My most significant accomplishment in my career as a counsellor has been creating
The Chrysalis Girls Program which first began in 2008.
The Chrysalis Girls Program began with a passionate group of Byron Bay high school students and co-founded with Jane McGowen (Dept of health/sexual assault counsellor.)
Over 15 transformative years I developed and expanded the program which touched the lives of over 1,000
“at-risk” girls, guiding them through challenges and helping them emerge as empowered individuals.
The heart of The Chrysalis Girls Program also beats through the passionate efforts of the local communities that supported the program over the 15 years it actively ran. The dedicated community services, high schools, parents, heads of welfare, school principals that were involved reflected the programs positive efficacy on the entire community.
Especially! The dedicated teacher aides who worked along side Amie Dreyer facilitating every week and supported the facilitation of Chrysalis' dynamic and life changing group, counselling program.
This united and empowering the community approach created a nurturing environment where young women can be themselves, be emotionally honest, learn, grow, transform adversity and build lasting connections.
Since its inception, The Chrysalis Girls Program has blossomed into a vital community resource, partnering with local police, domestic violence services, general practitioners, and charitable organizations like Quota, Zonta, and The C.W.A. This comprehensive network of support reflects a profound understanding that healing and growth often occur within a community.
The program has garnered notable media attention, with features on ABC Radio and The Morning Show highlighting the powerful peer-based education workshops led by participants. These workshops address essential issues such as cyberbullying, body image, sexual assault, consent, and healthy relationships. They empower young women to cultivate self-worth, confidence, and a strong sense of community. Through these programs, the seeds of compassion and empathy have been sown, encouraging participants to support one another and foster an environment of empowerment.
At the core of The Chrysalis Girls Program is its emphasis on peer-based education and leadership. Implemented in the weekly timetables of 12 high schools across Northern NSW, this initiative offers invaluable group counseling sessions that create a safe space for at-risk teenage girls. The powerful journey of transformation continues, reminding us all of the strength found in community and the boundless potential within every young woman.
In 2023, Ballina High graduated their last group of Chrysalis girls after engaging the program since 2010.
In 2025 there are currently no active groups running Chrysalis. The program prides itself on continuing to always support all participants through out their lives and the group is very active on social media and exists ongoingly as its own supportive community.
"Once a Chrysalis Girl always a Chrysalis Girl"
In 2014 Chrysalis won the Northern District Local Health Network Overall Quality Award.
( Daily Telegraph 2014.)
"AN ADOLESCENT counselling program founded in 2008 at Byron Bay High School has won the annual Northern District Local Health Network Overall Quality Award for 2014.
Chrysalis Girls Program currently supports 90 at-risk young women in five high schools across the Northern Rivers every week through weekly group counselling sessions.
"Over the last seven years we have engaged literally hundreds of girls from a diverse range of backgrounds," Amie Dreyer said.
"A number of schools are on our waiting list and it's through this award we hope to reach the overwhelming need for the support of young women who often fall through the cracks."
More than 90% of the young women who have participated in the program claim Chrysalis has made significant and positive changes by reconnecting them with family and shifting generational patterns of dysfunction.
"From my experience, most teenagers much prefer a group therapeutic environment in which they have a sense of ownership, rather than the traditional one-on-one counselling framework," sexual assault counsellor Jane McGowen said.
"This engagement is one of Chrysalis' greatest achievements."
Mullumbimby High School deputy principal Cameron Johnson said the school's female students had been reaping the rewards of Chrysalis for several years.
"I have witnessed first-hand the significant impact this program has had on changing girls' lives in a positive way," he said.
The Chrysalis Girls Program which first began in 2008.
The Chrysalis Girls Program began with a passionate group of Byron Bay high school students and co-founded with Jane McGowen (Dept of health/sexual assault counsellor.)
Over 15 transformative years I developed and expanded the program which touched the lives of over 1,000
“at-risk” girls, guiding them through challenges and helping them emerge as empowered individuals.
The heart of The Chrysalis Girls Program also beats through the passionate efforts of the local communities that supported the program over the 15 years it actively ran. The dedicated community services, high schools, parents, heads of welfare, school principals that were involved reflected the programs positive efficacy on the entire community.
