OUR TEAM
In traditional and indigenous communities, rites of passage's were a natural and imperative component to a child's development. at certain stages of their lives, transition periods from child to teenager and teenager to adulthood were important times to prepare for. Guidance and support from elders in their communities were necessary to ensure youth could overcome the challenges associated with transitioning from one stage to the next. The repercussions of youth going through a transition period without the guidance of an elder were incredibly detrimental to the communities survival.
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These days, times are different and our communities survival is far less dependent on the supported development of our youth. We are busier than we ever have been and as a result, many of today's youth grow to be adults still possessing the mind and qualities of a child. Vital opportunities for learning and growth are overlooked and the quality of life for many suffers.
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We believe that if the time is taken to support these vital transitional periods with guided rites of passage, we'll, in turn, cultivate greater confidence, resilience and meaning in the lives of our youth and all who support them.
Cole Bradshaw
Elder / Facilitator
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Cole is the Elder of the CRoP community
From his experience as a father to three sons, a stepfather to three daughters, twenty years of experience in men’s work and thirty years of establishing land-based community living, Cole has acquired a deep set of skills and wisdom that allow him to facilitate and deliver Rites of Passage programs with incredible grace and stillness. He is a master at holding space for both groups and individuals, and his ability to ask powerful questions that can transform lives is evident in the work that he does.
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Beyond his role with CRoP, Cole has worked as a project manager for Green Corps, New Work Opportunities and Australian Conservation Volunteers. He is involved in deep ecology with an environmental program for school children of various ages, and the council of All Beings. He has been the Community Development Officer with the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, and his familiar face may be recognisable from his appearance on Grand Designs Australia, which showcased his project of building his own home.
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Cole is the epitome of a ‘gentle-man’, and his heartfelt energy can be felt as soon as he walks into the room.
Fiona Baillie
Women's Facilitator
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Working with families to enhance their well-being has been Fiona's life work. She fully understands the concept that "No one is an island" and that we are all constantly influencing and being influenced by each other and the environments we experience. Therefore, she brings consideration of the important aspects of community and family to this work.
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As a community health nurse, counselor, mediator, and group facilitator Fiona has worked with many families and individuals negotiating life challenges. She has worked with many women facing changes in their relationships, their health, their careers, and themselves. She has facilitated many women's groups and has seen the strength that women can bring to each other in times of need.
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As a mother of three, she knows that parents have a wonderful opportunity and responsibility to support the innate development of their beautiful children. She knows that each child’s growing up challenges their parents and that this requires the evolution of roles and relationships for all concerned. For parents having a community of adults from which to draw support is highly desirable. So, family-based, adult-facilitated rites of passage for young people, enabling them to safely learn and grow into healthy, flourishing adults sits soundly within her personal philosophy and values.
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Fiona is a vital, active, and integral part of the CRoP team. Her recognition that in this work each person is undergoing a transition means that she is kind and considerate to all. Her primary responsibility for the women's component of this program allows her to enjoy supporting women in their role as mothers and share the amazing personal development that is part of this journey.
Jordan Carter
Facilitator / Logistics Coordinator
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Jordan first joined the CRoP community as a participant on a Rites of Passage camp when he was just thirteen years old, and has spent the following thirteen years working in the CRoP team in the area of logistics and now as a facilitator.
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Jordan brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the team, gained from both his time with CRoP and also his years of experience in event production, fire service and landscape gardening industries. He is a true jack-of-all-trades, and with his diverse skills in logistics, risk management and site maintenance, Jordan ensures that our camp programs run smoothly and safely.
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Beyond his practical knowledge and experience in these areas, Jordan has a deep capacity as a facilitator to hold space and run powerful processes for groups that transform their understandings of both self and others.
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Above all, Jordan brings humour, fun and joy to all that he does and his own courageous authenticity is inspiring to everyone that he meets.
Ziah Cooper
Facilitator / Administrator
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Since joining CRoP in 2019, Ziah has become an integral part of our team and has been heavily involved in our program development.
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A sociology graduate from the University of Tasmania and now undertaking in his Masters of Teaching at the University of Melbourne, Ziah has a keen interest in society and social change. He seeks to address some of the key issues of our time from a grassroots level, particularly working with young people and their families in the development of awareness, compassion and leadership in the community.
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Having worked as a wilderness guide for a number of years, Ziah is well versed at leading groups and facilitating powerful experiences. His own experience and training in rites of passage, men’s work and shadow work have refined his skills of reflection, deep listening and holding space.
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Ziah is an excellent model of kindness, compassion and character, and he brings out the best in others through his own leadership and example. His diversity of knowledge, skills and experience make him a valuable asset to the CRoP team.
Sam Bedloe
Facilitator / Administrator
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Sam is a past participant of the program, undertaking his first rites of passage camp with his father in 2017. Since then, Sam has returned to contribute to rites of passage experiences for all generations to come.
He has played an integral role in refining the administration logistics of the company and is a major component to ensuring our programs run as smoothly as they do.
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Through his few years with CRoP, Sam has grown and matured and is well on the way to becoming the man he wishes to be. His hope for the future of CRoP is to see the program balloon and be able to provide rites of passage for all young people so they can share in the experiences he treasures
