Protecting the wild and self-healing with Alison Papas • Animals & Us E17

Alison grew up in a big Mauritian family in Australia, always surrounded by cousins, sleepovers, warmth and laughter, with family playing a central role throughout her childhood. When she was ten, abuse by a family member changed her sense of safety and shaped her early years, bringing complexity and hardship that affected her growth and identity.

Over four years, Alison coped by shrinking herself and fawning, trying to be invisible and please others to stay safe, a survival response that shaped her behaviour into adulthood. At sixteen, Alison disclosed her abuse to two family members during an argument. Support was limited and understanding lacking, leaving her to process trauma mostly by herself.

Alison developed fierce independence, became guarded, and struggled to let people in. For years, she kept her secret, believing she could only rely on herself. In 2020, she opened up to her younger sister, seeking authenticity and healing. This led to powerful changes, strengthened relationships, and eventually sharing her story publicly.

Alison is now a survivor advocate and memoir author who works with her therapy dog Louis, offering coaching, breathwork, and hope to other trauma survivors on their healing journeys.

Alison works as the Director of Advancement and Communications at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario Canada where a small but mighty team of five staff—and hundreds of volunteers—work to protect Ontario’s wildlife. With over 30 years in marketing and PR, Alison connects people to the Sanctuary’s mission through social media, newsletters, media stories, public events, and educational outreach. She’s also an Ontario Certified Teacher who loves hiking with her Golden Retrievers when she’s not busy helping keep wildlife wild.

Links

www.aspenvalley.ca

IG = aspenvalleywildlifesanctuary

FB = Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd