EDUCATE. INSPIRE. EMPOWER.
The Team
Who We Are
ALENA FARRUGIA
DIRECTOR
Known for her expertise and genuine, down-to-earth delivery of difficult content, Alena utilises a blended learning approach that's engaging, accessible and enjoyable.
"The key is to tailor each program so it fits the style and needs of the participants... It's an absolute joy to fight against the traditionally stale professional development experiences we've come to expect. We're raising the bar. There's no reason our PL can't feel fresh and welcoming whilst also providing us with the opportunity for significant growth.
Also holding the title of National Consultant Trainer for Youth and Teen Programs at Mental Health First Aid Australia, Alena facilitates the training that accredits educators to facilitate MHFA courses. You can't get much more experienced than that!
Alena has become a respected voice in mental health education, with expertise in youth mental health. An experienced educator with over a decade within the field, Alena draws from her numerous qualifications in education, the arts, and language. She has worked internationally and domestically in various professional and community settings, including mainstream and special needs educational facilities and within the pediatric ward of a major Sydney hospital.
Alena aligns her mission with that of BLLC in looking towards actively breaking down the stigma around mental illness and championing the improved support, early detection and treatment of mental health illnesses in our community.
She prides herself on providing relevant and significant learning opportunities for each participant she engages with by creating tailored, industry-specific and down-to-earth training events that people genuinely want to be a part of.
A simple philosophy
Mental health training programs don't need to be to be dry and uncomfortable. It's empowering and uplifting to know that you're learning something that will make you capable of better creating an environment that promotes understanding and, frankly, can very easily save a life.
You can email Alena at admin@beyondlimitslearningclinic.com.au
PETA DAMPNEY
HEAD OF ONLINE LEARNING
Peta provides training across Australia, overseeing our Queensland facilitation and is our Head of Online Learning.
She is an experienced and skilled facilitator who creates a fun, engaging and interactive learning environment who regularly has been a regular guest presenter on ABC Radio and is an active media spokesperson for a variety of mental health, suicide prevention and the role of lived experience expertise in research, planning and implementation of projects and services.
Peta regularly presents at national mental health and suicide prevention conferences and has contributed to the development of suicide prevention projects and initiatives with The Black Dog Institute and Everymind. Peta is currently working on a project with the Queensland Mental Health Commission to encourage individuals to engage with mental health and alcohol and other drug services. In addition to her roles as an Instructor and as an Advisor with MHFA Australia, Peta also assists Roses in the Ocean (a Brisbane-based national suicide prevention lived experience organisation) by supporting participants in their preparation to attend courses throughout Australia. Peta regularly presents at national mental health and suicide prevention conferences and has contributed to the development of suicide prevention projects and initiatives with The Black Dog Institute and Everymind. Peta is currently working on a project with the Queensland Mental Health Commission to encourage individuals to engage with mental health and alcohol and other drug services. In addition to her roles as an Instructor and as an Advisor with MHFA Australia, Peta also assists Roses in the Ocean (a Brisbane-based national suicide prevention lived experience organisation) by supporting participants in their preparation to attend courses throughout Australia.
As a former high school teacher, Peta's energy and positivity are second to none, her good humour, down to earth nature and unrivalled skill base is a genuine example of the BLLC approach to successful learning and modern Professional development.
GREG PANKHURST
CLINICAL CONSULTANT
Greg provides clinical consultation training and bespoke psychological services at BLLC.
A qualified Clinical Psychologist with 25 years of experience, working in mental health education and treatment, Greg's teaching and support are informed and refined.
Greg has extensive experience working in crisis counselling, workplace consulting, couple and family therapy as well as supporting clients through private psychology practice. And has provided mental health education to firefighters, police, corporate sector, government and community sector employees.
An inclusive, friendly and humorous trainer, Greg's presentations are informed by his broad experience in clinical psychology and his extensive adult education background.