Belinda Horton

As an Occupational Therapist Belinda completed studies in a Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy in 1998, which provided an opportunity for her to explore maternal and family health and perinatal depression and anxiety from the perspective of occupational therapy.

After ten years as a Breastfeeding Counsellor with Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), Belinda went on to qualify as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in July 1999 which she practiced privately until 2004.  Belinda then completed the Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy in 2001 and practiced family therapy counselling for 6 years in a Postnatal Depression program.  In 2004 Belinda joined PANDA as CEO, until 2014.  PANDA provides the National Perinatal Depression Helpline, funded by the Australian Government under the maternity services peer support funding, as well as several Victorian based programs including Home-Start Program, Community Education and Volunteer recruitment and training programs.

Belinda co-authored the Postnatal Depression and Breastfeeding booklet with ABA in 2007 and PANDA’s Guide to Postnatal Depression Support Groups with Playgroup Victoria at the end of 2007.

Ten years of organisational and clinical leadership in the perinatal mental health sector has provided Belinda with a strong foundation for the next chapter of her work life.