Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2026 Nominee

Tanya is a certified Life Coach and accredited Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, specialising in grief, loss, and bereavement. Drawing from her own lived experience, which began with a family breakdown, followed by the suicide of her children’s father and the death of her eldest son in a motorcycle accident three years later, she provides hope and support to others. Tanya has developed a unique, action-oriented grief and loss approach that empowers individuals to process emotions, address issues before they escalate to crisis, and move from isolation to healing. This helps to strengthen families and communities by minimising the devastating impact of suicide.

Tanya’s professional care has given clients practical tools, prevented suicides and fostered recovery. Her dedication goes far beyond expectations; she frequently volunteers her time, sometimes sitting with individuals in crisis for extended periods at no cost, ensuring they have access to both clinical resources and her professional support.

Tanya is committed to continuous quality improvement in her suicide prevention work. She serves as a casual peer support worker for StandBy Support After Suicide in Tasmania, regularly managing crisis calls as part of the StandBy After Hours team. Tanya also volunteers for the Suicide Bereavement Group. Her commitment to learning is evident in her participation in speaking engagements and conferences, where she shares lived experience insights and collaborates with professionals and community members.

Tanya’s unique blend of lived experience and compassionate care meets the needs of the community in an innovative and deeply personal way, making a significant difference in suicide prevention in Tasmania.