Our Team
Strength ~ Connection ~ Community ~ Future
Founder / Counsellor
Richard O'Connor
A desire to make a difference and a love of people and exercise, inspired my entry into the wellness industry in 1991. I have worked in many capacities, including creating two businesses, one educational (est 2007), focusing on professional development, and a Personal training gym which was established in 2002 that I still operate today in Robina. During this time I have had the opportunity to care for many people from diverse backgrounds with varying health and wellness challenges and help them achieve their individual goals. Many of these people for almost 20 years.
Along the way my interest in mental health has deepened, leading me to undertake my Bachelor of Counselling degree at Griffith University Gold Coast. Walk and Talk for Wellness is another small way I hope to make a difference in the lives of the people in my community.
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I look forward to walking and talking with you soon!
Richard is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast
Supervisor / Counsellor
Joanne Mitchell
After years of a successful management career, where I had the rare but rewarding opportunity to coach and guide people to reach their full potential professionally, I wanted to continue to explore how I could help people on a more personal level. Helping people is what I feel passionate about.
I started a Bachelor of Counselling and since I’ve graduated, I’ve started my own private practice,am a tutor at Griffith University and have done some work in the NDIS sector. All the while developing my skills in mental health and giving people a trusted avenue to talk about their lives.
I now get the amazing opportunity to come back to my Walk and Talk for Wellness family. During my degree I was a trainee counsellor and loved the Walk and Talk format. Healing in nature and walking in beautiful environments has shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress and I can’t wait to meet up with you soon!
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Jo supervises for our locations in the Gold Coast
Counsellor trainee
Kaitlin Carr
Hey, my name is Kaity, I'm a third-year counselling student. My passion for counselling was driven by my own personal journey through mental health challenges. By engaging in talk therapy, I gained a strong belief in the transformative power of resilience. I have experience working with people in grief and loss, and youth mentoring, through which I have strengthened my skills in understanding and supporting individuals through their most vulnerable moments.
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Nature serves as both a sanctuary for my own self-care practices and a therapeutic tool in my work. I've found peace and rejuvenation in the embrace of natural environments. This connection to nature not only sustains me but also informs my approach to counselling, offering holistic avenues for healing and growth.
Empowering others to discover their inner strength and resilience is my guiding principle. As I continue my journey toward becoming a counsellor, I remain committed to fostering hope in those I work with.
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Kaity is available at our HOTA and Benowa locations in the Gold Coast region
Counsellor trainee
Kate Powell
For over 15 years, I thrived in the dynamic world of events and marketing, crafting engaging experiences and fostering strong partnerships. My passion for human connection now leads me down a new path - psychotherapy. Equipped with a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and currently pursuing a Master's in Psychotherapy and Counselling, I'm committed to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges and cultivate emotional well-being.
My previous experience in stakeholder engagement, project management, and building communities translates into a deep understanding of the human experience – a valuable asset in supporting clients on their journey to mental wellness.
Kate is available at our Benowa and HOTA locations in the Gold Coast region
Counsellor trainee
Crissy Ladek
As a mature student of Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Professions and a 14-year frontline healthcare veteran, I bring a unique blend of lived experiences and compassion to my practice. With a focus on collaboration, community and wellness, I’m passionate about walking with individuals towards their resilience and healing.
Drawing from my own journey and a belief in the therapeutic benefits of movement and nature I am looking forward to the integration of eco-therapy principals from walk and talk for wellness. My solution-focused approach centers on active listening and collaboration, empowering clients to discover their strengths and solutions.
As an Army Veteran, I hold a special commitment to the well-being of fellow Veterans, and I continuously expand my learning in areas of neuropsychology and trauma to better serve my clients.
I am looking forward to embarking on a path to a brighter tomorrow.
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Crissy is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast​
Counsellor trainee
Martin Skok
For over ten years I owned and operated a thriving apiary business which included training hobbyists through to professionals, liaising with multiple organisations and the public with a strong focus on customer relations as well as all the minutiae of running a business. While I spent time volunteering, I wanted to do more.
As a mature age student and father of four I bring a unique perspective to counselling. I am especially drawn to nature based counselling due to the impact that nature has had on me throughout my life.
I’m excited to join the Walk and Talk community and help others discover fresh hope.
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Martin is available at our HOTA and Benowa locations in the Gold Coast region
Counsellor trainee
Carly Beecher
As a third-year counselling student, my passion for listening and understanding others extends beyond traditional settings. My role with Walk and Talk Wellness enables me to integrate nature's therapeutic benefits with impactful conversations. I believe in addressing mental health through a holistic lens—considering the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit—and strive to create a space where clients feel truly heard and supported.
My empathetic and open-minded approach helps me connect with clients in a safe, non-judgmental environment where they can freely explore their thoughts and feelings. I’ve found that the combination of walking and talking fosters a unique connection and provides fresh perspectives for both the client and myself. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate their challenges and discover strength in their journey toward mental well-being.
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Carly is available at our Benowa and HOTA locations in the Gold Coast region​