Children’s wellbeing is intrinsically connected to their parents’ wellbeing and their ability to engage, give love, and have strong constructive relationships more than any other influence in their lives.

Our upbringing and family life shapes us, gives us context to the world around us – our community, culture, education, values, and our behaviour. For Integreat Queensland’s Program Coordinator and Facilitator Esther Arzolay, who delivers our Parenting and Children Programs (Circle of Security, 123 Magic, Seasons for Growth) and our Resilient Relationships programs, the well-being of parents and families is fundamental to the well-being of the children and something she is passionate about.

“When parents and families are equipped with the proper support and skills, they are better able to attend to their children’s needs and maintain healthy parent-child relationships,” Esther said.

“Working with Integreat Queensland and delivering the programs gives me the opportunity to help parents reduce their anxiety associated with parenting and helps increase harmony and a sense of well-being in family life. It is very rewarding work because it gives families the opportunity to grow, change, repair, heal and live a more resilient life.”

Originally from Venezuela, Esther immigrated to Australia in 2011 with her husband who was allowed to enter the country on a Skilled Working Visa.

“I first lived in the Northern Territory for about two and a half years in a small town called NhuIunbuy,” she said.

“It was a relatively easy process to immigrate to Australia because Rio Tinto sponsored my husband to work here. In 2014 we moved to Gladstone and in 2020, I started working for Integreat Queensland within their Resilience and Parenting Programs.

“I love the environment at Integreat Queensland. It’s full of energy, positivity and people who know and love what they’re doing and do it with passion, it’s a great place to work.”