Meet our group facilitators
Linda Rowland
Belmont Group Facilitator & Network Co-ordinator
Linda deeply respects those she works with and loves to see them courageously tackle and overcome challenging problems such as addiction, suicidal thinking and post-traumatic stress.
Linda is a qualified psychologist who works at ATUNE Health Centres, alongside coordinating the Depression and Hope network and running the Belmont group. She has worked as a psychologist across three states in Australia with a diverse range of client groups, and she is passionate about helping people get 'unstuck' and move toward full mental health and well-being.
Linda is a mum of three and loves to be outside at the beach, bush or ski fields. In winter, you might find her curled beside the fire with a cat and a glass of red wine.
Contact Linda at depression.hope.nsw@gmail.com
Karen Thorpe
Charlestown Group Facilitator
Karen has always sought ways to support the community and make a difference in situations of need so that people are empowered to live independent and fulfilled lives. In running the group, she is very capably supported by a team, some of whom have lived experience in the journey of overcoming anxiety and depression. The group is caring, warm and supportive and welcomes new members.
Karen is the Director of the Victory Centre and facilitator of the Depression & Hope Women’s Support Group Charlestown.
She is married to Allen (another facilitator in our network); they have 4 married children and 8 grandchildren. They enjoy spending time enjoying our local lake and beaches.
Contact Karen at karen.thorpe@c3victory.org.au
Rob Hoile
Tanilba Group Facilitator
Rob is passionate about helping individuals achieve their full potential. He firmly believes in the life-giving benefits of hope in Christ.
Rob has an extensive career in qualitative and quantitative social and market research. He has developed a unique understanding of all walks of Australian society. Recent exposure to the not-for-profit sector as a CBT facilitator, project leader, and counsellor in mental health and addictive behaviours.
Rob has a Bachelor of Business, Cert IV in Training and Assessment, and a Diploma of Biblical Studies. He has recently completed a Masters Of Theological Studies focusing on the impacts of trauma, suicide, person-centred care and counselling practice. He has also completed training in Clinical Pastoral Care. He is currently completing a Master of Pastoral Counselling at CSU.
Contact Rob at robhoile602@gmail.com
Gabrielle (Gai) Clothier
Morriset Group Facilitator
Gai is passionate about relating to women, hearing their life experiences and sharing their mental health issues with them. She has a desire to see women grow despite life’s many challenges.
She has experience as a Mental Health Worker in the community, counselling at a neighbourhood multicultural centre, supporting new mothers through the UON Family Action Centre, and volunteering in Pastoral Care in a church setting. She also holds a Certificate IV in chaplaincy, a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Counselling & Groupwork.
Gai loves living in the Newcastle CBD and enjoys being nanna to 6 wonderful grandkids. Some of her favourite things include sunny days, relaxing beside water landscapes, and delicious ice cream and chocolate (though they’re not really on the healthy eating plan).
Contact Gabrielle at gai2458@outlook.com
Damien Cooke
Pelican Group Facilitator
Damien has a passion for seeing people live with a resilient growth mindset, where people are able to move through challenges and come out the other side with a sense of empowerment and motivation to be connected in a community.
He is a qualified personal counsellor with an Advanced Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy (2006/2007) and is currently studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health. He provides counselling services through Healing Path to Wellness, a health promotion charity, and our support group.
Damien is married with two young boys and enjoys camping as well as horse riding.
Contact Damien at dandscooke@icloud.com