Sara Torpey

School Advocate (Counsellor)
Authentic Self-Actualised Contributors

Sara Torpey

School Advocate & Learning Families Coordinator

My dream for Living School is to normalise counselling; both within the school and the community. I believe that the stigma associated with counselling is harmful and that people as a whole should view mental wellness as they do the rest of their health: a necessary part of self-care.

My goal as Living School Advocate is to work cooperatively with families and staff to help students build resilience, teach positive self-talk, and have a growth mind-set – while encouraging the school’s ethos of respect, responsibility and relationships. 

I would like for students to become self-aware, empathetic and self-actualised members of society. Knowing and valuing one’s authentic and unique self is the first step of growing into your true self: setting you on a path to become a productive and valued member of the community.

My hope is that my office space, The ChatterBox, is considered a place to seek advice or respite and receive non-judgemental assistance throughout your journey at Living School. I want people to ask questions and feel free to vocalise worries, fears and stress. If nothing else, it should be a place of comfort, compassion and freedom of expression. A place to speak your truth and be heard.

BACKGROUND

Sara Torpey has been counselling children and adults for the last 16 years after receiving both a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education with a speciality in School Counselling. 

Sara has a passion for working with children and helping them grow by encouraging emotional wellbeing, positive relationships, self awareness and an understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses. It is her goal to help children develop social awareness and self-management skills so that they can become well-adjusted, self-advocating adults.

In 2012, Sara left the United States to teach English as a Second Language in Thailand and Indonesia. Bali became a second home and Sara met her future Aussie husband, Nick, while living there for three years.

Sara moved to the Northern Rivers five years ago and also works as a Wellbeing Counsellor at Byron Community Primary School. Sara and Nick have a three year old daughter, Tabitha and a rescued Greyhound, Lola. 

CAREER EXPERIENCE

Tertiary Qualifications

  • 2004-2006: Suffolk University
    Boston, Massachusetts USA
    Award:Master of Education in School Counselling, M.Ed.
  • 1999-2003: University of Hartford West Hartford, Connecticut, USA
    Award: Bachelor of Art in Psychology, BA

 

Work Experience

  • 2019 – present Byron Community Primary School: Wellbeing Counsellor, Byron Bay NSW
  • 2015 – 2017 The Interact Group: Rehabilitation Counsellor, Lismore NSW
  • 2014 SEASONS Bali: Addictions Counsellor, Bali, Indonesia
  • 2012 – 2013 EF Bali: ESL Teacher, Bali Indonesia
  • 2010 – 2011 VPS: Mental Health Clinician, Boston, Massachusetts USA
  • 2008 – 2010 Arbour Hospital: Group Therapist, Adolescent Unit, Boston, Massachusetts USA
  • 2006 – 2007 Wraparound Family Services: Case Manager, Boston, Massachusetts USA
  • 2004 – 2006 McCall Middle School: School Counsellor, Boston, Massachusetts USA

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