American by birth and Australian by choice, Sylvia is staunchly dedicated to supporting those in need. Sylvia co-founded Hero Town Geelong with collaboration from the Heroic Imagination Project and Hero Round Table. The organisation trains everyday heroes to create positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world. Since Hero Town’s first steps in 2015, it has grown considerably with each year, adding Mindfulness courses and the internationally acclaimed Mental Health First Aid program to its repertoire of Heroism training.
Sylvia’s work with Mental Health First Aid has empowered individuals across Australia to act as heroes for loved ones who may be experiencing or developing a mental health concern. As a Heroism trainer and a Mental Health First Aid trainer, Sylvia aims to foster a national community of everyday heroes who support and aid one another. Sylvia is driven by the two philosophies of Neil DeGrasse Tyson: “Know more about the world than I did yesterday, and lessen the suffering of others.” By spreading knowledge of everyday heroism and increasing rates of early intervention, Sylvia hopes to do just that.