Katharine Whitehead (she/her)

My name is Katharine, and I am currently in my second year of an Honours degree in Occupational Therapy. I am on track to complete my course in late 2027, which will include more than 1,000 hours of clinical placement experience. 

I am deeply passionate about promoting positive youth mental health in both metropolitan and regional communities. My long-term goal is to work in paediatric hospice care, acute wards, and juvenile inpatient rehabilitation settings, where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their families. 

I grew up in Port Hedland, Western Australia, and have spent many years volunteering with various youth mental health support organisations. These experiences have given me a clear understanding of how overworked and under-resourced our public health system is in regional Australia. This is one of the reasons I applied for a Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship—it reflects my commitment to supporting youth across the country and will enable me to pursue the specialised training required to work in these critical areas. 

I am a proud queer advocate and believe strongly in creating inclusive spaces for all. Outside of my studies, I enjoy cycling, writing, hiking, and supporting local performing arts.