Nicki Cassimatis is an experienced language and pastoral care teacher, workshop facilitator and published poet. She is a passionate advocate for poetry as a tool for self-care and authentic joy-filled living. Her three chapbooks, published as Veronica Cassiane, are the fruits of a personal recovery journey from the darkness of depression and anxiety into light, hope and reclaimed joy. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health (UQ) and has presented at national and international conferences and events, including TEDxUQ.

 

About Nicki's Modality: Throughout human history, poetry has acted as a powerful lens allowing the whole spectrum of human experience to be reflected on, distilled and expressed. As a literary genre, poetry can play a pivotal and unique role in well-being and healing.  Its flexible and succinct form and unabashed use of image and metaphor to invoke tone and emotion is particularly practical and relevant in the 21st century with its time-poor, utilitarian approach to life. Poetry as self-care is a gentle multi-sensory approach designed for preventative and restorative well-being that engages the whole person; it provides an opportunity to metaphorically retreat, to reflect on the role of beauty, joy and peace; an opportunity to be immersed and emerge from the poetic re-empowered.  It has proven a poignant partner in the recovery of depression, anxiety and burnout, as well as in diverse clinical, community and educational contexts globally.

 

Visit Nicki's Facebook page: V C Poetry 

 

Education and Professional Training:

 

• 2018   Graduate Certificate in Mental Health (UQ)

• 1992   Graduate Diploma in Education (UQ)

• 1991   Bachelor of Arts (Majors: Languages & Linguistics) (UQ) 

• 1988   Certificate of Proficiency in English with Honours

 

Professional Memberships:

 

• Queensland College of Teachers

• ANZATA Associate Membership

 

Other Memberships:

 

• Volunteer Blue Card & Yellow Card Holder

• Queensland Writers Centre

• Arts & Health Leadership Queensland

 

Publications (as Veronica Cassiane):

 

• 2016  The Cake Shop and Other Morsels, Ginninderra Press, S.A.  

• 2016   Cosmos, Ginninderra Press, S.A.

• 2017   Tapestry, Ginninderra Press, S.A.