At Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, student wellbeing is central to who we are. This year, we have been delighted to welcome two dedicated professionals who have strengthened our student support team: Kiel Brown, our new School Psychologist and Meagan Butler, our School Social Worker.

Bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for supporting young people, Kiel and Meagan are committed to creating safe spaces for students, working closely with families, and contributing to the holistic development of our School community.

Career Pathways with Purpose

Kiel took an unexpected turn into his career direction. “To be honest, I didn’t know I wanted to be a psychologist until my first year at university,” he explains. “I originally thought physiotherapy was going to be my career, so I was moving in that direction when I enrolled at university. I did a couple of psychology units in my first year however and got ‘hooked’ from there.”

Since beginning his work as a psychologist in schools in 2015, Kiel has gained experience in a range of pastoral care and leadership roles. “I was fortunate to first be employed as a psychologist at an independent K–12 school in Perth, whose staff and wellbeing team helped foster my passion [for] early intervention, and supporting young people make positive change in their lives.”

Meagan’s journey into Social Work also began with a change of direction. “Following completion of Year 12, I originally enrolled to study Nutrition at university,” she shares. “However, during my gap year, I realised that my passion and heart for ‘helping people’ was leaning towards wanting to work with people around their mental wellbeing.”

With limited awareness at the time of counselling-related careers, Meagan enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work at ECU South West. “Looking back, I feel very fortunate and grateful that I chose to study Social Work. I have found that the degree has offered versatility and entry into a range of Human Services roles.”

Why BCGS?

Kiel was drawn to the values that underpin the BCGS approach. “The decision to come to BCGS was ultimately a combination of passion and opportunity,” he says. “After hearing about the school’s strong commitment to student development and wellbeing, I felt it aligned to my values as a person and practitioner, and I believed I could positively contribute to the students, staff, and broader school community.”

For Meagan, joining our School community was a return to one of her biggest passions. “After working in my last role as a counsellor for adults with neurological conditions, I wanted to get back to my other joy and passion – working with young people and their families!” she says.

“Working in a school as [a] mental health practitioner is a unique role and environment, thus I feel very fortunate to be able to work at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. My role allows me to support students in individual counselling, group counselling, class presentations and workshops, liaise with broader community services where needed – and so much more! Every day is different.”

Working With Students and Families

Both Meagan and Kiel are passionate about collaboration and connection.

Meagan explains, “Early on in my career, I found myself gravitating towards roles where I was able to work as a Mental Health Practitioner and particularly in a therapeutic counselling role. My passion for working as a mental health practitioner has only grown! I love incorporating a range of therapeutic interventions including the CBTs (cognitive behavioural therapies), creative and play therapies to name a few, so you will often see an assortment of fun and interesting things in my office.”

She continues, “I love a collaborative multidisciplinary approach and we have such a great team here across both Primary, Secondary and Boarding. It is a pleasure to be able to work within a school that places value on holistic wellbeing.”

Kiel is similarly enthusiastic about the team environment at the School. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School community, and contributing to our students, staff and family’s growth and development. I’m also looking forward to being involved with existing allied health staff at BCGS, who are such a positive and supportive influence on our community.”

Life Outside the Office

Outside of work, both Meagan and Kiel enjoy time with their families and soaking up the outdoors.

Meagan says, “I love living in Bunbury, feeling most at home when I am walking, jogging or doing something on or near the water. I love spending time with my family and friends, whether it’s going to the beach, BBQ’s or playing ‘cafes’ with just my kiddos and I in our backyard.”

A creative at heart, she adds, “I love anything music – whether it is listening, playing one of my instruments or singing my favourite song at the top of my lungs (I make sure the doors and windows are closed for my poor neighbours). In my spare time (which let’s face it – I have two children under 7yrs so there isn’t much of this at the moment!) I love curling up on the sofa with a good book, a caramel latte and my cat snuggling on my lap.”

Kiel shares that family and connection remain central in and outside of work, and he is excited to be part of the School community and the broader Bunbury lifestyle.

We are thrilled to welcome Meagan and Kiel to our Wellbeing Team and look forward to the impact they will have across all areas of the School. Their knowledge, compassion, and dedication to student support are already making a difference, and we are proud to have them walk alongside our students and families.