The second oldest of twelve children, Bernie grew up in Sydney in a large, lively, and often chaotic household. Surrounded by many different personalities, she developed a deep sense of compassion and an ability to understand others’ perspectives. These early experiences laid the foundation for her enduring love of faith, friendship, family, and the joy of connecting with others

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Bernie holds a Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Classical Voice, a Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Pedagogy and a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Education. She has also pursued extensive private study in Moral Theology, Philosophy, Church History, and Marriage and Family studies, including the teachings of St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.​

 

In her early career, Bernie worked as a musician and youth worker, dividing her time between free-lance performing, voice teaching and motivational speaking. She coordinated leadership forums for high-school and university students in Sydney, Canberra and Hobart and motivational programs for disadvantaged youth, and in recognition of this work, she was a finalist in the Young Tasmanian of the Year Awards in 2004.

 

Alongside her youth work, Bernie spent over a decade teaching vocal students at several leading private schools in Sydney, while also performing professionally across Australia as both a classical soprano and jazz vocalist. In 2008, she had the honour of singing as a soloist for Pope Benedict XVI during Sydney’s World Youth Day.​

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Bernie later taught Religion and Music in Sydney, where she coordinated the school’s music for liturgies and Masses, helping students encounter God through the beauty of sacred music. Alongside this, she mentored students through a character education program, working closely with families to support the formation of young people and to encourage parents in their vital role.

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Today, alongside the beautiful and often insane whirlwind of family life with her husband Hally and four young children, Bernie continues her work as a speaker and musician. Her presentations explore themes such as friendship with God and others, healing, the meaning of suffering, dating and discernment, marriage as a vocation, and the beauty of family life.

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Shaped by both study and lived experience, Bernie speaks with warmth and humour, bringing care, honesty, and hope to all audiences. She is particularly passionate about helping young people recognise their dignity, grow in self-knowledge, and deepen their love for God while discerning their vocation with confidence.

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At the heart of Bernie's work is a deep conviction that understanding one’s dignity and the call to authentic love is what allows life to flourish and families to thrive.