Since graduating from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School 14 years ago, Declan Mountford (06) has built a career in psychology and forged a life with his family in the South West.

In what seems a bucolic lifestyle, Declan lives in picturesque Donnybrook with his wife, two children, a dog and three chickens with the intention of adding ducks to their growing menagerie.

Living in this piece of paradise allows Declan to pursue his personal goal of spending time with his family.

“My aim is to spend as much time with my wife and children as I can, while pursuing the things I find meaningful,” he said.

Declan joined the BCGS team in 2019 as the School Psychologist after completing a Bachelor of Psychology degree in 2012 and gaining experience in a variety of roles for the Disability Services Commission, Catholic Education WA and Headspace Bunbury.

Declan also completed his Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) program at Curtin University, which according to Declan has been a career highlight.

“Being accepted into the Master of Psychology program was an honour: there are very few places available, so it was pretty special to get in,” he said.

For Declan, the birth of his two children has also been a personal highlight and his wife is one of the driving forces in his life.

Declan and his wife who is a speech pathologist, share a passion for the health industry and while he takes advice from lots of different people, he attributes his knowledge on being a better dad, husband and psychologist to his wife.

Reflecting back on School, Declan’s fondest memory is of Outward Bound, which gave him the opportunity to form friendships.

“I was a new student in Year 11 so it gave me the opportunity to get to know a lot of people. Otherwise my best memory is just spending time with friends at school. The 2006 cohort had a tonne of really special people that were great to be around,” he said.

Looking forward, Declan is happy in his role in the School and hopes to stick around. He also hopes to develop his skills as a psychologist.

“I am very passionate about the various ways schools can support the mental health of students and families, and how psychology can help create a progressive education system. I also want to continue to develop my clinical skills to improve my ability to provide effective therapy,” he said.

Ms Ruth Walker :: School Community Co-ordinator