Jenna Murphy

I have been working as a Community Builder with RLP and now a Project Officer. I am also part of the TIER facilitator team. I made the decision to make quite a drastic career move from a secure job in primary teaching to take on this new role.  There were a few reasons for my move – firstly, during the pandemic I was inspired and in awe at seeing so many people using their creativity, gifts and skills to get through some difficult times together and I think many realised the importance of community in our health and wellbeing. Building authentic healthy relationships is key in our healing journey. Secondly, I genuinely believe that a trauma-informed approach to asset-based community development (ABCD) is something special and vital when working in our communities.  ABCD focuses on what is strong in our communities instead of what is wrong and there is a wealth of gifts and skills in our communities. Understanding trauma and the impact on our nervous system is crucial in empowering a better relationship with self and happier, healthier and more peaceful communities.

I have previous experience in Education with a particular interest in Child Development, Attachment theory and Health and Wellbeing.  My undergraduate degree is in Ethnicity and Human Rights and Religion, Culture and Society which enhanced my passion for social justice/equality and equity. 

Out of work, I really enjoy escaping out into nature to go for walks as much as I can, teaching yoga classes, visiting new places, going to gigs/festivals, reading on topics such as polyvagal theory, psychology, culture, world history and sociology.