Profile

Mary Jo McVeigh is the founding principal of Cara House and CaraCare. When Mary Jo completed a master’s degree in social work in Belfast, Ireland she started to work with children who have experienced violence, abuse, and neglect. Nearly forty years later, Mary Jo is still passionate about the strength of children’s and adults’ spirit and remains inspired by all they have taught her about resilience and resistance. She has let her passion for the work be known by speaking at national and international conferences, and writing, and is nearing completion of a Ph.D. at the University of Sydney. For her years of service, she has been acknowledged as the current holder of the Australian Social Worker of the Year award, Canada Bay Citizen of the Year award, Australian Woman of the Year finalist, Australian Citizen of the Year finalist, and an Order of Australia medal.