meet the team
Cherith and Sonya met while working for CaFHS, (Child and Family Health Service SA) at Torrens House and connected over their mutual love of babies, organisation, systems and order. Even after Sonya moved on to work at a local community centre closer to home, they continued to catch up regularly over a cuppa and more recently to discuss their mutual flower-growing passion. Sonya is the Operations Administrator and will make sure you have everything you need before, during and after each group you attend.
Cherith and Sonya both have current National Police Clearances through the South Australian Police Department and Working with Children checks through the Department of Human Services. They are also both trained in CPR through Australian Red Cross.
more about cherith
Cherith is a Registered Nurse with postgraduate qualifications from Flinders University in Child and Family Health as well as ongoing professional development and additional training in Maternal and Infant health. Cherith has been working with families, health professionals and organisations for 20 years supporting them with sleep and settling issues, feeding difficulties, baby care education and infant massage.
Cherith’s qualifications;
Registered Nurse with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency)
Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health Flinders University
Australasian Lactation Course
Paediatric Massage Consultant
Mental Health First Aid training
Cert IV workplace training and assessment
Professional Memberships; MCaFHNA, IMIS (Infant Massage Information Service), ANMF (Nurses union)
Experience;
Over a decade at Torrens House, (controlled crying and cry it out are not strategies used at Torrens House!) and over 15 years with CaFHS (Child and Family Health Service) across community sites and in Leadership roles
Cherith Frisby-Smith Parenting 2012-2019 - private service offering in home support for feeding and settling, phone support & infant massage as well as education to Health Professionals
Outside of Nursing Cherith has worked as a Manager in Child Sponsorship for World Vision and as a First Aid Trainer & Community Service Coordinator for Australian Red Cross
Some of the organisations Cherith has worked with;
Anglicare SA - training foster carers in baby care
Gaia Skin Naturals - running infant massage sessions at the PBCE around Australia, (Pregnancy, Baby and Children Expo)
Acorn and The Baby Steps groups for mothers needing additional Mental Health Support - infant massage
Nestle - guest speaker on infant massage
Aspen Nutritionals - training Nurses in the NHMRC National feeding guidelines for Breastfeeding and Bottle feeding
Sonya
Sonya comes from a beauty therapy background before a decision to switch it up saw her move into an administration career. In recent years Sonya has worked in the aged and childhood sector of community organisations . With 15 years experience, Sonya is a whiz at spreadsheets and is a labeller extraordinaire . Her calm and efficient approach to organising is enough to tame the wildest of messes. Sonya will ensure that you have everything you need and will always greet you with a smile.