Our Educators

Michelle Benjamin
MiBePho

Michelle is a Clinical Pastoral Educator, having been awarded her credential in 2015.

Academic: Bachelor of Applied Science (Nursing Primary Care), Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies, Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction.

Professional:  Michelle is the Centre Director of the Perth Community CPE Centre.  She also maintains an independent supervisory practice.  She is an active and committed member of ACPEWA, having served as Vice President, President and Secretary of the Management Committee and Chair of the Registration and Certification Committee.

“Supervision of another who is testing a call to furthering their development as a pastoral person and professional is a privilege.  As I accompany another in this journey, I work in such a way that the term “The Living Human Document” can become more real and appreciated.”

Michael Hertz
MiHePho

Michael is a Clinical Pastoral Educator, who is learning the Western Australian culture and context after supervising in American healthcare systems since the early 1990’s.

Academic: Bachelor of Science (Bacteriology), Master of Divinity

“I seek to ground all aspects of my practice in theory, including human and personality development, group dynamics and process, ethics, psycho/social/spiritual assessment, reflective practice and mindfulness.  I incorporate expressive arts along with healing rituals from a variety of cultures and spiritualities into the curriculum.  The human brain learns best through play, therefore I seek to create a stimulating and creative learning environment.  My deepest satisfaction is witnessing professional development in my students, which I measure in terms of deepened awareness of their strengths and limitations, heightened emotional and relational intelligence, increased compassion, and enhanced competence in providing effective care for those in spiritual distress.”

 

Helen Vester
HeVePho

Helen is a Clinical Pastoral Educator, who enjoys helping others to discover and form their pastoral identity.

Academic:
Bachelor of Theology (distinction), Master of Arts (Theological Studies), Graduate Diploma of Education (distinction), Bachelor of Technology (1st class honours)

Professional
: Helen is a Clinical Pastoral Educator with the Perth Community CPE Centre, having trained at Royal Perth Hospital.  She has a background as a Hospital Pastoral Practitioner, Prison Chaplain and High School Teacher. She also provides private professional supervision to people working in pastoral care and ministry roles, or in training. She is a supervisory member of ACPEWA, member of the ACPEWA Management Committee and Registration & Certification Committee, ANZACPE (Australia and New Zealand Association of Clinical Pastoral Education) Ltd Board member and supervisor member of AAOS (Australasian Association of Supervision).

“I am passionate about helping people form their unique pastoral identity, informed by their understanding of faith, sources of meaning, purpose and connectedness in life and desire to journey with others through difficult circumstances. I utilise an adult education model grounded in theory, research, self-reflection and experience of the living human document.”

Contact Details: helenvester99@gmail.com

Location: Attadale