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Recovery Shared is committed to the mission of inspiring and empowering people toward better mental health. We challenge ourselves and others to define and realise meaningful lives in recovery. We acknowledge and support the experience of living alongside mental health concerns while also fostering the belief that these should not be the defining characteristic of who we are. The peer workforce is a unique and vital part of mental health services, both in their delivery and design. We offer services that are informed and provided utilising the education, training and expertise of people with lived experiences of mental health concerns and continued recovery - promoting the peer workforce while empowering the people we support to help define the way in which we work. Our team are supported through skills building and mentorship, professional peer worker supervision, information technology and a collaborative approach to service provision - all with the goal of providing an environment for people to learn, explore, share and connect in ways that are most important and relevant to individual needs.
Mike
Founder & Senior Mental Health Peer Worker
Mike is passionate about peer-led recovery; empowering people to discover and realise greater independence, purpose and meaning because of, and alongside, mental health concerns and continued recovery. As its founder, Mike continues to work on his vision of Recovery Shared being an industry leader in delivery of community-based psychosocial support services. Mike has Certificate IV qualifications in Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Mental Health Peer Work; he has completed training in Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, Support Coordination, group facilitation, suicide response and trauma informed practice, and attended numerous industry workshops and intensives. Prior to creating Recovery Shared, Mike spent over 3 years as a Mental Health Peer Worker for Community Living Supports Northern Sydney where, in addition to providing psychosocial supports and coordinating services for individuals, he helped define the Mental Health Peer Worker role and inform recovery-oriented practice within the service. Mike has worked as an Evening/Weekend Counsellor at South Pacific Private Hospital, participated in work placement at The Cabin Outpatient Addiction Treatment Centre and has held a variety of other roles in a diverse range of industries. Through working in mental health roles in the Northern Sydney area for the past 8 years and drawing from a lived experience of area mental health services gained over the past 30 years, Mike is an enthusiastic advocate for people being the leaders of their own mental health supports; he regularly liaises with case managers, government, education and employment services, and clinical, community and allied health providers. Outside of (and sometimes during) work hours, Mike loves riding motorbikes, making - and breaking - stuff, working on his own recovery, and spending time with friends, family, and his very friendly labrador Daryl.
Matthew
Mental Health Peer Worker
Matthew has worked in the social services sector for over 15 years, a large portion of which was spent as a Disability Support Worker then a Support Case Worker for people living with mental and physical health challenges cooccurring with HIV and AIDS. In 2020, Matthew transitioned to a Mental Health Support Worker role, working with people on Sydney’s North Shore, Northern Beaches and Inner West. Since 2021, Matthew has been an integral part of the Recovery Shared team, bringing his comprehensive prior experience, training and knowledge to the Mental Health Peer Worker role. Matthew holds a Certificate IV in Social Services, has completed MHCC’s Safe Storytelling workshop and is currently completing a Certificate III in Business. While working with Recovery Shared, Matthew has gained experience as a social coach as part of the PEERS program; supporting young adults on the autism spectrum develop skills, build friendship networks and gain greater confidence in social situations. Outside of work and time spent playing Disc Golf, Matthew pursues interests in all things technology, and is an avid follower of film, music and the world of streaming media – all of which he enjoys with his “favourite furry friend” Dreamee the cat (friendly dogs are ok too).
Kylie
mental Health Peer Worker
Kylie is a dedicated Mental Health Peer Worker based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With a wealth of personal and professional experience, Kylie brings empathy and understanding to her role, supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. She has a strong background in providing person-centred, active support to adults with complex disabilities, including autism, intellectual disability, and psychosocial disability. Kylie brings with her several years’ experience as a Senior Support Worker, building trusting relationships and supporting individuals in achieving their personal goals. She has also worked as a Psychosocial Recovery Coach, focusing on developing recovery-enabling relationships and increasing personal capacity. Kylie’s commitment to community building is evident through her work as a Volunteers Coordinator and a Fundraising Coordinator, where she established volunteer management systems and coordinated large community events. Her approach to problem-solving is gentle, positive, and collaborative, always aiming to create inclusive and connected communities. In her free time, Kylie enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time with her family and friends, enriching her life and the lives of those around her.
Michael
mental Health Peer Worker
Michael is a vibrant and enthusiastic personality with a passion for art, community support and music. Based in Sydney’s West, Michael has a diverse experience in the disability sector – over the course of a community services career spanning more than 15 years, Michael has worked in residential and community settings with people experiencing severe and persistent mental health concerns, physical and intellectual disability, and dependence on alcohol and other drugs. Michael holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and, as well as working as an extraordinarily talented freelance artist and licenced tattooist, he draws from his artistic and musical talent in his work as a Mental Health Peer Worker with Recovery Shared. Michael is involved with facilitating the Campbelltown Arts Centre’s creative learning programs, has volunteered with Liverpool Street University and is currently a Lived Experience Mental Health Educator with the Sydney Local Health District. Beyond his professional roles, Michael is a dedicated father to his young daughter; he continues to extend his practice in the visual arts, and has a love for music, fitness, and reading. Michael's commitment to lifelong learning and his passion for assisting others to explore and build upon their own recovery journey make him a valuable asset to the Recovery Shared team.
Jessica
mental Health Peer Worker
Jessica brings to the Recovery Shared team a diverse background in community development and marketing. Based in Sydney’s Inner West, Jessica has taken to her new role as a Mental Health Peer Worker seamlessly and is highly regarded by clients and Support Coordinators alike – a shining example that the only experience we need is a lived experience. Jessica has a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Graphic Design and New Media and has held various positions in marketing and communications across diverse industries. Her experience includes creating and executing marketing strategies that highlight the social impact of organizations, developing collaborative community events and managing social media campaigns. Beyond her professional achievements, Jessica is a passionate artist with a particular interest in ceramics. She spends her after-work hours in the ceramics studio, exploring her creativity and honing her craft. Her artistic talents and dedication to community engagement make her a valuable asset to the Recovery Shared team.
Benjamin
mental Health Peer Worker
Benjamin is a compassionate and enthusiastic Mental Health Peer Worker at Recovery Shared. Leveraging his extensive background in youth work and customer service, Benjamin brings a unique perspective to his role, supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. With a Graduate Diploma of Psychology and a Bachelor of Economics, Benjamin is well-equipped to provide empathic and informed care. His professional experience includes roles within community and government services where he built skills in client-centred support and trauma-informed practices. Benjamin’s commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work in his personal communities of choice; outside of work, Benjamin is a dedicated father of two and enjoys sports, ancient history, cooking, and reading.
Maggie
mental Health Peer Worker
Maggie leverages her lived experience to provide empathetic support to individuals facing mental health challenges. With a strong focus on person-centred care, she is passionate about fostering peer connections and creating safe, trauma-informed environments. Maggie is currently completing a Dual Diploma of Mental Health and Counselling, enhancing her ability to provide holistic, peer-based support. In addition to her work at Recovery Shared, Maggie volunteers at MoWaNa Safe Space at The Mind Cafe in Narrabeen, where she offers emotional support to individuals in crisis. Living on the Northern Beaches, Maggie enjoys spending time by the beach with her dog, Nelly, and loves a good coffee. Sundays are reserved for relaxing and watching UFC, her favourite way to recharge. Maggie’s passion for building connections and her commitment to fostering a safe space for others make her a valued member of the Recovery Shared team.