spiritual wellbeing.
• Participated in flood relief operations with Red Cross Australia and SES, building connections and trust with all age groups.
• Initiated programs during the COVID-19 lockdown, such as mask making and singing on Zoom, and distributed food to those in quarantine.
• Regularly checked on elderly individuals, provided practical solutions, and escalated issues to authorities when necessary.

     May 2023 - Present

• Interpreter/Translator (Hindi & Telugu), LanguageLoop / Translationz Interpreter ServicesAssisted individuals in overcoming language barriers during critical interactions such as court cases, hospital appointments, police reports, banking, and social services involving domestic violence.
  Ensured concerns were heard and needs were addressed, helping clients make important decisions regarding their health and safety.
  Actively represented both parties in an unbiased manner, working under government guidelines while sounding kind and supportive.
  Represented clients before the magistrate, interpreting as they plead their cases.
  Developed skills in empathy, confidentiality, and providing support in high-stress situations.
  
• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Certification: Completed to develop pastoral care skills essential for providing spiritual support, crisis intervention, and counseling.
• Mental Health Policy Engagement: Contributed to mental health policy-making initiatives through involvement with organizations like ECCQ, Mental Health and Wellbeing Queensland, QPASTT, and Iscariot Media.

• North Queensland Hindu Council (NQHC): Managed several community outreach events and programs on auspicious occasions. Provided spiritual education through Sunday classes to school-aged children.
• Telugu Lahari 4EB FM Radio: Acted as a Radio Jockey (RJ) and gave my voice to programs about Hindu festivals.
• Samskruti Queensland: During hard times such as COVID-19 and many other personal circumstances, I have been called upon to lead prayer services both in person and via Zoom to provide spiritual help.
• Brisbane Maharashtra Mandal (BRIMM): Called upon to provide expert context and explanation behind spiritual practices.
• Queensland Telugu Association (QTA): Organized outreach events to build awareness of marginalized aspects of Telugu culture.
• Brisbane Telangana Association (BTA): Provided spiritual support for members and assisted in organizing prayer sessions.

Rev'd Canon Cheryl Selvage
Pastoral Care Coordinator, Princess Alexandra Hospital
Phone: 0407 585 270
Email: cheryl.selvage@health.qld.gov.au

Cathy Brown
Provisional Clinical Pastoral Education Consultant, QICPE Inc
Phone: 0415 202 660
Email: cathy@qicpe.com

• Community Dancing
• Blog writing
• Yoga
• Travel
• Event management