Hi, welcome to MAREAA
the Marriage and Relationship Education Association of Australia
The Marriage and Relationship Educators Association of Australia (MAREAA) represents and supports Marriage and Relationship Educators across Australia and the diverse work that they do with couples, individuals and families regardless of race or gender so that they may have healthy growing, safe, loving, and committed relationships.
MAREAA believes and strongly advocates for the development and maintenance of healthy, committed, nurturing relationships in all their diversity.
MAREAA’s values and ideals support respect, the dignity of all individuals, inclusion, belonging, and equality for couples irrespective of age, sexual orientation, cultural or religious background.
COMMITTEE
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President
AMANDA LAMBROS
Happily married with two boys, Amanda was born and raised in Canada but has been living in Australia since 2002. With more than 15 years of experience working in the counselling, education and training fields - both private and public sectors, nationally and internationally. Amanda stays as current as possible in the field of Counselling and Sexology to provide the best possible outcomes for her clients. Amanda is currently a Clinical Fellow at Curtin University. She holds undergraduate degrees in Health Sciences, Ethics and Counselling with a Masters degree in Forensic Sexology and Counselling as well as postgraduate qualifications in Counselling and Supervision. Amanda was the first person in the world with the designation of Masters in Forensic Sexology - she has a passion for couples and relationships and all things 'sex and intimacy' - to help couples along their journey together.
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Vice President
RIA PANDITHA
Therapist, Certified Life Coach, Relationship Educator and Grief Recovery Specialist is a few of the roles that Ria currently holds. She currently has her own consulting practice bringing 10+ years of experience with young adults, adults and couples in community based organizations, universities and private practice settings. Ria has extensive training in relational counselling, mediation and reconciliation, strategic communication and conflict management through a B.SC, in Psychology, and post graduate work in Organizational Leadership. She is passionate about mental health, justice and living life with joy and intention. Although she has lived on almost every continent, she found her way to Australia when she married her high school sweetheart and calls Perth home.
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Secretary
SHANE SMITH
Former director of PREPARE/ENRICH Australia, facilitator, mediator and marriage and relationship educator, with more than 15 years works alongside many like-minded advocates and organisations that focus on providing individuals, couples and families the opportunity to develop relationship skills, and to recognise that they have the potential to shape and maintain quality and meaningful relationships. With deep knowledge of digital technology and the impact of the internet, mobile technology and social media on couple relationships, Shane is a regular writer on this topic. Shane has an Master of Dispute Resolution, MBA (Law), certificate in Adult Education in Training and a bachelor’s degree of Applied Science in Information Studies.
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Treasurer
MANDI SMITH
Former director of PREPARE/ENRICH. Mandi is a relationship counsellor specialising in work with couples in the areas of relationship education, relationship enrichment and counselling. Strong relationships between couples brings many benefits to families and society in general. Mandi believes all relationships are a work in progress and have untapped potential, we just need to help them along the way.
Mandi is a Gottman Level 1 Couples Therapist. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and a Graduate Diploma in Relationship Counseling which has complemented Mandi’s work as a counsellor and relationship educator.