Katie Murrell-Orgill
Katie with her dog Pip.
Katie Murrell-Orgill has been involved with St Martin’s College since she was 17 years old. Katie came to St Martin’s from Cootamundra to study Social Work when she graduated from high school and found the College to be a supportive and inclusive environment.
“I liked St Martin’s from the beginning because it seemed to be a place where everyone was welcome” Katie said. “It was clear about its faith foundations but everyone was welcome and you could be who you were, I liked that.”
“Peter Savage was the Head when I came to live at College and he did a great job. I appreciated the way he really invested in the students to make sure they felt welcome. He was really focused on coming up with activities that we could enjoy as a group - it was before we had the large Fairfax centre but we would still have trivia nights or get together for pizza.”
Katie went on to become a Mental Health Social Worker and Psychosexual Therapist. Katie also specialises working with people with eating disorders.
She has held various positions on the staff of Charles Sturt University and has established a private practice as a therapist based in Wagga Wagga. She is completing an Advanced Masters in Science of Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) through the University of Sydney. She already has two Bachelor's and a Masters (in Social Work) from Charles Sturt University!
As part of her work as a counsellor on the campus Katie was also able provide support to residents from St Martin’s and advocated about the support needs for residential students on the campus in various university forums.
Katie has been a member of the College Board since 2019 but has stepped down this month to focus on the development of her private practice, to complete her Masters and spend time with her family.
“Being on the College Board was a great way for me to give back to a community that I have loved being a part of, I learnt about governance of organisations and have enjoyed getting to know more about the College in this way.”
Katie will be attending the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the College in 2022 and is keen to reconnect the many people she shared College life with during her two years in residence.