Ms Stacey Freebody
Early Career Teaching Award

Stacey Freebody is a clinical psychologist and academic at the Cairnmillar Institute who holds professional passions across developmental research, supervision and teaching.

She is a Unit Coordinator and Lecturer across postgraduate clinical psychology programs and believes being a practicing clinician makes her a better academic, valuing the opportunity to meaningfully integrate research and practice.

Before moving into academia Stacey worked extensively as a paediatric psychologist and clinical supervisor, resulting in her teaching frequently described as warm, engaging and practically relevant.

She’s been privileged throughout her career to support a diverse range of students and clients across varied clinical and educational contexts, and her commitment to clinical education excellence is grounded in a desire to make learning research-led, relevant and meaningful.

Stacey is dedicated to enhancing student wellbeing, reducing clinician burnout and promoting sustainable professional practice. In parallel to her teaching, she is completing a PhD at the University of Southern Queensland exploring the role of compassion in supporting early career psychologists, aiming to provide important advocacy for supportive change across the discipline.