Sarah Morris
Researcher
Area of Expertise
Social innovation
Professional development
Entrepreneurship
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#LivedExperience #Transformation #Empowement
Get to know Sarah:
Despite facing immense adversity in her formative years, Sarah's stubbornness and determination have propelled her achievements. After a period of transience at aged 12, which resulted in forced removal from her family due to domestic violence and neglect, Sarah then spent her adolescence being hand-balled around the out-of-home “care” system, where she was discouraged from pursuing mainstream education due to stigmatisation and low expectations. However, despite the circumstances, she refused to let these challenges define her.
At the age of 18, Sarah embarked on a journey of self-empowerment, attending TAFE and beginning her career in the human services sector. Driven by her personal experiences, she went on to graduate from La Trobe University with both a Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work in 2020.
Sarah's career has been a testament to her dedication and compassion. She has since worked in various fields, including area mental health, aged mental health, forensic disability, and clinical forensic mental health. Currently, Sarah holds a position at Monash University as a researcher, early career academic, and teaching associate, contributing to groundbreaking projects that aim to make the world a better place.
Her personal story and professional achievements serve as an inspiration to others, reminding us that with strength and determination, we can overcome even the most formidable obstacles. Sarah is currently setting up a consultancy business, which will support charities to effectively achieve evidence-based outcomes.
Expertise and Experience :
Sarah started her journey at the age of 12 and has since amassed 20 years of experience in a range of roles ranging from youth work and clinical mental health to university.
Sarah is a leading advocate for children and young people who have experienced out-of-home care, and has been instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of programs in this space. Seeing that the social sector has a significant gap in knowledge in supporting young people, she developed training in this area and delivered this to key lived experience initiatives.
Sarah set up Sarah Jade Consulting in 2018, and has supported a wide range of organisations to complete evaluations and embed lived experience wisdom into their activities. Sarah has spoken at numerous conferences, both nationally and internationally, presenting academic research projects to diverse audiences. She is also an editor for the Childhood Australia Journal and has taught masters students at RMIT. Sarah is on the Lived Experience Advisory Committee of Bridge It, which provides young women at risk of homelessness with a safe and supportive home.
Keynotes:
Overcoming Adversity: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities:
This keynote will explore strategies for navigating and overcoming adversity in both personal and professional contexts. Drawing on real-life examples and evidence-based practices, Sarah will provide insights and practical tools to help develop strength, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset. The focus will be on turning challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.
Amplifying Voices: Elevating Lived Experience of Housing Instability:
This keynote will emphasise the importance of amplifying the voices of people with lived experience of housing instability and homelessness. In Australia, homelessness is escalating and current responses are often ineffective. People who have experienced the challenges firsthand hold wisdom that could play a crucial role in ending homelessness in Australia. Attendees will gain insights into the power of storytelling, the value of inclusive practices, and the transformative potential of amplifying marginalised voices.
Forging a Path: Building Inclusive and Supporting Inclusivity at Work:
This keynote will focus on the critical need for building inclusive and supportive systems that foster belonging, empowerment, and sustainable change. The speaker will share insights and strategies for designing and implementing programs and structures in workplaces that address systemic barriers, promote collaboration, and empower individuals and communities and businesses to thrive.
