Let's work together
"Erika is an amazing communicator, supporter and facilitator. She goes beyond for all the people she works with, and getting to work with her is very special. I recommend taking up this opportunity; she changes lives!" Elise Klein (OAM), Associate Professor of Public Policy - Australian National University (ANU)
People may not always remember what was said, but they will always remember how they felt. I work from this premise.
I believe meaningful learning and lasting change happen when people feel safe to be themselves, brave enough to try something new, and free to laugh along the way.
My purpose is to challenge assumptions, create deeper understanding and design experiences that bring people closer — making a meaningful difference for individuals, organisations and communities.
How I make a difference.
PLAY WITH PURPOSE - Come walk in my shoes!
I help educators, practitioners, leaders and organisations build more courageous, compassionate and human-centred practice through drama-informed, experiential learning. Using play, role play, storytelling and reflection, I create immersive experiences that challenge assumptions, strengthen communication and inspire our capacity to feel, connect, imagine, create and care.
As a NIDA-trained actor with more than 25 years' experience across education, employment, gender equality, women and girls, and entire communities, I've spent my career designing and facilitating programs that create meaningful, lasting change.
My work is also shaped by lived experience. While studying at NIDA, I wrote and performed an award-winning autobiographical work about my recovery from anorexia—an experience that reinforced my belief that transformation happens through courage, connection and compassion.
I’ve always been drawn to difference. I believe play creates powerful opportunities for curiosity, creativity and courage — moving beyond traditional learning to help people grow, challenge assumptions and recognise our shared humanity.
Outcomes
My workshops are suited to organisations across the health, community, disability, education, government, and private sectors. They are particularly valuable for teams seeking to strengthen communication, empathy, person-centred practice, and human connection in their workplace and service delivery. Benefits are:
- Stronger communication across teams, services, and stakeholder relationships
- Increased empathy, compassion, and understanding of diverse perspectives
- Greater confidence in managing challenging conversations and real-world situations
- Enhanced emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and reflective practice
- A more person-centred, inclusive, and human-focused approaches to service delivery
Experience
With more than 20 years of experience as a community inclusion specialist, careers advisor, facilitator, program designer and work and wellbeing coach, I have designed and delivered programs that advance inclusion, understanding, equality, and gender equity, empowering girls, women and community to thrive.
I have always felt compelled to embrace difference and expand our understanding and willingness to think beyond the box.
As a NIDA-trained actor and facilitator , I always felt dramatically different and use the transformative power of play, performance, music and improvisation to help people develop deeper self-awareness, stronger human connection, and practical skills that create lasting behaviour change.
Services
- Keynote speaking
- Interactive experiential workshops
- Professional development sessions and presentations
- Tailored programs for teams, schools, and services
Delivery
Sessions and presentations are available in person or online and are tailored to your organisation’s unique goals and context.
Through interactive and experiential learning, participants are encouraged to step away from habitual thinking, explore new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and engage with greater empathy, curiosity, humour, and presence—creating learning that is both meaningful and practical.
I look forward to helping you make a dramatic difference to your professional development day, team building opportunity or approach to service delivery.
Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people in Naarm (Melbourne) where Dramatically Different lives, works and plays.
We pay our deepest respect to their ancestors, and elders past and present. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia, for their stories, collective wisdom and care of country.
Build Confidence
Empower your inner voice
Create Connections
Build meaningful relationships
Express Creatively
Discover your unique self
Grow Authentically
Become who you truly are