Biography
Rhonda Rooklyn is a Sydney born and raised woman. Rhonda has worked in numerous fields before finding her forte as an Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) worker with the We Help Ourselves (WHOS) rehabilitation service in 2000. Rhonda worked as a residential support worker before becoming a qualified counsellor in AOD, dual diagnosis and Mental Health through her work and study while employed at WHOS. Rhonda worked in every aspect of delivering WHOS programs becoming a valued employee, respected by her peers and colleagues for her ability to apply her skills to work within the diverse programs delivered by WHOS. These included the women’s program New Beginnings, the Methadone Treatment to Abstinence Rehabilitation (MTAR) program, as well as the aftercare and outreach programs working with and supporting the families of residents. Rhonda supported the WHOS Men’s program when required and developed a reputation as a no-nonsense counsellor.
Rhonda currently works part-time with the United Gardens Clinic delivering the Maintenance to Abstinence Program (MAP) based in Summer Hill. MAP supports clients who are on opioid substitution therapy to commence recovery from substance abuse and achieve abstinence from all drugs, including alcohol and prescribed opioid therapy. Rhonda's role in MAP assists clients in recovering from substance use, gambling addiction, eating disorders, mental health issues and homelessness, employing a holistic approach to social & emotional wellbeing. Rhonda facilitates therapeutic groups and individual counselling with clients to further their journey to healing and become functioning members of society.
Rhonda became a ‘go to worker’ for Aboriginal Men and Women while at the WHOS service as she showed great insight to understanding the issues presenting for CALD (Culturally and Linguistic Diverse) and Aboriginal clients in an environment that catered to the dominant culture. This insight has placed Rhonda in a position of respect from ex-residents and community members for her tireless work and enthusiasm to confront the systems that don’t respect the cultural differences that are prevalent for Aboriginal people and minorities.
Rhonda has traveled extensively internationally with her husband but now lives in Gadigal Country in the Eora Nation known now as Sydney. Rhonda has four adult children and a grandson. Rhonda still works pro-bono as a counsellor and therapist with persons who may not be able to access facilities or afford counselling. Rhonda joined the Wiimpatja team as a result of her desire to further support Aboriginal people and empower First Nation People to take their rightful place in every level of our culture, community and society.