Getting to know our team with Edith

For Edith, being a Bamara Senior Support Mentor is more than a job; it’s a lifelong passion.  

Edith, born in the Philippines, came to Australia at the age of nine when she was adopted by her aunt.  

Throughout her life, she worked in a variety of roles across customer service and financial administration. No matter the position, one thing always stood out: Edith had a natural gift for helping people. 

Edith attributes this gift to her aunt and adopted mother, a woman who spent her life supporting underprivileged people and communities, with a young Edith often by her side. 

“I’m following in my Mother’s footsteps – I got this passion from her, and I am privileged to continue helping people improve their lives too,” Edith said. 

After 23 years in other industries, Edith made a career change when a coworker encouraged her to pursue an opportunity in employment services—reigniting the passion she had carried all her life.

With that encouragement, she took a leap of faith, landing her first job in the employment services industry, working a variety of roles over 12 years in administration for various programs, and mentoring in the Disability Employment Services program. 

In 2019, a surprise call from a former colleague who never forgot Edith’s kindness and positive spirit led to a life-changing offer: a role as a Support Mentor at Bamara.

Today, Edith is one of our dedicated Parent Pathways Senior Support Mentors in Palmerston, where she provides tailored assistance to parents and carers to help them pursue their goals.

“I never thought I’d be doing this job that I’m doing now without the encouragement from people in my life to pursue my passion. My passion is just to help people – I love it,” Edith said. 

From the moment someone walks through the door, Edith is in action—whether it’s helping them earn a driver’s license, enroll in training, or land that first interview. She thrives on the variety and the challenges, and no two days are ever the same. 

Though she is modest about her impact, those around her see it clearly. Her empathy, resilience, and ability to tailor her approach to suit her participants’ every need make her a powerful force for change. 

The ultimate reward is not only helping them reach their goals, but connecting with them, laying a firm foundation of trust, and watching their confidence in themselves and their future skyrocket to new heights.  

“Seeing my participants succeed and seeing them happy, with improved confidence and social skills, is so rewarding,” Edith said. 

“The majority of participants are shy at the beginning, and I love seeing them get used to me as we connect and build trust together.”  

In helping others find their path, Edith is honoring those who helped her find hers. She credits those who encouraged her in the past, as without them, she wouldn’t be working in what turned out to be her dream job. 

“To this day, I am still in disbelief that I can do this job for a living,” Edith said.

“All the encouraging things that have been said to me, I say back to my participants. I’m paying homage to all those people who helped me be where I am today.” 

Connect with our Parent Pathways team

Our Parent Pathways service helps you identify your goals – whether they’re family-focused or career-driven – and provides you with or helps you access the resources you need to work towards and ultimately achieve those goals.    

We listen to what matters most to you and your family. Our dedicated team of experienced Support mentors will provide individualised support to help you achieve your goals.