Connection changes everything.
I equip ministry leaders and their people with trauma-informed strategies to create stronger relationships and cultures of connection.
You're a leader working to make a difference, balancing endless responsibilities—meeting growing needs, caring for your team, and trying to make a lasting impact. And let's be honest: it’s not easy. You feel the weight of unmet needs, stretched resources, and the constant pull of too much to do with too little time.
Here’s the good news: connection changes everything.
When connection is at the heart of what you do, transformation happens—for the people you serve, your team, and even yourself.
That's why I'm committed to giving you practical tools to build stronger relationships. You’re in just the right place, friend!
I can help you and your team get equipped with practical, trauma-informed strategies to deepen connection; create a relationally healthy ministry; and build a culture where people feel safe, seen, and supported.
When connection comes first, everything else follows.
I'm Leonie, and I equip ministry leaders to apply trauma-informed strategies to build trust and connection, creating strong teams and healthy communities where people are empowered to love well and be well.
Born and raised on the Coffs Coast, I moved to Sydney to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy, followed by volunteering in East Africa, where my passion for justice and community development deepened.
After returning to Australia I joined the team at World Vision, where I gained a global perspective on faith-based social change and completed a Master’s in International & Community Development.
After years working to serve vulnerable children and families, I saw the necessity and power of a trauma-informed approach and became a Trust Based Relational Intervention® Practitioner (TBRI for short) with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development.
Over the years, I’ve partnered with a wide range of organisations across 15 countries—from grassroots non-profits to global NGOs.
Some highlights include:
Supporting a pioneering Cambodian organisation facilitating foster and kinship care and disability inclusion initiatives.
Creating youth engagement programs with the Foundation for Young Australians in partnership with Samsung Australia.
Shaping social justice strategy for a large, multi-site church.
I’m currently based on the Coffs Coast and proud to lead The Homeward Project, a national initiative mobilising churches to serve children and families in the Out-of-Home Care space.
“I have had the privilege of working with Leonie for almost a decade on and off and have seen her meticulous approach to every part of her work result in outcomes for underserved and vulnerable children and families all over the world. As a trainer Leonie is empathetic and kind but confident in the research and outcomes it can produce.”
Catherine Thambiratnam, Head of International Programs, ACC International Relief (2021-2024)
"Leonie’s clear and patient teaching style made the complex topic of trauma and trauma-informed approach to care and intervention easy to grasp and apply. By emphasizing the impact of trauma on individuals, she deepened our empathy and improved our ability to support our beneficiaries."
Seong Somphors & Hun Chanchariya, Senior Social Workers, Mothers Heart Organization
I’m a pragmatic idealist who’s passionate about bridging big ideas about transformational development with practical ministry strategies that create real, lasting impact.
You could say I’m a little obsessed with connection; why we need it, what happens when we lack it, and how to cultivate it.
I’m a seeker of truth, justice, and beauty who believes in keeping a sharp mind, a soft heart, and finding gratitude and joy in the small things. My faith shapes my purpose and fuels my hope for the future.
In my spare time you’ll find me walking the neighbourhood with an audiobook in my ears or trying to keep my streak on Duo Lingo (¡yo quiero aprender español!).
Want to explore working together?
Let's talk about how I can help you and your team become trauma-informed, strengthen relationships, and create a culture of connection. Reach out to enquire about tailored support for your team.
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