Michelle Swann

Hi, I'm Michelle Swann and I am a mental health family carer lived experience worker and a qualified social worker. I have worked in the mental health sector for the past 24 years in community, clinical and government settings. I began as a carer peer support worker and most recently worked as the Principal Adviser, Lived Experience (Family Carer) in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division in Victoria's Department of Health. Whilst in that role I co-managed the Lived and Living Experience Advisory Hub and supported several Senior Family Carer Advisers. From 2009 to 2012 I was the Victorian State-Wide Family Carer Advocate. I was a young carer for my mother who experienced long-term mental health challenges and I currently support other family members with their mental health, AOD and gambling harm challenges. In my spare time, I direct theatrical productions across Melbourne.

Principal Adviser, Lived Experience (Family Carer) for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division (MHWD) of Victoria's Department of Health (DH) between 2021 and 2026

Director, Carer for the Lived Experience Branch of the MHWD in DH between February and December, 2025

Senior Carer Adviser for Mental Health Reform Victoria between July 2020 to July 2021

Senior Adviser (Carer) for the Office of the Chief Mental Health Nurse in the Department of Health and Human Services between December 2019 and July 2020

Carer Adviser for NorthWestern Mental Health between 2013 and 2019

Carer Consultant for Mind Australia between 2012 and 2014

Victorian Statewide Mental Health Carer Advocate employed by ARAFEMI between 2009 and 2012

Carer Peer Support Worker for NorthWestern Mental Health's Aged Mental Health Program between 2002 and 2009

I have set up my own consultancy providing family/carer perspective supervision, mentorship and coaching amongst other services.

Intentional Peer Support (five day and two day advanced)

Single Session Peer Work

Single Session Family Consultation

Introductin to Open Dialogue

Suicide Prevention (including for peers by peers)

Trauma Informed Care and Practice

TACSI Foundations for Co-Design

Jane Wexler Professional Supervision (Supervision and State of Being)

Mediation

Motivational Interviewing

Leadership Edge for Senior Public Servants

Facilitation

Associate Diploma of Business (Legal Practice)

Bachelor of Social Work Social Policy with Honours

I aim to provide a supportive, empathic, non-judgmental, authentic and safe environment where you decide the direction you wish to take.

I aim to be flexible, understanding, compassionate and curious about your wellbeing and professional development.

Good professional supervision is a blend of art and science where important discoveries about ourselves, others, organisations and systems can be made.