Minnawarra House Staff

Sandra Leeder - Chief Executive Officer

Sandra trained as a Social Worker at Curtin University (WA). She completed a degree in Community Development and studied psychotherapy and Media at Edith Cowan University. She commenced at Minnawarra House following a social work study period of six months in Scotland in 1995. Sandra has instigated multiple and varied programs to cater for all age groups in the Armadale district. These have included men's, women's and children’s programs. Sandra manages the Family Support Program and the Roberta Jull Youth & Family Counselling Service which caters for 12-18year olds and their families. Sandra has an interest in community gardens and nutritious food growing at home.

Marye Wade - Counsellor

Marye Wade has been working at Minnawarra House for 4 years as an Art therapist. She works with children aged between 4 and 11yrs who are at emotional, developmental and educational risk. After having her own child she became interested in working with children, using Play therapy as well as Art therapy.
Marye has always had a passion for art, colour and the art therapeutic process. She was a practicing artist for over 15 years (Painting, Graphics and Textile Design) before gaining her Bachelor of Visual Arts (Edith Cowan University and subsequently her Masters in Art Therapy (ECU) in 2004. She has worked extensively with children conducting art workshops as part of Awesome Children’s Festival’s Creative Challenge programme in past years. Marye also works in adult mental health, disabilities and in local Aboriginal communities as an Arts worker.
She is enjoying being a part of the Minawarra House team very much.

Ken Abrahams - Counsellor

Ken Abrahams has trained in Transactional Analysis – Psychotherapy (WPATA) and over the years has built up a good reputation with numerous clients, agencies and schools. He works part time with Minnawarra House along with his private practice in Kingsley.
Ken started his Doing Anger Management groups at Minnawarra House in September 2003. He was running three children’s groups and one teenage anger group at the time.
Ken has a varied and experiential background including careers in commercial photography and stonemasonry. He enjoys working with community-based programmes designed to help individuals and couples.