Tessa grew up on a South Australian farm, enjoying a childhood filled with outdoor adventures and tight-knit family bonds, which shaped her early years with resilience and joy.
At 16, Tessa faced the sudden passing of her younger brother Nathan, a heartbreaking loss that left an enduring impact on her and her family. Also at 16 Tessa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite early struggles, she learned to adapt and manage her condition with determination and perseverance.
In her late 20s, Tessa lost her father to suicide, an event that brought profound grief and soon tested her resilience even further.
Tessa pursued diverse roles, working across organizations. She thrives on engagement, building her career with purpose while managing personal challenges with grace.
Through therapy, meditation, peer support, and walking her beloved dog Boss, Tessa cultivated resilience, adapting to her ever-evolving circumstances with courage and a strong mindset.
Living independently, with the love of her friends and family, and embracing gratitude, Tessa’s strength is an inspiring testament to overcoming life’s hardships and helping others move forward.
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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.
Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.
If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here – https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact
We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!
Warmly,
The Kintsugi Heroes team
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Theme Song: “Broken” by Colin Lillie
This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
We believe every story matters. Every scar has something to say. And every person quietly finding their way through deserves to be heard.
🏷️ Topics we cover: resilience, disability, trauma recovery, mental health, transformation, lived experience, chronic illness, neurodiversity, grief, identity, community, caregiving, refugee stories, animal therapy, ageing, older Australians, wellbeing, invisible illness, inclusion, personal growth, hope, rebuilding, human connection, Australian stories
📺 Series on this channel:
– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
– Animals & Us | hosted by Natalie Stockdale
– Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace | hosted by Simone Allan & Maryan Bova
– From There to Here | hosted by Emma Bellamy-Dodd
– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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