Meet The SWMPS Team
Susie Perkins
Advisor Parenting Services
I’m Susie, mum to an adult son. I lead the South West Metropolitan Parenting Service in partnership with City of Cockburn and KEYS. I also manage the Meerilinga Parenting Service. Many years ago I trained as an Early Childhood Educator and throughout my working life, I have had the immense joy and pleasure of working with many children and their families. I am passionate about supporting parents so they can help their children to thrive. Connection and relationships are so important in how we parent our next generation. I am grateful that I work with amazing colleagues and I walk alongside wonderful children and adults every day.
Belynda Smith
Parenting Facilitator
I’m Belynda, mum of two teen boys and passionate advocate for parents and the power of parenting to build a more peaceful and connected world. I have a background as a High School English Teacher, Teacher Librarian, Librarian, Bookseller and now a Parenting Facilitator. I’m certified to teach a number of evidence-based, nurturing, relationship-focused parenting approaches. The parenting ideas I share always centre on connection – because this is what the evidence tells us works to build thriving families, and it is what my heart tells me is pivotal for our children to feel safe, supported and to flourish. Parenting is challenging, complex, nuanced and delightful work, and I love walking alongside parents as they support their children.
Sarina Elder
Workshop Coordinator
I’m Sarina, mum of two young women who are still my babies. For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about making life better for children. Throughout my 30-year career in working with families and children, I’ve been fortunate to learn from leaders and researchers in the fields of brain development, behaviour, social and emotional development, life coaching, and child development. As much as these experiences have contributed to my professional and personal development, it was becoming a parent that brought it all home for me. No amount of training and experience can prepare one for parenthood, and I certainly didn’t get off easy. Parenting neurodiverse children has added so much valued experience and understanding to my work with parents and carers, particularly as I also am neurodiverse.
The sum of these professional and lived experiences has left me passionate about supporting parents and carers to parent with self-awareness, self-forgiveness, confidence, and purpose; as they forge strong connections with their children based on acceptance and faith in themselves and their children.
Coral Atkins
Parenting Services Coordinator
I’m Coral and I joined the City of Cockburn as a Parenting Services Coordinator in August this year. For 9 years I have been a primary School Chaplain. It is a fulfilling and rewarding role. Prior to Chaplaincy I was a Learning & Development specialist with 11 years’ experience in a range of sectors, predominantly Financial Services. I took 5 years off to be with my children, working in various voluntary positions. I am very excited about my new role and to use what I have learnt to work with parents and carers. I am looking forward to running programs and helping parents and carers to reflect on their own parenting, apply what they are learning to help them cope and thrive.
Gerldine Stanton
Parenting Service Coordinator
Hi, I’m Geraldine Stanton and the most important thing to me is my family. I have dedicated my career to the field of education and parenting support. My passion for education began in a small alternative school that my children attended, and I taught for many years. After leaving teaching, I transition to parenting education and a role at Cockburn Parenting Service.
I have continued to expand my knowledge and skills, training in numerous parenting courses so I can offer these to parents. I find great joy in facilitating parenting workshops and groups, where I can provide a supportive environment for parents to enrich their parenting knowledge, build connections with their children, reflect on their parenting journeys and share experiences.
