GambleAware Hunter New England

Ever since graduating from university with a Bachelor of Psychology, Stephen Dooker has known that he wanted to do work that specialised in making a difference to those who struggle with gambling. He is proud that the GambleAware program offers an amazing opportunity for people to experience a positive wrap-around service that includes addressing their finances as well as behavioural change to make a positive impact to their lives.

Steve works with GambleAware Hunter New England because he enjoys supporting people, whether it is within his team or as part of the greater organisation of CatholicCare. In his multi-faceted role, he is faced with a variety of tasks, but it brings a number of opportunities for him to help others. He feels privileged to be working with a talented and dedicated team.

His number one tip when it comes to gambling is to ask yourself are you consciously aware of what you are doing?

“I know that sounds simple; sometimes we set ourselves on autopilot and then realise only when it is too late. Know your reasons, know your limit, and look for ways to stick to your resolve,” he explains.

When Steve is not at work, he enjoys time with friends, especially around a campfire while camping in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle.

Tammy Mitchell is passionate about raising awareness about gambling harm and supporting people who are impacted by it. Tammy knows first-hand how it can affect people’s lives after two of her family members developed serious gambling problems. She wants to make sure that people receive the support they need.

Tammy enjoys working with our clients to help them build a better life, create a greater sense of wellbeing and satisfaction by exploring current issues, developing new insights that help them find solutions to problems, learn new skills, and set goals.  

She wants people to know that gambling is not a way to make money. Tammy is also a SMART Recovery facilitator who can run meetings and workshops, specialising in addiction and recovery.

In her spare time, Tammy loves spending time with her partner and dog, going away on adventures, reading, and watching sports or trashy reality shows on TV.

Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Ferfoglia has worked in this industry for 10 years which has given her a wealth of knowledge. Libby is proud to support families, gamblers and loved ones that require help in navigating and reducing gambling harm.

She enjoys working with GambleAware because it gives her the opportunity to meet new people and help them achieved their goals. Her number one tip when it comes to gambling is to build better roadblocks or barriers to slow down the process or action of “just going to gamble”.

She also wants people to know GambleAware is here to help.

“Sometimes people fear the unknown, they wonder what a gambling counsellor will do to them,” Libby says.

“It is important to remember we are not here to judge; you are the expert in your own life.  A gambling counsellor is here to walk alongside you and support you in making better choices in your own life.”

In her spare time, Libby loves to garden and take her very active border collie for walks.

In her role as a Financial Counsellor, Liz Wilson is dedicated to making a positive difference in people’s lives. She is passionate about sharing her financial knowledge and experience to help her clients move forward and work through any issues they have around gambling.  

She enjoys working for GambleAware Hunter New England because it gives her an opportunity to meet and get to know new people.

Her number one gambling tip is to stay in control and stop before it becomes unstoppable.

In her spare time, Liz enjoys caring for her friends and family by cooking for them, pitching in on housework and spending time with them. She also likes to exercise and join in on park runs.

Naomi is a passionate social worker who, in her role as a gambling counsellor and care coordinator at GambleAware considers the whole picture for the people she works with. Naomi explores all factors within their life that might be impacting them and contributing to their gambling habit, connecting them with various helpful services. Taking a trauma-informed approach with each client, Naomi can share strategies and tools for managing a problematic gambling habit while also creating a safe and compassionate space for her clients to discuss and understand the stressors and life experiences that might have led to their addiction.

With a particular passion for supporting people through grief and loss, Naomi also brings experience in suicide prevention, sexual assault, and working with older people.

When not at work Naomi loves playing pickleball, camping with her two rescue dogs, reading, and lively board game nights with friends.

Leonie Kleiner is passionate about supporting people in the community and is dedicated to creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. 

After graduating from university with a Bachelor of Psychology, she enjoys working in the field with great enthusiasm. Leonie believes in the power of empathy, education, and community support to transform lives for the better.

In her role as Community Engagement Coordinator, Leonie enjoys fostering meaningful connections and facilitating collaboration with stakeholders. She loves a good chat while sharing her knowledge with the community.

Leonie enjoys working with GambleAware because it gives her the opportunity to connect with others and raise awareness about gambling harm. It is important to her to make sure that GambleAware support services are accessible to everyone.

In her spare time, Leonie loves spending time with her partner, surfing, and photography.