Tag Archive for 'Staff'

Farewell from Hilary

‘Our new logo shows ripples quietly flowing outwards within circles of water, emanating from the word Karuna.’

Since 1991, I have had the privilege of working within the team at Karuna, firstly under the Directorship of Ven. Pende Hawter, and since 1996, with Ven. Yeshe Khadro. Both of these inspirational figures have led the growth of Karuna from a small, unfunded and largely volunteer service, into a well-known, highly professional world’s best-practice hospice-at-home service.

Along the way, staff, volunteers, the Board, and our financial supporters have ensured that we have always sought to benefit more families, to extend our model and our range of services, and to positively influence the way our society views and faces loss.

During my time at Karuna I have been fortunate to encounter an amazing array of people, particularly our clients and their families. Over the years, I have taken on a range of roles within the organisation and as a result I have experienced life and death in ways which would just not otherwise have been possible and it has been priceless learning.

As I prepare to take up a position in a new organisation in early September, it is wonderful to see that the Karuna “ripples” continue to flow out into our community, comforting and assisting all those who need reassurance and care.

I would like to thank our past and current Director, Board Members and staff, plus our amazing clients, donors and volunteers, for all you have been to me in my time at Karuna.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Karuna’s work. I wish you all the very best for the future.

–Hilary Clarke

Welcome Shyla

I grew up in Adelaide and completed my RN degree there. I’ve nursed in Perth, Melbourne & Adelaide, mainly in paediatric oncology and more recently in paediatric palliative care as a clinical nurse consultant for South Australia and the Northern Territory. This year I’m finishing a masters in Palliative care. I also spent 3 years volunteering, working & travelling in India, Nepal & Mongolia, mainly at FPMT centres. Since 2004 I have been setting up a new international peace organisation for young people (founded by Lama Zopa Rinpoche), LKPY: Loving Kindness Peaceful Youth, which was launched in 2007.

I have grown up as a Buddhist (my father is an old student of Lama Yeshe’s) and Lama Zopa Rinpoche is my main teacher. I’m new to Brisbane and am excited to be a part of the Karuna Team and look forward to meeting everyone. (I’m here until mid September, then I will be overseas for 3 months to finish launching LKPY internationally then from December I will be back at Karuna full-time.)

Shyla.

Welcome Aboard Sharon

Who knew at the beginning of the year a phone call would change my life, give me the opportunity to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama and work with such an amazing group of people? After spending much time at home recuperating, I decided to call Karuna and offer my services as a volunteer. To my surprise they said yes.

The first day I walked down the corridor of Karuna, tears welled in my eyes, I felt an overwhelming sense of coming home, I knew I was in for many changes and the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Who new just how much would change!

So I found myself working with the amazing Priscilla and assisting her in organising the volunteers for the big event, His Holiness’s public talk at Boondal. Wow, what an honour to work with Priscilla, a fountain of knowledge and at times my rock and shoulder, I can’t begin to thank her enough for all she has given me.

And now I have been given the honour of staying on as a fulltime staff member, working in clinical administration, thank you YK, Kay, Priscilla and everyone for giving me this opportunity. Here’s to becoming a member of this great Karuna Family.

Love and blessings,

Sharon.