Eliza is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and is responsible for managing Gidget Foundation Australia’s workforce development operations and overseeing all aspects of GFA’s high-quality workforce education and professional development programs. With 25 years of experience working in multi-disciplinary teams, Eliza has served in roles with the Department of Human Services, Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services Australia, Community Health and Hospitals, and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Eliza is the Founder and Director of Blackbird Counselling and Blackbird House, an allied health centre on the Sunshine Coast. Eliza became one of the first Accredited Mental Health Social Workers to join Gidget Foundation Australia’s Start Talking program in 2018. She is an Approved Supervisor who brings a wealth of experience in mentoring and supervising mental health professionals across diverse practice settings.

Eliza has previously held positions with the Australasian Birth Trauma Clinical Advisory Committee and the Sunshine Coast Women’s Mental Health Professionals Network in 2021/22. Currently, Eliza serves as the Chair of Gidget Foundation Australia’s LGBTQIA+ Working Party Group. Prior to her current role, she managed GFA’s Workforce Development Program, which received the 2024 Australian Allied Health Award for Innovative Product Excellence. That same year, Eliza was named Social Worker of the Year at the Australian Allied Health Awards. Eliza is an AASW Mentor and is on the ASWEAS Accreditation and Higher Education Programs Panel for 2025 - 2028.

Eliza is currently pursuing a Master of Health (Perinatal and Infant Mental Health) through Federation University.