Haley is a dedicated trainee at our Brisbane hub, where her passion for entrepreneurship and advocacy shines through in her busy weekly schedule.
When she’s not at Jigsaw, Haley is making a difference in her role with Spinal Life, an organisation that provides advocacy, specialist therapy, and support for individuals with spinal cord injuries, physical disability, or neurological conditions.
Haley works with the organisation to share her knowledge and lived experience with Spina Bifida to help others.
“We have group sessions monthly with parents of children with Spina Bifida and adults with Spina Bifida to discuss how we can support them. We provide advice on things like the transition from the children’s hospital to the mainstream hospital, which I’ve recently had experience with myself,” said Haley.
Aside from supporting people in navigating the healthcare system, Haley is also helping to increase public awareness of Spina Bifida, recently running a presentation in the Jigsaw hub.
Not only did this provide insightful information to her Jigsaw colleagues about Spina Bifida, but it also allowed Haley to achieve one of the goals she had set for herself at Jigsaw – to run a training session in the hub.
“Running a group session was one of my goals so it was nice to tick that off. I think running and organising group training sessions is helpful in preparing me for my future career,” said Haley.
Haley’s commitment to enhancing the lives of others extends to her academic pursuits as well. She is currently working on completing a Certificate of Diversional Therapy with the aim of working as a Diversional Therapy Assistant. Diversional Therapy is a field dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through leisure and recreation-based interventions. Haley hopes to secure a role in diversional therapy in an aged care home.
“I want to bring some positivity and happiness into the lives of aged care residents. I really enjoy creating activities for people to do and seeing the smiles on their faces,” said Haley.
Haley’s role at Jigsaw will undoubtedly prepare her for such a role.
At Jigsaw, Haley thrives in an environment that provides valuable work experience and opportunities for personal growth. She is part of the Brisbane City Council team, which requires her to work to tight deadlines, including a 48-hour turnaround and a 99 percent accuracy rate. Despite the high-pressure nature of the work, Haley enjoys the challenge and the chance to develop new skills.
“Jigsaw allows me to work on different tasks daily, and I enjoy the variety. I also like to know that I’m keeping on top of the transferable skills, and constantly refreshing them. I use them all in my daily life,” said Haley.
Looking to the future, Haley is excited to take on more responsibilities inside and outside Jigsaw. She’d like to become a paid trainee, and she’s also excited to be taking on the role of a choreographer in her musical theatre group for people with disability.
“I’ve choreographed two dances, and I really enjoy it. I think part of the reason I love it is because of how it connects to my work in diversional therapy. It’s amazing to watch how the group comes together. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces is incredibly rewarding,” said Haley.
Haley’s dedication to improving the lives of others is nothing short of inspiring. She is shaping her own future, driven by purpose, passion, and meaningful impact and we’re proud to be a part of her journey.