COUNSELLING & CHAPLAINCY

• Margaret Welch - Dean of Faculty

  

  Dean of Counselling, Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care

  M.Couns, B.Couns, Dip Rel Couns, Adv Cert Supervision (UK)

  Margaret joined Morling College as an adjunct lecturer in 2008 and commenced on faculty as a lecturer in counselling in 2013. Margaret was appointed Associate Dean (Counselling) in 2017 and Acting Dean Counselling, Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care in 2019.

  Margaret has lectured in a wide range of subject areas within the suite of counselling awards including Human Development, Legal, Ethical and Cultural Issues, Therapeutic Communication Skills, Counselling Theory & Practice, Counselling Methodologies and Child and Adolescent Counselling. She is the counselling practicum co-ordinator for Masters student’s completing their internship.

  Margaret is also an experienced and accredited clinician who is a clinical member and accredited supervisor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA), she is listed on the ARCAP Register. Margaret is the Clinical Director of The Ezra Centre, a ministry of Morling College.

  Margaret has been in clinical practice for over 17 years. She worked for Salvos Counselling for 14 years and now operates her own private practice. As a Senior Counsellor and Accredited Supervisor Margaret works with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents across a wide range of presenting issues. Margaret also facilitates professional development workshops.

• Stuart Adamson - Associate Dean of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

  

  Associate Dean of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

  BA, MA Christian Studies, MA Pastoral Supervision

  Stuart has served as a chaplain, chaplain trainer and pastoral supervisor at Anglicare Sydney for 15 years, with his primary ordained role being in chaplaincy leadership at the Prince of Wales and Randwick Hospitals Campus. Stuart has lectured in pastoral supervision at St Mark's National Theological Centre and in chaplaincy skills at Ridley College in Melbourne.

  Stuart has also worked for 15 years in Japanese media both in Japan and Australia as a translator, researcher and writer before joining the pastoral staff at St John's Maroubra in Sydney's East where he is still involved in occasional preaching and regular discipling of men. Stuart is also serving as an Anglican chaplain in a part time ordained role at Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital in Sydney’s south west.

  Recent publications

  Stuart was involved in the translation into Japanese of a book by Jill McGilvray called "God's Love in Action, Pastoral Care for Everyone", (Acorn Press, 2009).

• Kim Kownacki - Associate Dean of Counselling

  

  Associate Dean of Counselling

  GDipCCouns, MCouns, RN(previously)

  Kim commenced at Morling College in 2014 as an adjunct lecturer and supervisor for practicum students completing their Master of Counselling and joined faculty in 2018. She has lectured across a range of subjects including Therapeutic Communication Skills, Counselling Theory & Practice, Child and Adolescent Counselling, Group Dynamics and Facilitation, and Advanced Therapeutic Group Facilitation.

  Kim was previously a Registered Nurse, specialising in the Cardiothoracic area, working in the UK and across many major hospitals in Sydney. She commenced clinical counselling practice in 2006, working in private practice and agencies including Salvos Counselling.

  Kim is an experienced counsellor and operates her own private practice, working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, children and provides clinical and pastoral supervision. She has facilitated professional development workshops across a number of subject areas, including Trauma Informed Care, and was the Lead Trainer for Greater Western Sydney, Salvos Counselling. She is an accredited supervisor and clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

• Andrea Moore - Counselling Lecturer

  

  Counselling Lecturer

  M.Couns. B.Christ.Stud. Assoc.Deg.Theo

  Andrea joined the faculty in 2021 and lectures in School Chaplaincy, Mental Health Management and Legal, Ethical and Cultural Issues.

  In addition to lecturing, Andrea works as counsellor and neurofeedback clinician in private practice. Subsequent to working as a counsellor, she worked as a pastor and school chaplain.

  Andrea is a graduate of Morling College. She lives in Newcastle with her husband Dean and they have three adult children. She is a member of Wallsend Baptist Church where her husband is the Senior Pastor.

• Diane Porter - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer (Counselling)

  B.Min, M.Couns.

  Diane commenced her association with Morling College in 1995 when she studied a Diploma of Theology. She went on to study a Bachelor of Ministry followed by a Master of Counselling which she completed in 2011.

  Diane’s academic teaching involvement at Morling has been as a tutor for five years in the foundational counselling subjects - Therapeutic Communication Skills and Counselling Theory and Practice, and more recently as an adjunct lecturer teaching Counselling and Theology (Reflection and Integration).

  Diane has a mission background serving in Lima, Peru for 6 years from 2002 to 2008. She is currently working in private clinical counselling practice with individuals and couples, reaching out to Canberra and regional NSW. She also works as a volunteer with a mission organisation providing pastoral care and debriefing for Missionaries in their field of service.

