Lived experience researcher
Martina is a recognised lived experience leader.
She is in the final year, completing a PhD at the Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne.
Her research explores suicidal distress and disclosure in workplaces. She has led two major projects—a systematic literature review and a qualitative study. Martina's final study, currently underway, will develop best practice guidelines to assist workplaces (e.g., employers and managers) to support employees experiencing suicidal distress.
Lived experience advocacy & strategic collaborative work
Since 2015, Martina has drawn on her lived experiences, identity, and previous leadership roles to contribute to mental health and suicide prevention in Australia and internationally.
Her work spans research, strategy, policy, advocacy, training and co-design—often in roles where collaboration and lived expertise are central.
Martina continues to work as a consultant, policy advisor, keynote speaker, co-designer, and facilitator on projects aligned with her values and lived and learned expertise.
Before research
Prior to entering the research world, Martina held state and national leadership roles in occupational health and safety and human resources across the corporate sector.
She also worked as a photojournalist—unpaid — capturing live music events and combining a passion for writing, photography, and storytelling.
Early years
Martina began her career in education, teaching English as a second language and working in special needs education.
She then served six years in the Australian Army’s Education Corps. In her first three years, she worked as a senior instructor delivering promotional training to non-commissioned officers. Later, as an Acting Captain, she led civilian and military teams in the design and delivery of training programs.
Relational by nature, intentional by design—quietly working to shift systems from within.
Like threads, change starts small. Let's chat!
Whether you’re curious, have an idea to explore, or just want to connect—feel free to get in touch.
“Without community, there is no liberation.”
Audre Lorde