Career highlights

• Practising psychologist, Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society, media psychologist and professional speaker
• A school and workplace bullying expert
• Author of two bestselling books, Bully Busting (1999) and Bully Blocking (2007) published in five languages. Also a self-help book on managing workplace bullying, Bully Blocking at Work (2010)
• An accredited speaking member of the National Speakers Association of Australia, she has spoken in New Zealand, Belgium, Spain, USA, Vietnam and Israel

• Presented at the International Conference into Workplace Bullying in Norway in June 2004.

Question and answer

Why is the issue of bullying of particular interest to you?

I know that feeling powerless, isolated and humiliated is destructive to the human psyche. Now it is rewarding to see we understand that each person can learn strategies to block bullying and that education improves school and work cultures.

Where do you believe you have made a difference in your field?

Although schools and workplaces have a legal and ethical duty to treat people with respect, this has not been applied to bullying, although there has been a slight reduction at school. However, children still become seriously injured. I believe that we need to empower children and adults to deal with all sorts of people. Thus my concept of 'bully-blocking' at school or at work, empowers students and employees to change their attitude, take action and protect their health and wellbeing.

How has your area of expertise helped you to contribute to NCAB over the years?

We all collaborate as part of a team of diverse professionals. My expertise is that I have been helping people who have experienced bullying for more than 35 years; I know how to help them block bullying, simply and quickly. I am also training psychologists how to treat people who have experienced bullying and this improves my level of practice.