Meet the People Behind Tjina
Every footprint begins with people.
At Tjina, our team brings together lived experience, professional expertise and a shared passion for creating meaningful connections through cultural mentoring, cultural learning and Positive Behaviour Support. Together, we work alongside individuals, organisations and communities to create experiences that are authentic, respectful and leave a lasting impact.
Mihail Lochowiak
Founder | Artist | Cultural Facilitator
Mihail Lochowiak is a proud Kaurna, Pitjantjatjara and Ngarrindjeri man, contemporary Aboriginal artist and founder of Tjina.
Passionate about sharing culture through creativity, Mihail established Tjina to create meaningful opportunities for people, organisations and communities to connect through Aboriginal artwork, storytelling and cultural learning. His artwork is guided by connection to Country, identity and community, with every commission individually designed to reflect the unique stories, values and aspirations of the people it represents.
Alongside his artistic practice, Mihail has built an extensive career working with Aboriginal communities across South Australia. His professional experience includes roles in Aboriginal Engagement, specifically in the construction industry, where he has worked alongside Aboriginal individuals, families and organisations to strengthen relationships and improve community outcomes and behind a role model for the younger generation. Mihail has also worked within recruitment, supporting Aboriginal workforce, upskilling and creating employment opportunities. These experiences have strengthened his understanding of collaboration, leadership and culturally responsive practice.
Through Tjina, Mihail combines his professional experience, cultural knowledge and artistic talent to create artwork and experiences that foster connection, celebrate Aboriginal culture and leave lasting footprints for future generations.
Uncle John Lochowiak
Elder | Cultural Awareness Facilitator
Uncle John Lochowiak is a Wati and proud Kaurna, Pitjantjatjara and Ngarrindjeri Elder who has dedicated his life to sharing Aboriginal culture, knowledge and history with communities throughout South Australia.
Drawing upon his lived experience, cultural authority and deep connection to Country, Uncle John facilitates Cultural Awareness workshops that encourage respectful conversations, strengthen relationships and build genuine understanding of Aboriginal culture. His sessions combine storytelling, local knowledge and practical learning to create authentic and engaging experiences for workplaces, schools, government agencies and community organisations.
In addition to facilitating Cultural Awareness training, Uncle John provides Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremonies, cultural consultations and guest speaking engagements. He has also held significant Aboriginal leadership positions, including serving as Chairperson of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), and continues to contribute to schools, universities and community organisations through cultural education.
Passionate about ensuring Aboriginal culture continues to be shared with future generations, Uncle John believes meaningful learning begins with listening, building relationships and walking together with respect.
Sophie Trowbridge
Forensic & Cultural Behaviour Support | Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner | Art Facilitator
Sophie Trowbridge is a Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents and adults with disability who present with complex behaviours of concern. Having experience as a Clinical Lead – Forensic & Cultural Behaviour Support, leading the delivery of evidence-based, person-centred and culturally responsive Positive Behaviour Support services.
Sophie holds a Bachelor of Criminology, specialising in trauma and offending behaviour, and a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support from Flinders University. Her professional interests include forensic disability, trauma-informed practice, autism, intellectual disability, psychosocial disability and supporting individuals with highly complex support needs.
Throughout her career, Sophie has completed comprehensive Functional Behaviour Assessments, developed Behaviour Support Plans, facilitated multidisciplinary collaboration and delivered training to families, schools, disability providers and support workers. She is passionate about reducing restrictive practices, building the capability of support networks and improving quality of life through practical, sustainable and evidence-based strategies.
In addition to her Behaviour Support practice, Sophie is also an Aboriginal Art Facilitator, delivering creative workshops that bring people together through storytelling, culture and hands on learning. She believes art provides a powerful platform for building relationships, encouraging self-expression and creating meaningful opportunities for connection across schools, organisations and communities.
Having previously worked as both a Local Area Coordinator and within the education sector, Sophie brings a broad understanding of the disability and community services landscape. Her passion for Positive Behaviour Support is also shaped by her personal experiences supporting family members with disability, strengthening her commitment to providing compassionate, respectful and individualised support.
Through Tjina, Sophie is committed to delivering culturally responsive Behaviour Support that recognises the importance of identity, relationships, community and culture in achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes.
Qualifications & Experience
- Clinical Lead – Forensic & Cultural Behaviour Support
- Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
- Bachelor of Criminology
- Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support
- Functional Behaviour Assessments
- Behaviour Support Plans
- Restrictive Practice Reduction
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Staff Training & Capacity Building
- Complex Behaviour Support
- Autism, Intellectual Disability and Psychosocial Disability
Every member of the Tjina team shares a commitment to creating meaningful relationships through authenticity, collaboration and respect. Whether through cultural mentoring, cultural education or Positive Behaviour Support, we are proud to walk alongside individuals, organisations and communities, creating footprints that honour the past while building a stronger future.