From the beginning of Jamie and Renae's friendship, it was evident that they both had a deep-seated desire for ongoing personal growth and learning. Beyond their roles as business partners, they are life partners, and together they are raising three children (along with a furry companion).
Many of the teachings and principles embraced by Monument Learning have played a significant role in their personal and family lives. As a family, they have applied these principles, becoming more self-aware and self-empowered parents, navigating the intricacies of parenthood together.
Many of the teachings and principles embraced by Monument Learning have played a significant role in their personal and family lives. As a family, they have applied these principles, becoming more self-aware and self-empowered parents, navigating the intricacies of parenthood together.
Renae OkaoRenae is a seasoned People Leader and Systems-led Design practitioner, boasting certifications as a Human-Centred Designer and User Experience Designer, Counsellor and Art Therapy Practitioner HH Prac.(Art.Th).
Renae's journey has always been marked by a profound commitment to helping both herself and others. With a creative and inquisitive nature, she finds inspiration in people's stories and life experiences. Following her secondary education, Renae initially ventured into the world of Graphic Design. However, her thirst for personal growth led her to take a career break, exploring opportunities overseas. Upon her return to Australia, she rekindled her passion for design while seeking a deeper connection to her community. Renae expanded her skill set to include Communications and Digital Design, ultimately choosing to work in the government sector. At the age of 35, Renae faced an unexpected and challenging twist in her life journey when she became a widow after her husband's suicide, left to raise their 18-month-old child alone. Fuelled by a desire to help herself and others, especially her child, she made a conscious decision not to succumb to overwhelming emotions. Instead, she turned to her experiences as opportunities for personal and parental growth. Renae's unwavering curiosity and dedication to positive evolution led her to delve into User Experience (UX) Design, Service Design, Human-Centered Design (HCD), Design Thinking, Visual Thinking, and Systems-led Design (SLD). She soon found herself at the forefront of leading teams and collaborations aimed at designing solutions to a diverse range of problems. These solutions ranged from digital and economic innovations in the government sector, benefiting the community, to cultural solutions that empowered teams and individuals to help themselves. Her profound desire to enhance the human experience, particularly for children, guided Renae to collaborate with Jamie Smarrelli. Together, they founded Monument Learning, united by their shared vision of making a positive impact. Their goal is to seamlessly combine their expertise and experiences to leave a lasting mark of positive change. Connect with Renae LinkedIn to learn more about her journey and contributions. |
Jamie SmarrelliJamie's journey began with his passion for building and creating, leading him to pursue carpentry and joinery at just 15 years old. It was during this time that he honed his skill of attentive listening and helping others achieve their life goals. His love for construction and home renovation was rooted in the happiness it brought to the families he served.
Despite facing two marriage breakdowns and business setbacks, Jamie found unwavering motivation in his two children, driving him to overcome challenges and improve as a parent. This transformative phase of his life prompted a shift in perspective; he traded some of his youth for wisdom. Jamie realized that we are always creating meaning from our reality and thoughts, whether consciously or not. As he entered this new phase, Jamie delved into fields like neuro-linguistics, life coaching, hypnotherapy, and meditation, all while exploring the intricate connection between the mind and reality. His growing interest in shaping and developing his own mind, as well as others', towards a more joyful experience, led him to become an experienced life coach. He conducted one-on-one rehabilitation retreats and helped individuals work through addiction, disorders, and trauma. This journey ultimately brought Jamie to his current role as a life coach and co-creator of Monument Learning alongside Renae. He remains a dedicated student of life and parenting, constantly striving for personal growth and evolution. Jamie is a certified and experienced Life Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Neuro-Linguistic Processing Practitioner, and Mindful Meditation Practitioner and Counsellor. He continues to expand his knowledge and skills through the study of life, while actively contributing to the enhancement of many lives through Monument Learning's coaching services. Explore Monument Learning's Coaching services to learn more about Jamie's work. |