  How do you see the Morling values reflected in your role at Morling?

  My long association with Morling as a student and more recently as a tutor and lecturer has impacted my own journey of transformation through studying the Bible and training for ministry. In my role as adjunct lecturer straddling the bridge between both of my passions, counselling and theology, I am privileged and thankful to be a member of this team to see future generations of counsellors equipped to witness Christ wherever God leads them.

• Jacqueline Azize - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  Master of Clinical Counselling, Grad Dip Counselling, Grad Dip Religious Education, Bachelor of Education (Primary).

  My original training is in primary education and I have taught in various Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) for more than 16 years. My passion is working with children and adolescence, especially those who present with mental health issues. In 2010, I began my counselling journey and have worked as a school counsellor since 2013.

  I am currently working at LaSalle Catholic College in Bankstown as the College Counsellor. Over the years I have trained in Creative Therapies such as Sandplay and Art Therapy and continue to incorporate these therapies into the counselling work I do at LaSalle.

  My Christian faith and the values Morling College espouses underpin the work that I do as a College Counsellor. Working with young people who present with varying mental health issues and helping them to become self aware in regards to their own “personal, spiritual and social identity” is a humbling and rewarding experience.

• Jen Dring - Lecturer in Counselling Chaplaincy and Spiritual C

  Lecturer in Counselling Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

  Masters of Counselling, BA Dip Ed, Adv. Dip Counselling and Family Therapy, Grad Dip Individual Psychotherapy and Relationship Therapy

  Jen began her connection with Morling as a student, completing her Masters of Counselling in 2019. In 2021 Jen was a tutor for Therapeutic Communication Skills and she has commenced the role of lecturer for Counselling, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in 2022.

• Jenn Pearson - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  M A (Pastoral Care), Grad Dip Ed

  Jenn’s involvement with Morling commenced in 2020. After years of primary/infants teaching and mothering, Jenn moved into church based pastoral care roles and completed an MA in Pastoral Care through the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM). Since 2004 Jenn has enjoyed serving as a Chaplain in aged care with various Christian organisations. She is presently working within RSL LifeCare. In 2015 Jenn began training in Spiritual Direction, currently offers Spiritual Companionship, and is completing a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction at Tabor College.

• Jenny Perchman - Lecturer

  

  Lecturer (Counselling)

  M.Couns, Grad Dip Couns, Grad Dip Spl Ed & Psy Ed, H/Dip Ed, BA (English History)

  Jenny commenced at Morling College in 2018 lecturing in the Master of Counselling course in the areas of Interpersonal Counselling and Relationship & Family Counselling. This position enables Jenny to combine her training and expertise as an educator with her passion and expertise in counselling.

  Jenny is a clinical counsellor, supervisor, and educator. Having originally trained as a high school English and History teacher, she has worked in secondary and tertiary educational settings. Jenny has also worked for several years with Salvos Counselling as a counsellor and trainer developing a broad range of expertise in working with a variety of client groups and mental health presentations. Jenny specialises  in providing couple and family therapy and is currently undertaking further training in this area. She maintains a busy private practice at the EZRA Counselling Centre where she also provides clinical and pastoral supervision

  How do you see the Morling values reflected in your role at Morling?

  Jenny is thankful for the way in which Morling gives her the opportunity to assist students to become reflective, relational, and ethical practitioners who can integrate both their faith and professional practise.

• Julie Marshall - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer (CCSC)

  B.A. (Ed), M.Couns.

  Julie came to Morling in 2020, after lecturing for five years in a Masters of Counselling programme at another Christian college. She teaches Counselling Methodologies and two Trauma units.

  Education is one of Julie's passions and she loves the process of learning, both personally, and in the role of educator, where she tries to make learning interesting and exciting! Julie has had a private counselling practice for the past ten years and has worked as a trauma counsellor in Uganda on six different trips there. She enjoys being able to journey, therapeutically with clients, as well as lecture, where she can pass on some of the knowledge and experience she has gained.

  Married, with two adult sons, Julie enjoys travelling (when possible), catching up with friends over coffee, and, being a Kiwi, is an avid follower of the All Blacks.

  Julie is currently part of a home church, having been a member of larger church congregations with involvement in leading home groups and prayer ministry in the past.

  Jesus is the most perfect counsellor and role model for us in the counselling profession, and Morling provides a freedom to weave Christianity and psychology throughout the course.

• Karen La Motte - ​​​​​​​Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  Karen La Motte joined the Morling team in 2019 and has been lecturing Human Development from a Theological Perspective in the Counselling and Chaplaincy faculty. Karen studied a degree in counselling at Tabor College and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Counselling at Excelsia College.

