Prasko was taken from the word “praskozorje" which means “daybreak” in Serbian, my heritage. The word refers to the exact moment right before the sun rises, sneaking over the horizon. The light starts to burst through the early morning sky. The moment where darkness meets the dawn.
The first breath of sun has always brought me a huge exhale of relief on difficult nights. The first exhale. Somehow, when the light emerges, so can I. Not perfectly, but I know that I can keep going.
You might find yourself in nights or experiences that feel like they’ll never end. Maybe rocking your crying baby with nothing left in your tank or you’re up too late worrying about work for the next day, or maybe you just feel alone, confused and burnt out. Then all of a sudden, when you need it most, a glimmer of light emerges on the horizon, bringing hope and beauty. I’ve had nights like these in the early hours of the morning with my kids and with my thoughts.
You can show up as you are, messy, uncertain or anything else. I will show up as I am, to deliver genuine, care and support. I hope to be the strength and support that helps you emerge from the darkness.
“PRASKOZORJE”
HOW i got here
I’ve been a social worker for over 12 years now and it’s shaped the person I am. Supporting children and families impacted by abuse, neglect and trauma, I began my career at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) as a child protection case worker. I then transitioned to the NGO sector; starting with foster care but landing in preservation, and restoration. This is the work that I love and where I grew the most. I moved into leadership roles, managing teams within family preservation and restoration services.
At the same time our family grew and my identity and priorities shifted, which has significantly informed the way I now work. I’m drawn to the passage of matrescence, and the post natal experience of all parents. I want to help build a fairer, simple and just system for families in the perinatal time. I’m equally fascinated by grief and loss and how it shapes us. These two journeys for me have interconnected along the way.
I completed a Graduate Diploma of Counselling. I have since completed further postgraduate studies focusing on grief support and perinatal mental health. I’m influence by narrative approaches, anti-oppressive and anti colonial philosophy, as well as embodied and somatic practices. Ive also done African drumming facilitation and enjoy using this as a way to find calm and connection with my body. I’m excited to bring this, and the integration of all my learnings to you!
Connect With Me
Share a brief summary of what you’re hoping to explore and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I normally respond within 48 hours.
You can also email me at praskosocialwork@gmail.com or find me on Instagram: praskosocialwork