Alahna completed a Bachelor of Social Work in 2003 at the University of NSW and has been employed since that time in various social work roles across Australia and the UK. She completed a post-graduate certificate in Adolescent Health and Well-being (oncology) in 2015 and has been employed as the Adolescent and Young Adult social worker in the state-wide SA/NT Youth Cancer Service since 2013. Alahna has been a member of OSWANZ since beginning in this role.

Alahna’s concurrent experience has seen her work as a senior social worker for over 14 years with children, adolescents and young adults, and their families in the area of child protection and the family court.

Alahna is a dedicated and passionate oncology social worker who is committed to supporting young people and their families as they travel through their cancer experience. Alahna has found great benefit in connecting with oncology social workers through the OSWANZ network and attending conferences. As the webinar working party chair, Alahna has enjoyed hosting great speakers and assisting the development of oncology social work resources for members, which can be accessed on the OSWANZ website.

Alahna is excited to be taking on the role of president of OSWANZ and plans to continue collaborating and engaging with key stakeholders, members and broadening the reach of oncology social work across Australia and New Zealand, with the goal of improving psychosocial outcomes for people affected by cancer.