Andra

Therapeutic Support Worker

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Andra, an Allied Health Assistant / Support Worker with a passion for learning and understanding how people navigate

the world. I love bringing creativity

and authenticity into all parts of

my life including work.

In my free time, I enjoy painting, music,

being in nature, board games and

connecting with others.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in allied health

and why do you still love it today?

Multiple aspects drew me to this career, primarily my own experience with neurodiversity and first hand experience with the importance and impact of active support. I'm passionate about creating change and highlighting the need for this type of work. Ultimately, what I love most is seeing the positive difference that support makes in the lives of children and those within the home unit.

If someone was just starting out in allied health

what’s the best advice you’d give them?

If someone was just starting out in allied health, my best advice would be to listen deeply, allow room for full expression, and create an understanding between the client and yourself that all parts of them are welcome and valid.

If you could shadow another healthcare professional for a day

who would it be and why?

If I could shadow another healthcare professional for a day, I would shadow either a trauma-informed psychologist or an art therapist. These are fields I'd love to explore further, to better understand their methodologies and implement

relevant strategies within my own work.

How do you stay balanced and regulate yourself?

I stay balanced and regulate myself through activities like running, listening to music, and enjoying movies and TV shows. I also like to make sure I am carving out specific time for myself to decompress and spend time with loved ones.

What do you do for fun?

Painting, reading, playing sudoku, seeing live music, and cooking.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I envision myself integrating my creative pursuits with my

passion for making a positive impact on people's lives.

What are you currently studying or planning to study?

Currently looking into art therapy and counselling to further my career.

What’s your favorite movie and why?

I'd have to say Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is my favorite movie.

I absolutely adore how they translated comic book graphics into animation;

I've never seen it done so well. Also, you can't go wrong with

Spider-Man and a killer soundtrack.

How do you handle situations when a child is experiencing

strong emotions and is in the red zone?

I create a safe and calming space, use active listening, validate their feelings, offer sensory tools or activities, refer back to their care plan and see what specific things can assist them in the moment, and give them space when they ask for it.

And just for fun – tell us a joke!