  Since 1993, Karen has been involved in pastoral ministry, working for several years as the Associate pastor at a community church south of Sydney. During those years Karen lead and was involved in mission trips to Northern Uganda and the establishment of a hospital, and in Jakarta working in a leper colony and with the families that live in shanty’s along side the railway lines.

  Closer to home Karen has lead teams to Western New South Wales to care and counsel families struggling due to the drought.

  Karen has been a therapist for twenty years and is currently in a private practice in Sutherland and is also employed by Hopefield (previously Southern Community Welfare Gymea) as a generalist therapist and relationship counsellor. Karen has been married for forty years to husband Rod and has two adult children and four grandchildren.

  How do you see the Morling values reflected in your role at Morling?

  I appreciate the opportunity to teach a course at Morling that reminds me and draws me towards a biblical model of relationship, fully and securely related to others and God, which enables us to become more like Christ.

• Liz Crocombe - Counselling and Chaplaincy Administrator

  

  Counselling, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Administrator

  Liz joined Morling College in October 2013, as administrator for the then Counselling Faculty. When in 2018, the Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care degrees were offered, Liz, along with her colleague Shelley, assumed responsibility of administration for the growing faculty and student body. She is involved with assisting people with their course enquiries, course advising and assisting students, as well as providing administrative support for the faculty members.

  Liz originally trained in administrative/secretarial support after leaving school, and has worked in administrative roles prior to and after raising a large family. She commenced studying a Bachelor of Christian Studies with Morling in 2013, added counselling studies in 2016, planning to graduate with a B.CS and Master of Counselling at the end of 2021.

  How do you see the Morling Values reflected in your role at Morling?

  As Morling seeks to equip students with a Christ-focused, transformative, and caring educational experience Liz delights in serving and supporting both faculty in their roles as educators, and students during their time at Morling.

• Morris Sing Key - Lecturer

  

  Lecturer

  MA. (Past Sup), MA. (Theol), B.Th., Grad. Cert. (Christ Couns)

  Morris joined Morling College as an adjunct lecturer in 2018 and commenced on faculty as a lecturer in professional chaplaincy and spiritual care practices at graduate level.

  Morris has served for almost three decades in hospital chaplaincy and for a number of years as Senior Presbyterian Chaplain in Sydney. He has been a past president of the New South Wales College of Clinical Pastoral Education and served for a number of years as Centre Director at the Westmead Centre for CPE. Morris has served on the academic board of the CPE college and has recently been appointed a research affiliate to the University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital with a focus on spirituality and medicine.

  Morris has extensive experience in ministry and education, as a lecturer, a trainer, and a pastoral supervisor. He has been instrumental in the formation and training of hundreds and hundreds of students over the years who have ended up serving in chaplaincy and pastoral care all over NSW. He maintains a private practice as a pastoral supervisor accredited with the NSW College of CPE and encourages students to develop their teaching and training skills as a way of encouraging professional expertise and fostering research in the area of chaplaincy.

  How do you see Morling values reflected in your role at Morling?

  It has been a delight for me to work with the team in the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Faculty at Morling College to educate and form the next generation of chaplains for service in a range of ministry contexts. I really enjoy helping students develop their skills in practical pastoral care as well as develop expertise in reflective practice that will stand them in good stead for a lifetime of service.

• Paul Pickering - Lecturer in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

  

  Lecturer in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

  Grad Dip.Psychotherapy, GradCert. Professional Supervision (Pastoral), BN, Dip Min.

  Paul wrote Unit CHA821, Palliative and Dementia Care in 2017. Teaching this unit has resulted in students capturing a passion for working in Aged Care, some now graduated, working in the field. Raising up the next generation of Chaplains gives Paul great joy!

• Shelley Fairgrieve - Counselling & Chaplaincy Administrator

  Counselling & Chaplaincy Administrator

• Trevor Wight - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer (Chaplaincy)

  B. Soc. Stud.; M.M.; Grad Dip Christian Studies

  Trevor worked as a social worker/Manager/Director in child, youth and family services for close to 20 years prior to spending 10 years on the pastoral team at Dural Baptist heading up their community services and pastoral care. Trevor started working with BaptistCare NSW & ACT as a Chaplain in November 2011 and spent almost 5 of those years as BaptistCare’s Senior Chaplain.

  In January 2018, Trevor was seconded to the role of inaugural Associate Dean for Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care (part time), for a two year period, while still working for BaptistCare as the Manager, Church Relationships (part time). After successfully leading the establishment of this Graduate award, Trevor has returned to his BaptistCare role, while continuing as an adjunct lecturer.