Reintegration Caseworker/Lived Experience Advisor

Hi I’m Mary-Jane and I’m a dedicated lived-experience reintegration worker and advocate who draws deeply from my own journey through addiction, incarceration, and long-term recovery.

My personal experience, combined with my formal qualifications in community services, allows me to support others with genuine understanding, compassion, and evidence-based practice.

I have an exceptional ability to connect with people who are transitioning fromcorrectional environments back into the community. I understand first hand the challenges that come with stigma, rebuilding identity, navigating complex service systems, and breaking cycles of disadvantage. Because of this, I’m able to create safe, non-judgmental, and empowering spaces where people feel seen, heard, andsupported.

In my role as a Reintegration Case Worker with Empowered Project, I provide intensive psychosocial and community-based support to individuals in custody and post-release. Essentiall I help to bridge the gap between correctional systems and everyday life, helping participants stabilise, reconnect with meaningful supports, develop healthy routines, and access essential services including the NDIS. My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strengths-based practice.

I am also a Lived Experience Director at Collab4Good, where I contribute tosystem-wide reform by co-designing initiatives that amplify lived-experience voices and drive more compassionate, effective justice and reintegration responses across South Australia.

My greatest strength lies in transforming my lived experience into leadership. I like to think I bring hope, dignity, and practical guidance to the people I support — showing that recovery is possible, change is achievable, and lived experience is a powerful force for community transformation.