Sharon’s PhD on ‘Systemic Factors that Perpetuate Smoking for Mental Health Populations’ was completed in 2001, and her subsequent efforts in this field have led to significant policy and practice change throughout Australia, and internationally. Sharon commenced working at Flinders University in 2004 as lead writer of the self-management brief for the National Chronic Disease Strategy. She leads research in Chronic Condition Management and Self-Management and coordinates a multi-disciplinary post-graduate course in this field. Prior to her current role at Flinders University, Sharon was a clinician for 23 years, working in aged care and mental health services. Sharon maintains a strong consumer perspective, and is an active advocate in the mental health field for consumers and carers. In 2007, she won the ‘Australasian award for Exceptional Contribution by an Individual to Mental Health across Australia and New Zealand’ and in 2012 won the SA Pride of Australia Community Spirit award.