Especially! The dedicated teacher aides who worked along side Amie Dreyer facilitating every week and supported the facilitation of Chrysalis' dynamic and life changing group, counselling program.
This united and empowering the community approach created a nurturing environment where young women can be themselves, be emotionally honest, learn, grow, transform adversity and build lasting connections.
Since its inception, The Chrysalis Girls Program has blossomed into a vital community resource, partnering with local police, domestic violence services, general practitioners, and charitable organizations like Quota, Zonta, and The C.W.A. This comprehensive network of support reflects a profound understanding that healing and growth often occur within a community.
The program has garnered notable media attention, with features on ABC Radio and The Morning Show highlighting the powerful peer-based education workshops led by participants. These workshops address essential issues such as cyberbullying, body image, sexual assault, consent, and healthy relationships. They empower young women to cultivate self-worth, confidence, and a strong sense of community. Through these programs, the seeds of compassion and empathy have been sown, encouraging participants to support one another and foster an environment of empowerment.
At the core of The Chrysalis Girls Program is its emphasis on peer-based education and leadership. Implemented in the weekly timetables of 12 high schools across Northern NSW, this initiative offers invaluable group counseling sessions that create a safe space for at-risk teenage girls. The powerful journey of transformation continues, reminding us all of the strength found in community and the boundless potential within every young woman.
In 2023, Ballina High graduated their last group of Chrysalis girls after engaging the program since 2010.
In 2025 there are currently no active groups running Chrysalis. The program prides itself on continuing to always support all participants through out their lives and the group is very active on social media and exists ongoingly as its own supportive community.
"Once a Chrysalis Girl always a Chrysalis Girl"
In 2014 Chrysalis won the Northern District Local Health Network Overall Quality Award.
( Daily Telegraph 2014.)
"AN ADOLESCENT counselling program founded in 2008 at Byron Bay High School has won the annual Northern District Local Health Network Overall Quality Award for 2014.
Chrysalis Girls Program currently supports 90 at-risk young women in five high schools across the Northern Rivers every week through weekly group counselling sessions.
"Over the last seven years we have engaged literally hundreds of girls from a diverse range of backgrounds," Amie Dreyer said.
"A number of schools are on our waiting list and it's through this award we hope to reach the overwhelming need for the support of young women who often fall through the cracks."
More than 90% of the young women who have participated in the program claim Chrysalis has made significant and positive changes by reconnecting them with family and shifting generational patterns of dysfunction.
"From my experience, most teenagers much prefer a group therapeutic environment in which they have a sense of ownership, rather than the traditional one-on-one counselling framework," sexual assault counsellor Jane McGowen said.
"This engagement is one of Chrysalis' greatest achievements."
Mullumbimby High School deputy principal Cameron Johnson said the school's female students had been reaping the rewards of Chrysalis for several years.
"I have witnessed first-hand the significant impact this program has had on changing girls' lives in a positive way," he said.
Empowering Young Women: The Chrysalis Girls Program
The Chrysalis Girls Program is a groundbreaking, award-winning holistic counselling initiative developed by young women, for young women. With a proven track record of success, Chrysalis has:
- Supported over 1000 young women in their journey towards healing, growth, and empowerment
- Fostered a sense of community and connection among participants for 15 years
Breaking dysfunctional family patterns and Cycles of Adversity
- Been successfully implemented in 12 State High Schools across Northern NSW
The Chrysalis Girls Program specifically targets young women "at risk", providing:
- Weekly group therapy and holistic counselling sessions
- A safe, supportive environment for sharing and growth
Re-engaging Teenagers, Re-building Futures
- Opportunities for building healthy self-esteem, empowerment, integrity, and a sense of belonging
By partnering with local high schools, Chrysalis helps re-engage teenagers in education, identifies current issues, and provides a foundation for long-term success.
Bring Chrysalis to Your Community
To learn more about implementing the Chrysalis Girls Program in your local high school, please don't hesitate to contact us. Together, we can empower the next generation of young women to be strong, accountable, resilient, compassionate and kind.
