Now Senior Manager of the Diploma of Nursing program at Mater Education, Claire combines her clinical experience with a passion for teaching—helping students build confidence, capability and compassion from the very start.

Her connection to healthcare began early, inspired by her mother, who studied a Diploma of Nursing with Mater in the early 1970s. That influence stayed with her, shaping her decision to pursue a career where she could make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

“It can be as simple as sitting with someone in their pain or being there for them when they feel vulnerable,” she says.

After qualifying as a registered nurse in 2008, Claire began her career at Mater Hospital Brisbane. It was there she discovered a natural affinity for guiding students as they navigated the early stages of their nursing careers.

“I was drawn to supporting students—they were nervous and worried,” she recalls.

“I saw myself in them and thought I could help. It made me feel great too, working together and sharing a sense of achievement.

“I quickly learned that I was driven to working with people through education.”

Today, Claire leads with that same sense of purpose, using storytelling as a powerful way to connect with and inspire her students.

“People remember things when you connect it with emotion. That’s why I love teaching through storytelling,” she says.

Drawing on her own experiences as a student nurse, she helps emphasise the importance of empathy, honesty and patient-centred care. One early experience in particular has stayed with her.

As a young student nurse, Claire recalls assisting a patient following a mastectomy with a shower—something she had never done before.

“I held the towel up the whole time she was in the shower, thinking I was being respectful,” she says.

“But what I was doing was demonstrating my own discomfort. The patient raised her hand, pulled the towel down and told me it was okay to look.”

The moment became a powerful lesson—one she continues to share with students today.

“It reminded me that patients can sense when nurses are embarrassed or uncomfortable, and it’s important to be honest with them.”

Throughout her career, Claire has been supported by strong mentors, and she is now committed to paying that forward by creating an environment where others feel encouraged and empowered.

“I have been fortunate throughout my career to be mentored by some amazing women,” she says.

“Now, I have the opportunity to empower others and to create an environment that uplifts them.”

For Claire, education is more than teaching skills—it’s about building confidence, fostering empathy, and helping students realise their potential to make a difference every day.