Our Mentors

Linda
AGE: 46

I was born in Murray Bridge and have a huge family. I was a hairdresser for 30 years before moving into disability support/mentoring. I have 2 teenage boys Thomas and Charlie who are way taller than me. I’m outgoing and love to have fun and a good laugh. Big fan of car karaoke which equally annoys and amuses my children and clients.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
As a child The Wizard Of Oz. The Princess Bride and Love Actually plus many more.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
I love Chocolate! I’m also pretty keen on donuts.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
I listen to lots of podcasts, audio books and I love music and dancing. Spending time with my family and friends.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
A border collie called Sally and 3 cats! Yep crazy cat lady. Kitkat, Evee and Luna.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
I really enjoy helping others learn and watching the client’s achieve their goals. Creating a bond with the client and learning about all the things that make them who they are. I love the problem solving and adapting to the situation at hand. Most of all it’s so much fun! My inner child has a ball.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK FOR ALCHEMY SERVICES?
I love working with our Alchemy team. It is about teamwork and working together to best support the client. I feel we offer a more personal approach to support. Knowing our clients and importantly their family and loved ones helps us to offer the right support. I really appreciate the support we get from Prue, Pria and Tracey. I always feel that they have my back and an ear to listen when needed. 

Melanie (Mel)
AGE: 36

I’m a married Mum of four kids. I work two jobs which I love. I’m blessed with beautiful friends and family. I absolutely love being a mentor, it’s brought more joy and peace into my life because I feel like I’m making a difference. I’m watching our clients be empowered by us to help them live their lives in their unique ways.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
The Greatest Showman.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
Roast pork with crackling.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
I love my plants, reading, catching up with friends.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
Dog, Juke. Cat, Peppa.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK FOR ALCHEMY SERVICES?
I love working for Alchemy, I feel like we’re being empowered to journey along side our clients in such a unique way to other companies. I think it’s the best group of people working together and encouraging and uplifting each other and it’s just amazing to watch and be a part of it.

Kai
AGE: 24

I am a fun happy person always looking for the next laugh or thrill seek. I’m very enthusiastic about life and very passionate about people. I stand for what I believe in.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
To many to choose from but the Adam Sandler classics and Happy Feet would be up there.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
I love chicken and fruit.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
I love being active whether that be going for a run, gym or playing footy and of course spending time with my Partner, Family and Friends.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
I have a cat called Joel Selwood who I actually rescued while on shift with a client.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
I love being a Mentor because I get to help people and make the world a better place. The connections and watching clients grow is priceless and in return I get happiness.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK FOR ALCHEMY SERVICES?
I love working for Alchemy because they truly care about you as a human not just a worker. They are so flexible and always there for you whether it be about work or your personal life. They don’t only want the clients to grow but also put their energy into making sure us mentors grow too. Best thing is it’s never boring and you never know what next week might bring from gardening jobs to doing Adelaide oval skywalk, creating a compost or participating in community events and everything in between.

Marnee
AGE: 35

Although I am relatively new to the industry I have personal experience living with a family member with a disability and I hope to bring that empathy and understanding to my clients. My belief is that life is meant to be lived and I hope to support people to get the most out of every day!

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
I like the old classics! Jurassic Park, Star Wars and any comedies.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
I love sushi.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
I like to take my dog on adventures and in summer we go to the beach a lot. I also like cooking, trying new foods and seeing live music.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
I have a dog named Mugsey. He is a very spoilt American staffy.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
Often the limitations we have in life are the ones we have put on ourselves and it’s a great feeling helping people to understand this and push through to achieve their personal goals. Having a positive impact on somebody’s life is rewarding for me as well as them.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK FOR ALCHEMY SERVICES?
I’ve only just come onboard with Alchemy Services, but I’m sure I am going to love working with the Alchemy Team and learn a lot. I’ll have to get back to you on this one in a few weeks’ time. 

Emma
AGE: 33

First and most importantly, I have a beautiful five year old daughter whom I absolutely adore. I’m originally from Western Australia, moved with my family to the western suburbs of South Australia when I was two years old and have an 18 year old brother whom I share a close relationship with. I was 21 when I moved to Murray Bridge and worked at Woolworths for my first 8 years here. I commenced with Alchemy as a mentor/support worker in November 2022 and am loving my new role and the challenges it brings.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
I’m not really a movie person, I don’t watch a lot of movies, but if I had to choose, I would say, ‘The Fantastic Beast’ movies.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
I luv a nice home-cooked meal.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
I luv being a Mum and spending quality time with my beautiful little daughter. I also like being outdoors and spend a lot of time gardening.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
I like being a mentor because I like connecting with the community and helping clients reach their goals. I find it really rewarding.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK FOR ALCHEMY SERVICES?
Very fulfilling, I feel supported and can always call with questions or worries and I’m always heard and helped, personally and professionally. Prue and Pria really understand the needs of clients and also mentors and I can feel the love for the clients and passion in them, that flows down to us. I feel Prue’s passion is to work with us to be our best so we can work with clients to be their best. Although she works mainly behind the scenes, Tracey in HR has also been extremely encouraging, approachable, helpful and supportive. I also luv the interaction and working with the other mentors and the support and encouragement we all provide to each other. It’s a beautiful wholesome company to work for, I feel the company is aligned with who they are and who they want to be, and I feel empowered working with Alchemy.

