Turning the page: How Parent Pathways helped Elise write a new chapter

For years, Elise’s focus was on her children.

Like many parents, she put her own goals on hold while raising her family, dedicating herself to their needs and wellbeing. While she wouldn’t change those years for anything, she found herself wondering what came next.

I knew I wanted to return to the workforce and build a meaningful career, but after being out of employment for so long, I wasn’t sure where to begin.
Elise
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways participant

In May 2025, Elise joined CVGT Employment’s Parent Pathways program looking for “guidance, support and someone to help me navigate the next steps with confidence.”

What she found was much more than practical assistance.

Finding support when it mattered most

During her time in Parent Pathways, Elise faced one of the most difficult periods of her life, becoming a single parent while trying to build a future for herself and her children.

“It was a challenging and emotional time, and there were moments when I felt overwhelmed and unsure about what the future would look like for myself and my children,”she said.

Despite the challenges, Elise remained committed to creating a better future for her family. With the support of her Parent Pathways mentor, Paige, she was able to focus on her goals and take meaningful steps forward.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had a safe and supportive environment where I could be honest about my situation and ask for help when I needed it.
Elise
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways participant

Paige said one of the most rewarding parts of supporting Elise was watching her confidence grow.

“Elise came to Parent Pathways determined to create a new future for herself and her children. Even through some significant life challenges, she remained focused on her goals. Our role was to provide practical support, encouragement and resources so she could keep moving forward, and she absolutely grabbed every opportunity with both hands.”

Turning personal experience into a published book

The book encourages a gentle, child-led approach and offers reassurance to families navigating toilet learning at their own pace.

Throughout each chapter, I wanted parents to feel seen, understood and reassured that their feelings are valid.
Elise
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways participant

Elise self-published the book, managing everything from writing and editing through to formatting, publishing and promotion herself.

“It was a steep learning curve, but I was determined to bring the book to life.”

Building confidence through opportunity

Through Parent Pathways, Elise received tailored support to help her achieve her goals, including funding for study, and referrals to wrap-around support services.

The support helped remove barriers and allowed Elise to focus on building a future she was excited about.

Parent Pathways helped me believe in myself and recognise that my ideas, experiences and voice had value,” she said. “It gave me the courage to stop asking, ‘Can I do this?’ and start saying, ‘I want to do this, and I’m going to give it a go.
Elise
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways participant

Paige said Elise’s journey highlights exactly what Parent Pathways is designed to achieve.

“Elise’s story is a reminder that parents often have incredible skills, talents and aspirations that simply need the right support to flourish. Watching her publish a book, pursue further study and gain confidence has been inspiring. She has worked incredibly hard for every achievement.”

Creating a future filled with possibility

Today, Elise is studying towards a Diploma of Counselling, combining her lived experience with a passion for helping children and families.

“What started as a desire to better support my own children has grown into a genuine passion for helping other children and families,” she said.

Publishing her book remains one of her proudest achievements.

“The book represents confidence, growth and believing in myself,” she said. “Publishing this book reminded me that my goals matter too and that I am capable of achieving things I once thought were out of reach.”

For Elise, the future now feels full of possibility.

“Now, instead of wondering what might be possible, I’m actively working towards the future I want for myself and my family.”

A message to other parents

Elise hopes her story encourages other parents who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure about taking the next step.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start. Just take that first step. You might be surprised by what you’re capable of achieving when you have the right support behind you.
Elise
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways participant

From stay-at-home mum to published author and counsellor-in-training, Elise’s journey shows what can happen when parents are given the support, encouragement and confidence to back themselves.

And sometimes, all it takes is that first step.