Jane is a health psychologist with extensive experience working in a range of medical areas including oncology and palliative care. She has over 20 years experience in evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioural and acceptance and commitment therapies, existential approaches, mindfulness based interventions and medical hypnosis. Underpinning her approach is a dedication to compassion, dignity and respect. Jane speaks of it being a privilege to work with people in times of great emotional distress and suffering.

Well known for her work as a therapist, in recent times Jane has begun to speak publicly about her own health experiences and emotional suffering.

Jane became unwell at 16, and at 19, was diagnosed with idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and, at the time, fatal lung disease. When Jane was diagnosed there were no treatments available and she was given less than a year to live. Jane refused to accept this, and with the medical support of the respiratory service at the Alfred Hospital worked on her fitness to maximise the little lung capacity she had left. While Jane remained seriously unwell, her fitness improved and in 1989, at 21, she was one of a handful of patients listed for heart and lung transplantation at the newly established service at the Alfred Hospital.

Jane waited almost 4 years for her transplant. While her physical condition deteriorated during this time, the team at the Alfred were training in new surgical techniques, the bilateral sequential lung transplant. In 1993 aged 25, Jane was the 7th person to undergo the procedure in Victoria.

Post transplant, Jane manages a range of chronic health conditions resulting from the long term use of her immuno-suppression medication. While her health is often compromised, transplant has enabled Jane to finish undergraduate and post graduate studies at Monash University, where she continues to hold an adjunct appointment.