Cindy
AGE: 46

I’m a mother of 3 amazing children aged 21,18 and 10. I recently got married and have lived with a special needs child for 21yrs.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
The greatest show man, Titanic. Anything with a jump scare lol!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
I love INDIAN and sucker for a good dessert.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
I love to draw and colour in, I love swimming camping, I love family time.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
We have 2 cats willow and KitKat and 2 dogs. Holly companion dog ghost and my sons dog Mia.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
As having a child with special needs myself I have seen 1st hand the good work a support worker can do. With the skills I have developed over the years through personal and through training I know I have so much to offer my own clients. I love being a mentor because watching their growth is the most rewarding thing.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK FOR ALCHEMY SERVICES?
I believe in Prue’s vision she has for our clients and the passion she has to help them grow. With that…Prue has developed a great working team who all have and see the same drive she does. It’s about the people and the growth and helping those who need help.

Pria
AGE: Heading for my second 21st this year

I’ve always known that I am here to help others and had my first taste of disability work back when I was 19….which was only a couple of years ago…. Since that time, I have had a diverse range of roles over the years and have then come back to disability work in 2020. I was lucky enough to join Prue and her vision very early on in the Alchemy Services journey in mid-2021. In this time my role has grown to include support work and all things office! I feel that it is an honour to do this work as our clients teach us so much every day. It opens your mind and your heart in ways that you didn’t think were possible. Outside of work, I own a property at Mypolonga with my children and a variety of animals which the clients have enjoyed getting to know. I’ve always been a passionate member of my community and have volunteered in all sorts of roles over the years. I’m currently studying….again…..this time a Diploma of Holistic Counselling. Past study includes Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of Business & Management, Certificate IV Youth Work and more….I love to learn.

WHAT IS /ARE YOUR FAVOURITR MOVIE/S?
This is a tough one as it depends on my mood. I like a lot of different movies from period pieces to comedy, true life to action.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
Hard hitting questions. Again, couldn’t say I have a fav. I can tell you I don’t like anything spicy!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/ WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
I breed Australian Miniature Goats. I love their nature and their curiosity. They each have their own personalities and my fully grown doe’s are actually smaller than my dog. I live with my 2 children and we also have 2 dogs, 3 cats, chooks, hopping mice and barking gecko’s….and never a clean home.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
Dogs Max and Holly, Cats Puss, Jett and Gizmo, I won’t name all the goats for you….lol.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
How can you not enjoy and love helping others! To help others to realise their potential is an honour and a pleasure to walk along side them.

Maria 
AGE: 42

I have 3 beautiful children. One 14 years old and one 12 years old and my youngest is 5 years old. I am married with Australian guy for 18 years now. I was born in the Philippines. People would describe me as friendly, smiling, approachable and my laugh is contagious apparently and I am good listener. I also love cooking.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
My heart is with the people that in need. I always put myself before them. I enjoy being with them. For me it is my pleasure or privilege to be their mentor.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
‘Me before you’ one of my favourite movies.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
Love Asian food. (Thai, Indian and Filipino).

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
Gardening. Catch up house works.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
Yes 2 dogs (Ernie and Bella) fox terrier’s.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK FOR ALCHEMY SERVICES?
To be honest this job is meant to be. I only know Prue through a very good friend of mine. As she gave my contact details because I told my friend that I am looking for work as I am working for myself. We texted for a while, then we stopped texting each other. Then one day all of the sudden, my workmate from the bend knew Prue, they were talking and I overheard her name and I said are you Prue McDonald friend of my friend (won’t mention her name) then we shake hands and introduce finally myself to her. At that time we arranged the time and day to actually to talk about work then after I got hired. I have been working with Alchemy now for 2 months I think. And I love every single day with Alchemy. Staff are so friendly, very helpful and co–mentors are great. Pria and Prue and Tracey are very good team leader, the best people I ever worked.

Sheree
AGE: 34

I live on a beautiful apple orchard with my Husband and our 3 children in the Adelaide Hills. I’m very passionate about fitness and health and have a huge interest in diet and nutrition.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
The Notebook.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
I love Thai food.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
I enjoy playing Netball, running and being a Mum to my 3 children.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
Yes I have 1 dog she is a Groodle and her name is Willow 2 x cats, their names are Raz and Ziggy (aka Patrick or Fatrick). We also have 5 chickens called Betty, Summer, Mavis, Poppy and Pucking.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
Being a Mentor is incredibly rewarding. I love being able to help someone achieve their goals and watch them grow as a person. I love getting my clients out of the house and into nature. I feel very privileged being able to help people.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK FOR ALCHEMY SERVICES?
Alchemy Services is such a beautiful company to work for. You instantly feel welcome and part of the family. What they have to offer their clients is just amazing. They are seriously the most caring and understanding company someone could work for. I’m so excited for what the future hold. 

Brooke
AGE: 33

I am a mum to three gorgeous children and have a partner called Braiden. I have a history in childcare and worked at the best Kindergarten in the Bridge for six years before having my youngest (would love to work there again one day). My passion in life is helping others.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/S?
Documentaries.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND/OR CUISINE?
Nachos with extra avocado and sour cream.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A SHIFT?
Working on my garden and cooking meals for my family.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
Yes, I have a dog named Arlo and a cat named Ollie, a fish called Texas, 12 hens, a rooster and two ducks.

WHY I LOVE BEING A MENTOR
As mentioned above I love helping others and working along side people to help them achieve their personal goals.

For any account enquiries, please contact us on 0484 744 131 or alternatively via email to: [email protected]