Heather Latimer

Background

About Heather Latimer

Together we thrive” is the tagline for - Heather's social enterprise, Villy. A platform designed to reconnect the “village”. When human beings experience trauma or endure prolonged exposure to severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. It's at this point the need to connect with others, becomes vital. The Villy project has been inspired by Heather’s work in the Defence force, Early Childhood Development and trauma informed training and a passion for creating holistic support for families. The Villy project creates the framework to foster community connections, normalising support, and re-creating purpose. By closing the gaps between Government policy, allied health supports and the lived experience of modern-day family life. Villy's focus is on supporting Defence families and veterans acknowledging the unique and isolating challenges they often face. Villy's services and app help identify potential unmet needs and provide support to make adjustments or seek external support. While the initial focus of the Villy App will focus on Defence members, veterans and their families, the ultimate goal is to expand to include the wider community as all families need the trauma aware support that Villy provides. The initial App build and pilot program has received funding from the Department of Health's National Suicide Prevention Leadership Support Program. Heather joined the Australian Regular Army in April 2011 as a Finance Clerk and transferred the Reserves in July 2021. During her time in the Army, Heather completed her Bachelor of Teaching. Following the birth of her second child, in 2016, she took 12 months leave from the Army to work as an Early Childhood Teacher. Heather's teaching experience lead her to continue studies in the field of Play Therapy. In 2109, Heather travelled to the University of North Texas to attend the summer institute of the Centre for Play Therapy. Heather completed the Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Child Play and continues her academic journey by studying the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Sciences at Deakin University as a gateway to pursue the 5+1 pathway for clinical psychology registration.