The Team
Rachael Sandy
Hi, I'm Rachael, I'm a Mununjali woman living on Kubi Kubi country. Gumera is my business that I started in 2019 out of my small home office right before COVID. It was a humble online practice providing counselling and supervision. Since then, it has been a wonderful time of learning and shaping what Gumera is and what it does.
My resume says I have a masters in Narrative Therapy and Community work. Along with over 15 years of experience in the community services sector in counselling and social and emotional wellbeing work. Additionally, I bring lived experience to my work as a person who has accessed various wellbeing and health care services, along with being a support person/carer to family also accessing these services.
My areas of interest and passion are in working with my First Nations peoples, women and folks that have been impacted and experienced forms of violence, and our workforce that are in roles directly supporting these communities.
Today, Gumera is involved in delivery of training - especially with a focus on de-colonising practices, narrative practice, cultural supervision (both ally and mob), creative projects including a podcast that focus on yarning and storytelling from community, developing helpful resources, and consultancy to services.
Phi Sandy
I’m Phi, a Mununjali woman who grew up across Kabi Kabi and Ningi Ningi Country and now lives and works across Turrbal and Yuggera land. I’ve been involved behind the scenes with a number of Gumera’s creative projects, therapeutic yarns and storytelling spaces, bringing together my love of community work, creativity and Blak storytelling practices.
I hold a Certificate in Narrative Therapy and Community Work and am currently completing my Masters in Narrative Therapy. Alongside this, I work within Aboriginal and Community Controlled health organisations, predominantly supporting preventative health programs for mob and strengthening culturally safe approaches to care and wellbeing.
Before moving into community health, I spent nearly 15 years working across the Australian arts industry in music, theatre, media, advertising and visual art. No matter the space, my practice has always centred around sharing Blak truths through creative, story-based lenses.
Outside of work, I love being out in nature, playing board games and watching the footy with my family
Alli van Zanten
Hi! I'm Alli. I work as part of the creative team for Gumera on Turrbal and Yuggera land focusing on social media, updating the website, editing the Bunjie podcast and supporting Rachael in planning and promoting Gumera workshops.
I strive to learn, grow and support Gumera and our amazing team.
I have a Certificate IV in Youth Work and have worked with children and youth on Turrbal, Yuggera and Qandamooka land for over 20 years in volunteer and paid roles. I have worked as a primary school chaplain for 10 years with a focus on resilience, social skills, breakfast clubs, and supporting families, students and staff's emotional wellbeing. I also have a Bachelor of Theology, an Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting) and a Certificate II in Creative Industries. My background is in independent theatre.
I have experience in digital creation for both small businesses and not-for-profits. I am passionate about working with Gumera because Rachael has been instrumental in helping me decolonise my own mental health practice, as well as being a great bunjie who sat with me when I needed someone. Our bunjieship has always been about art and being creative together.
I also play bass, love metal music, 1000 piece puzzles and
my black cat Wilbur.