Kristy Zabaznow, Senior Social Worker

I work across JSW’s youth programs, supporting young people to identify and address their barriers and find ways to succeed on their own terms.

Working with young people often means being that person who plants a tiny seed, waters it, and then allows it time to grow and develop into something beautiful.    

Simply being there and providing unbiased support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. We may not see the results immediately, but who knows what amazing things they’ll do in the longer term?

I take a trauma-informed approach to my work with young people at risk. This approach recognises that experiencing trauma is a pervasive and profoundly impacting part of our shared human experience.

I’m trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT.)  I deliver the driver education program Keys4Life, the life skills program Nuts and Bolts and workshops to support young people in caring for their sexual health.

JSW is a flexible, family-friendly workplace, and these are imperatives for me. I also love how we recognise gaps in support for vulnerable people in our communities and get stuck into finding ways to fill them.

I’m also a committed advocate for neurodivergent young people whose autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other condition has not been diagnosed. In addition to working part-time at JSW, I have a private practice that offers Functional Capacity Assessments for people with neurodivergent conditions or psychosocial disabilities. These assessments are designed to help my clients get tailored support to match their needs and make community connections.

Outside of work, I’m a competitive horse rider with a passion for dressage. I breed and train my small team of horses, and we compete in WA.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Applied Science Equine Studies
Certificate IV Career Development
Certificate IV Employment Services