Our Graduates – Where Are They Now?

aifc posted this informal question to graduates on our Facebook page: “If you have graduated from aifc’s Christian counselling courses, let us know how you are using your counselling skills to make a difference?”

Here’s what our aifc graduates had to say…

AN Daugherty
I was offered a full time job as a school counsellor for an Anglican school one month before my Advanced Dip Grad. Working my tail off now and hopeful to start a Grad Dip next year. God gets the glory in all of that. But my study and credentials through aifc have certainly been paramount in my work. The skills I developed studying at aifc are used in every single counselling session; Spiritual preparation being the most important ingredient. Thank you aifc.

Nic Gee
I started my own counselling / private practice. “Aryze (arise) Therapy”. Through it I have been blessed to have helped people from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds. It has been a rich and rewarding experience.

Rebecca Royle
Studying with aifc has been such a rich and rewarding experience for myself. The Christian biblical framework has certainly added value to my personal and professional life. Through completing my Grad. Dip at aifc has enabled me to work as a School Chaplain, volunteer at a Not-For-Profit organisation, run my private practice and now presently working as a School Counsellor which is such a rewarding journey. Christ has been faithful. Thank you to aifc for the robust training provided!!! Hopefully will come back to complete my Masters shortly.

Kathy Weller
I have my own private business “Starting Afresh Counselling” which is growing and being stretching, and I love seeing God use the skills  aifc taught me. I graduated last year with my grad duo. Without  aifc I couldn’t have done it as have struggled with learning issues always, yet here I am by Gods grace and amazing tutors at aifc (and their patience lol). Plus I’m helping a church down the road start a low cost counselling and training facility. I work both with Christians and non-Christians, and now watching marriage heal. What a honour to be used this way by God. Thank you aifc.

Danielle Marie Schimke
I started my own private counselling practice, Walking Life’s Path. Providing low cost counselling to the people of Logan. I currently drive all over visiting my clients in their homes, however I am attempting to rebuild a caravan to drive around as my mobile office. I am currently completing my masters along with 11 other lovely ladies. Thank you aifc for teaching great material and connecting me with such awesome people.

Denise Avis
I studied through  aifc Newcastle and graduated in 2009, started my own practice in a health clinic, then moved to Anglicare. Tamworth. Has been such a privilege.

Narrelle Parker
I am working as a youth counsellor/ educator for Palmerston in the area of alcohol and other drugs. In my role I provide counselling and support to those aged between 12-25 who are affected by drugs and alcohol. It’s a hard but extremely rewarding job and I am blessed to see God at work everyday. The Lord along with aifc changed my life in so many ways for the better.

Vivian Biancardi
Since Graduating in 2008 with an Advanced Diploma I have worked in 2 practices with other professionals and eventually ran my own private practice for 3 years – I have worked in the community sector and am now working in a Women’s Refuge supporting clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to Mental Health AoD or Domestic Violence issues.  I have found that aifc have a great training program that equips you to be a skilled worker in a therapeutic setting and/or the community sector. I am now enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (at aifc) to further upskill myself to help others.

Steph Ernst
I finished the advanced diploma last year. Thought out the courses I went through enormous personal growth that I feel is bearing fruit this year. While I had plans to continue study with aifc, for personal reasons I’ve had take a lap year.  I took on a role in my kids school P& C executive this year. In the past I wouldn’t have done it. Fear of dealing with conflict and the usual clashes that happen in committees and parent body in schools.  I feel my studies have empowered me to be more confident that I can handle conflict in a mature fashion. Not to allow fear rule and become an empathetic listener in getting to root causes. It takes away the fears of others responses. Skills that cover all areas of life… personal, community and professional in a way thats following Gods plan for us. I plan to one day practice counseling and look forward to continuing in that direction soon.

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred. Dip. Couns. (Christian)