My name is Karen Synnott and I am 58 years old.
After a long, successful career in education I now have the time to follow some of my passions.
My passions include attempting to reduce stigma around mental health issues. I do this by writing and speaking about my own personal story and experience living with a chronic mental illness. My aim is to give a message of hope and support to the many others who also experience and/or know someone with similar issues. I also hope that, by hearing my story, there may be those out there who are encouraged to seek help so that they too may manage or recover from this illness.
I have started writing a blog which can be found at www.writestrong.blogspot.com.au and I enjoy public speaking on this topic.
I also tutor part time within the Education faculty of the University of Western Sydney.
I am blessed to be a wife, mum, grandmother and friend. Some of my most favourite times involve being with these people.
I also enjoy walking and running at the beach with my little dog Molly. And yoga and shopping are another two of my favourite things pastimes.
Another passion of mine is shoes! One of my dreams is to own a pair of Christian Louboutins!