Meet Tess O’Bree: Supporting Parents to Achieve Their Goals 

At are-able, we’re excited to introduce Tess O’Bree as the newest Employment Mentor for the Parent Pathways program. With years of experience as an Employment Consultant, Tess is embracing a fresh challenge—helping parents navigate their own career and personal development journeys while balancing the responsibilities of family life.

“I was inspired to take on this role because I can really relate to a lot of these parents,” Tess shares. “As a single mum myself, I understand the challenges of raising kids while trying to focus on your own goals. I want to help parents see their value outside of just being a mum or dad and support them in overcoming any barriers they face.”

Tess, a mum to two daughters (aged 4 and 14) and proud owner of a 10-year-old Aussie bulldog named Pearl, has deep roots in Portland. While she’s spent time experiencing life beyond country living, something always pulls her back home. Outside of work and mum life, she enjoys catching up with friends and going for walks when she can.

Currently, Tess dedicates one day a week to Parent Pathways, spending her time meeting with parents, understanding their unique situations, and helping them take steps toward their goals—no matter how big or small. A key part of her role is simply listening. “I’ve loved being able to just listen to parents, be another supportive ear for them. Sometimes they just need someone to chat to who genuinely hears them.”

One of the biggest challenges she sees is access to childcare, something she’s faced personally. “We’ve helped parents get on waiting lists, but the availability of childcare is a widespread issue,” she explains. Mental health is another common barrier, and Tess is passionate about connecting parents with support services, helping them book appointments, and making sure they feel supported.

But there have already been some incredible wins. One standout moment for Tess was seeing a mum land her first job in 12 years. “She secured a housekeeping role, and she’s absolutely thriving. We were able to support her with uniform and shoes, taking some of the financial burden off. She’s so grateful to her employer for giving her a chance, and seeing her confidence grow has been amazing.”

For parents considering the program, Tess has simple advice: “Give it a go. I would have loved to have access to something like this—where you receive support, guidance, and just an ear to listen to your challenges. And because it’s voluntary, there’s really nothing to lose.”

We’re thrilled to have Tess on board and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make. Welcome to the team, Tess!

📢 Connect with Tess and the Parent Pathways team!

If you or someone you know could benefit from Parent Pathways, reach out to are-able today. Let’s work together to empower parents and create new opportunities!