October 10, 2025#WeAreNorthern
Today, in recognition of both Mental Health Month and Mental Health Day, we’re delighted to introduce Emily Miranda, our new Adult Community Group Program Coordinator within the Mental Health Division.
The group program is being introduced as part of the new Adult Community model of care and will offer consumers and carers a range of group-based sessions to complement the care provided by the treating mental health teams. Emily brings valuable experience from her previous roles as a Mental Health Occupational Therapist and Team Leader and Group Coordinator.
What is your coffee order?
I love a good chai latte.
What will your role as Adult Community Group Program Coordinator entail?
This role is an exciting opportunity to build a group program that provides recovery-oriented group interventions which complement the work that is already being done individually, drawing on the expertise of all disciplines.
What excites you about this opportunity?
After spending the last two years establishing a successful group program in Monash Health’s adult community mental health services, I’m looking forward to leading the development of a service-wide program at Northern Health and to work together on this exciting new aspect of the service.
Why is the group program important for your consumers?
There is something fundamentally powerful about feeling part of a group; a sense of acceptance, emotional safety, support and validation that are the remedy to loneliness and a sense of isolation. Group work allows us an opportunity to connect people, and I don’t just mean socially.
In therapeutic groups, participants share their experiences, learn from each other, gain a sense of hope from hearing from others who’ve been where they’ve been, and also a sense of pride and accomplishment when they are the person providing that example for others.
How do you unwind after work?
I like to unwind by making plans to meet friends, singing loudly in my car and trying out new recipes for dinner.
Where is one place you would like to travel to and why?
I would love to go back to Spain. Between the tapas, siestas and salsa dancing I can’t think of anywhere better!
What is something not many people know about you?
I am obsessed with coriander; I’m convinced it makes everything better. I like to use the entire bunch in a dish, regardless of what the recipe says!
