About Us - Meet Your Instructor!
About Jessica
Registered Nurse
Registered Midwife
Trainer and Assessor (TAE40122)
Licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Jessica, the Founder/Owner of Empowered Forward, is an experienced Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, qualified Trainer & Assessor (TAE40122), and Licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructor through Mental Health First Aid Australia.
As a strong mental health advocate, Jessica is passionate about the delivery of Mental Health First Aid courses across public and community, workplace or corporate settings. She is available to provide Mental Health First Aid training to public groups, and private groups in Cairns QLD Australia; and Australia wide upon request.
In clinical and non-clinical settings, Jessica has worked with and cared for many people who are experiencing a mental health problem or who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. In that time, she has identified that Mental Health First Aid courses help to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, whilst also equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a person who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis at any given time, in any setting.
With a career spanning across hospital and primary health roles, managerial roles, corporate roles and educational roles, Jessica has worked in positions that have involved direct clinical patient care, health education and promotion, nurse navigation, preceptorship and facilitation, and leadership in both healthcare and education sectors through statewide and national health policy and guideline development implementation —making her uniquely equipped to deliver engaging, practical, and high-impact training and education sessions.
Jessica delivers courses that are evidence-based, trauma-informed, inclusive and grounded in real-world experience. She creates a safe, engaging learning environment where participants are supported, inspired and empowered.
As a professional, competent, highly motivated, approachable, and down to earth educator; Jessica is passionate about caring for, helping and empowering others forward; through education and support. She doesn’t just teach Mental Health First Aid courses —she equips participants with the knowledge and skills that they need, to make a difference.
Whether you're an individual, a workplace, or a community organisation, Jessica’s education sessions deliver practical skills, real-world relevance, and lasting impact.
Qualifications and Certifications
- Bachelor of Nursing Science / Bachelor of Midwifery
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122)
- Licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructor
- First Aid & CPR Certificate
- Valid Blue Card (Working with Children Check)
- Valid Yellow Card (NDIS Worker Screening Check)
- National Criminal History Check
- Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance