Wellbeing Centre

At Galen Catholic College Pastoral Care & Wellbeing are taken very seriously and are seen as pivotal for student learning and growth. We welcome students, parents and staff to our Wellbeing Centre featuring three counselling rooms plus a dedicated room for group work and programs.

Kate Meehan (full time Counsellor), Jade Winter (full time Psychologist), Cath Hughes (full time Counsellor) and Therese Rodway (part time Social Worker) staff this excellent facility to better serve the student’s needs.

Galen’s dedicated Pastoral Wellbeing Leaders, Learning Leaders at each year level and Head of School also work closely with the Wellbeing Team to overlook and monitor student progress and wellbeing at school.

Contact Wellbeing

Phone: 5721 6322
Email: wellbeing@galen.vic.edu.au

Support During the Summer break

The Galen wellbeing team will be on school break from Friday 16th December 2022 until Friday 27th of January 2023.

The wellbeing team can be contacted via email wellbeing@galen.vic.edu.au and a member of the wellbeing team will get back to you on our return on Friday 27th of January 2023.

Should you require any support, advice or assistance outside of work hours or during the holiday period, please try the following services:

– Kids Help Line 24 hour service 1800 55 1800 or you can access online counseling https://kidshelpline.com.au/?gclid=CNzunqyl9dACFVh6vQod83ABHQ

–  Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hour service)

– Headspace – https://eheadspace.org.au/ , https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/connect-with-us/

– Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support).

– Your local Doctor/GP.

– Gateway Health – have bulk billing medical services and also provide support via headspace and generalist counseling.

-NESAY https://nesay.com.au/

86-90 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, VIC 3677

03 5720 2201           info@nesay.com.au

Open:?Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm?(Thursdays: 9am – 6pm)

BRAVE – online anxiety program: https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/

The BRAVE Program is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety. The programs are free, and provide ways for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries. There are also programs for parents.

Our Team

Kate Meehan
Counsellor

Hi Galen Students, staff and parent community.  My name is Kate Meehan I have had nearly 30 years experience in the social welfare area (10 years at Galen Catholic College as a counsellor).  I have worked in many differing roles, both within state government and community agencies, from managing a youth refuge, working with at risk and vulnerable children, young people and their families, I have managed teams of case workers, worked in early childhood development and provided family support.  I have a very strong interest in education (and completed my post-graduate diploma in Education) and student wellbeing.   I have recently completed training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapies (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  I enjoy retail therapy, long walks, travel and hanging with my family and friends.

Jade Winter
Full Time Psychologist

Hi I’m Jade and I’m a registered psychologist. I graduated a few years ago from Charles Sturt University with my dissertation focusing on gender and consent. I’m incredibly passionate about gender equality and apply my knowledge through a feminist framework. I have worked across many settings including NSW Education, and Family and Community Services where I have created and nurtured a genuine passion for the wellbeing of children and young people.

My interests include; going to live gigs, running, weight lifting and anything Harry Potter!

I’m trained in areas of Acceptance and Commitment Therapies, Cognitive Behvaioural Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapies and Educational Assessments. I also offer support and referral recommendations for students and families where appropriate.

Cath Hughes
Full Time Counsellor

Hello, I’m Cath. I’m a full-time counsellor, loving sharing my passion to support young people. I have worked as a school counsellor for many years, across both primary and secondary schools, in both state and Catholic settings. I have also worked with children with disability in private practice. 

I am most passionate about supporting students with Autistm, ADHD, trauma, anxiety, school avoidance, emotional dysregulation and big behaviours. I bring specialist training in these areas to nurture kids who experience such challenges, and partner with students without judgement to improve their experience and outcomes at school. 

I am a creative at heart and love to make all sorts of things with all sorts of materials. I also adore words, and have half a manuscript for a novel written in the depths of my MacBook, and one day may revisit my long held aspirations of being an author. As a musical thespian from way back, I can be caught singing from time to time, too. 

I have qualifications in Counselling, Neuropsychology and am currently studying Psychology. I look forward to supporting our Galen students to thrive, however that looks and feels to them. 

Therese Rodway
Part Time Social Worker

Welcome! My name is Therese, I am a social worker who has been Galen for 14 years! I have 2 sons with my husband, we live on a farm, and I love my connection to this country and learning more about my ancestors. I am passionate about the search for meaning and purpose completing a Bachelor of Theology. I care about young people and their families (whatever shape and form it takes, completing a Diploma in Family Therapy). I am also a qualified Mental Health Social Worker. I look forward to having a yarn and learning about your story!

Cocoa (Therapy Dog)

I am in on Mondays and I love a cuddle, and a pat.

Pop in and see me if you want to chat, as I am always willing to listen. I hope to make your day a bit better. My human Therese is there too, if you need anything. See you soon!

Wellbeing at Galen

There may be times when you and your family have an issue that is impacting on your schooling which needs sensitive and confidential attention. It might be a health, family or personal problem. Either way, at Galen we have Wellbeing Counsellors who can provide professional support to you. This can be an alternative to the Homeroom teacher or Wellbeing Leader and Learning Leader (who would generally be the people you first approach about school concerns).

Exploring the issue with one of the Wellbeing team might help you to find the right solution to your situation. We can confidentially chat in the privacy of our wellbeing rooms in the Wellbeing Centre. We can support you and your family in a variety of ways including making an appointment with other community services that specialise in your particular area of concern. Please remember, we welcome you and your family to our school. We care about you and there is always someone here at Galen to provide you with wellbeing support.

How the Student Wellbeing service operates at Galen College

  1. Establish reason for referral and build rapport
  2. Students/families have the limits of confidentiality explained
  3. Key players or clients are established
  4. Develop effective strategies/solutions with student/client
  5. Monitor and effect changes as required
  6. Terminate or set for review further involvement

Our Confidentiality Agreement

All information discussed with Wellbeing Staff is kept confidential and private.
However, there are some occasions when Wellbeing Staff will inform others of a student’s situation if:
• You are at risk or hurting yourself
• You are at risk of someone hurting you
• You are at risk of hurting someone else
Contact could be made with a parent or legal guardian; trusted adult, child protection, Doctor/Hospital or health service, if the need arises.

Contact Wellbeing

Phone: 5721 6322
Email: wellbeing@galen.vic.edu.au