99. Tania Waring - 29 January 2023

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time - Matthew 5: 1-12a

Tania worked as a solicitor for over twenty years, primarily for medical defence organisations, assisting doctors and other health professionals with complaints and claims against them. Tania has three lovely children, one of whom has ADHD and Autism and has faced incredible challenges in his schooling and social life. To better support her family Tania gave up her legal profession and became a full time carer to her third child. Over the last four years Tania left has completed her Bachelor in Behavioural Science (Psychology) as well as earning First Class Honours in Behavioural Science Psychology (Honours). Tania works in research at QUT to improve inclusiveness in our schools. Tania is passionate about improving community understanding of ADHD and Autism and disability. It is through understanding and familiarity that we can achieve inclusion in schools. It is of course for all of us to open our minds and hearts to all children, and support them to access an education together with their peers. Tania says, "There have been periods of parenting where I have faltered and despaired. These periods have been marked by the challenges that my son has faced, and the impact of exclusion by schools and some of his peers. I felt God walk with me as I navigated my way forward through these particularly difficult nights and days. I am grateful for my faith and for God’s presence in my life. I have been an active catholic for much of my life, involved in various aspects of the church at different times."