Youth worker Alesia Henderson starts new career at Carinity Education Glendyne

A former troubled student has started a career at the school that helped get her education back on track after years of bullying.

A former student at Carinity Education Glendyne, Alesia Henderson is now a youth worker at the Hervey Bay school.

A former troubled teen is now supporting others in a new role at the school that helped turn her life around.

Hervey Bay’s Alesia Henderson faced bullying during her school years, which led to skipping school, suspension and long absences.

“My mindset was not focused on schoolwork. Even though I was attending, I wasn’t going to my classes. I was going downhill.

“I became rebellious, which affected my relationships with others,” Alesia said.

Desperate for help, Alesia enrolled at Carinity Education Glendyne in Year 10.

It was here that her life began to change. The staff and youth workers at the school provided the support and encouragement she needed.

“They helped me regain my confidence and made me feel accepted,” she said.

“The hands-on learning approach and focus on real-life work skills reignited my passion for learning.”

Alesia is now making a difference in the lives of teenagers through her role as a youth worker at the Hervey Bay school.

Alesia made strong friendships and overcame her mental health challenges with the help of school youth workers.

Her hard work paid off when she graduated in 2019, an achievement that once seemed out of reach.

Alesia is enjoying her new youth worker role with Carinity Education Glendyne students.

After completing school, Alesia was inspired by the help she received and the positive changes in her life.

Determined to make a difference herself, she decided to work in residential care to support local youth.

A chance meeting with Carinity Education Glendyne principal, Dale Hansen, at a local supermarket proved to be a turning point in Alesia’s life.

“When he learned I was interested in giving back to other youth who were struggling, he gave me some guidance on what qualifications I needed to become a youth worker at the school,” Alesia said.

Inspired by Dale’s words, Alesia enrolled in a Certificate IV in Youth Work course.

When a part-time youth worker position became available at Carinity Education Glendyne in early 2025, Alesia applied.

With an impressive resume that included working with young people, TAFE studies, and training in therapeutic crisis intervention – the model used by Carinity schools – Alesia secured the position and started as a youth worker supporting Year 12 students.

Alesia pictured at her high school graduation in 2019 with youth worker and mentor Tony Pond.

Alesia is known for her dedication and hard work, and the school takes pride in the remarkable woman she has become.

“Alesia fits in well and is consistent in her approach to helping others and understanding the needs of students. She is becoming a great mentor,” Mr Hansen said.

Alesia loves being back at the school and said her personal experiences helped her relate to the students and build rapport with them.

“I am enjoying getting to know the students and helping them feel comfortable with me. Making connections and helping them with their tasks is very rewarding,” she said.

“The environment at Glendyne has inspired me so much. I want to continue helping the kids. That’s what I love about working here.”

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