With a career spanning Community Services, Youth Work, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Child Protection, and Aboriginal Community Engagement, Cindy Lesley brings a wealth of industry experience to her role as a Trainer & Assessor at Hader Institute of Education.
Throughout her career, Cindy has worked across government, community, educational, and Aboriginal-led settings. She has supported individuals, families, and communities through education, case management, program development, and community engagement.
Her work has focused on creating culturally responsive services, strengthening community connections, and developing opportunities that support positive outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.
As a trainer, Cindy is passionate about sharing knowledge and creating learning experiences that are practical, engaging, and meaningful. She has delivered training across classroom, online, community, and custodial settings, adapting learning to meet the diverse needs of learners.
Her approach combines industry knowledge with real-world experience, helping learners build confidence and practical skills for the workforce.
Cindy’s commitment to professional development is reflected in her extensive qualifications and ongoing learning. She holds qualifications in Family Studies, Indigenous Studies, Community Services, Leadership, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Training and Assessment.
Across her career, Cindy has held positions including Aboriginal Teacher, Outreach Teacher, Contract PTC Teacher, Child Protection Practitioner, Intensive Family Case Worker, Disability Services Manager, Facilitator, Program Manager, and Consultancy Owner.
These roles have enabled her to develop strong expertise in learner engagement, community partnerships, cultural integrity, leadership, and workforce development.
Cindy believes learning is a powerful tool for growth, confidence, and positive change. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others and is committed to helping learners develop the skills and understanding needed to achieve their goals.
Guided by her philosophy, “To Inform is To Empower,” Cindy continues to inspire lifelong learning and personal development.
Cindy’s approach to education is practical, culturally informed, and learner-focused.
Educational Background:
- Master of Family Studies, University of Newcastle
- Masters Indigenous Study (Trauma and Trauma Recovery), Southern Cross University
- Diploma of Community Services, OTEN
- Diploma of Leadership, North Coast Institute TAFE
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, North Coast Institute TAFE
- Certificate IV in Mental Health Work (Non Clinical), North Coast TAFE
- Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, North Coast TAFE
- Diploma Aboriginal Studies, OTEN
- Diploma Social Welfare, Coffs Harbour Education Campus
- Bachelor of Social Sciences (Social Welfare), Charles Sturt University
- Certificate IV Youth Work, TAFE NSW
- Additional professional development in Child Protection, Domestic and Family Violence, Signs of Safety, Safe and Together, Crisis Intervention, Behaviour Management, Disability Services, Leadership, and Community Practice.
Join Cindy as she draws on decades of experience across community services, Aboriginal engagement, family support, and education to help learners develop practical skills, broaden their understanding, and build confidence for their future careers.