Simon Faulkner is the developer of the DRUMBEAT early intervention program and an addictions counselor specializing in group work. He is currently manager of DRUMBEAT for Holyoake, The Australian Institute for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Resolutions. For 12 years he practiced in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia working predominantly with young Aboriginal men.

Simon facilitates drumming for the Hills Community Drum Circle every Wednesday evening in Darlington and regularly facilitates community groups across the Perth metropolitan region in rhythm based fun. He is the first West Australian graduate of the Village Music circles accredited facilitator training course and in 2005 was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study rhythm based interventions with ‘at risk’ youth across north America.

Simon is a father of three young men and a passionate advocate for the rights of young people.

Grace Trusso has been working at Holyoake, The Australian Institute on Alcohol and Drug Addictions for the past 12 years, as a Counsellor/Educator/Group Facilitator.

Grace has been a Group Facilitator, delivering the different programs that Holyoake provides to a diverse range of people with a wide range of presenting issues.

Over the last 4 years Grace has delivered the DRUMBEAT Program in 3 different prisons.  Grace has also delivered the DRUMBEAT Program to various schools and in Mental Health facilities. Grace has worked with young people in DRUMBEAT groups from 11  to 17 years old as well as with adults, and has seen first hand the impact of the DRUMBEAT program on people’s lives.

Since graduating as a certified DRUMBEAT facilitator in July 2006, Grace has become passionate about the DRUMBEAT program and the benefits of using drumming as a way to engage participants, to explore life skills, relationships, and raise self esteem.