Meet EJ: Supporting you on your journey
For EJ, the answer came after trying a few different career paths. After working across a range of industries and jobs, she was still looking for something that felt right. Then, almost by chance, EJ came across an advertisement about working as an O&M Specialist.
Curious to learn more, she reached out to Guide Dogs Queensland and joined O&M Specialist Natalie for a ride-along.
“After meeting her and seeing what she did, I knew I had found ‘it’,” EJ says.
Today, EJ works with clients like you to build the skills, confidence and strategies that can help make everyday travel and getting around more independently feel possible.
Whether you are learning a new route, becoming more confident using public transport, navigating a busy shopping centre or finding ways to move safely and confidently around your local community, O&M looks different for everyone. EJ says one of the most rewarding parts of her role is supporting clients through those individual journeys and seeing their confidence grow along the way.
Since becoming an O&M Specialist, EJ says the work has also changed the way she sees the world.
“I have learned how accessible or inaccessible our environments can be. Things that I used to walk straight past now jump out at me everywhere. I can’t visit a new place anymore without mentally doing a little accessibility audit.”
For anyone who is new to O&M, EJ has an important piece of advice: be patient with yourself.
“Every journey starts with a single step, and every new skill takes time to build,” EJ says. “The best part is that you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to support you, cheer you on, celebrate the small wins and help you recognise just how far you have come.”
“And the confidence grows, I promise. Before you know it, you’ll be leaping past those once-daunting obstacles like a gazelle!”
EJ knows that building new skills can take time, and that every client’s journey is different. Her role is to work alongside you, at your pace, helping you find strategies that work for your goals and your everyday life.
When EJ isn’t working with clients, she has a few creative pursuits keeping her busy. Before joining Guide Dogs Queensland, EJ worked as a voice-over artist and still records voiceovers most evenings and weekends, so there’s a chance you may have heard her voice on television.
EJ is also a self-confessed “craft nerd” and looks forward to creating gloriously daggy handmade Christmas ornaments each year.
And here’s a fun fact: EJ has worked on feature films that went straight to Netflix.
“It was pretty cool seeing my name in the credits!” EJ says.
After 10 years of working independently, one of the things EJ enjoys most about being part of Guide Dogs Queensland is being part of a team again.
“Oh, and having the odd catered lunch!” she added.
For EJ, every client journey is different, and every step forward is worth celebrating. Whether you are taking your first steps with O&M or working towards your next goal, she is here to support you along the way.
