Stories of HEART, Healing and Hope
Peronna’s Journey: From Rebellion to Resilience in Social Services
Roots of Rebellion
Peronna’s story begins in her turbulent teenage years, marked by anger and isolation. “I was just an angry teen on a mission to rebel,” she recalls. Family tensions escalated, turning the household upside down and straining relationships with her siblings and parents. Unsure of what else to do, her parents sent her to Australia, hoping that distance would help.
This period of disconnection taught Peronna the weight of unspoken pain. “I didn’t know what was with me or who to talk to,” she shares. It was a lonely chapter, but one that later fueled her empathy for those in crisis.
A Family in Crisis: Stepping Up
Everything shattered when Peronna’s father’s multi-million-dollar construction company collapsed. “It was like life just shattered before me,” she says. Seeing his pain, Peronna felt a surge of responsibility: “I had failed him for so many years — it was my turn to take care of him and the family.” With no clear plan, she approached him: “It’s time for me to take care of you.” Teaming up with her sister, Peronna salvaged a segment focused on temporary constructions. Days blurred into nights—driving 13-foot trucks to Shell Island, sleeping just two hours, managing workers and executives amid endless financial strain. They held on for nine grueling years, but burnout hit hard: constant migraines left her unable to open her eyes. “We sold off what we had and moved on,” she reflects.
From Catering to Counseling: A Passion Ignited
Pivoting to a vegetarian catering business in Tuas, Peronna packed home-cooked meals despite lacking culinary skills. “It was slow at first—the food didn’t taste good—but we improvised,” she says. Income barely kept the family afloat, especially after her sister married, leaving Peronna to manage alone. One morning at the wet market, pondering her future while picking up a pumpkin, her eyes caught an ad on newspaper lining the vegetable rack: “Are you interested in Child Psychology?”
Intrigued by her fun stint as a kindergarten teacher, she enrolled in a Certificate in Child Psychology, drawn to its counselling component. “I loved it,” she shares. Balancing studies with the business, she advanced to a Master’s in Counselling, then a PsyD—all while scraping by. “It was tough making ends meet, but the passion for helping children voice their concerns kept me going.”
Finding Her Calling at THKMC
A lecturer’s tip led to an associate counsellor role in a private practice, followed by workshops on mental health. One of such sessions was—like a talk on depression for doctors and nurses at Ang Mo Kio – Thye Hua Kwan Hospital. This caught THKMC’s HR attention: “They asked if I was keen on a job in social services.” Elated, Peronna joined the Divorce Support Specialist Agency (DSSA), facing a steep learning curve but finding deep reward in helping children express concerns and parents reconnect. As DSSA evolved into FAM@FSC, her role expanded to saving marriages. “Seeing families heal is incredibly fulfilling,” she says. Social services offer insights into Singapore’s changing landscape and policies, keeping her engaged despite the demands.
Navigating Work-Life and the Pull to Persist
Juggling priorities isn’t easy, but Peronna’s supportive parents—once disappointed, now proud—provide strength. Earning her PsyD brought tears of validation: “Mum said this is how things should be; Dad beamed with pride.” Early in DSSA, cases haunted her days off, leading to tears. To cope, she turned to cycling, now favoring walking, swimming, reading, drawing, and cello.
She’s never considered leaving: “I have so much more to learn, especially as a leader. With mentors and friends guiding me, I hope to nurture younger ones before stepping away.” For those at career crossroads, her advice: “Making a difference is rare—learn to self-care, reflect on challenges, and ask for help.”
Join Peronna’s Mission
Inspired by Peronna? Support THKMC’s family counseling programs through donations or explore careers in social services. Your contribution empowers more families to heal.Donate today or Join Us
Empower families, transform lives—be part of THKMC today.About THKMC Family Services
Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities (THKMC), supports Singapore families through initiatives like Strengthening Families Programme (Thye Hua Kwan – Commonwealth). From counselling to crisis intervention, we nurture resilience and connection. Join our team or contribute to build stronger communities.
Story published in 2025.