Central Queensland University's STEPS Program is often recognised for transforming lives, but former student Johanne Stoodly goes one step further and calls it a great gift.

"The greatest gift STEPS has given me is that my children and others close to me are proud of my achievements and look to me as inspiration for their own goals," Ms Stoodly says.

In a testimonial as part of the STEPS 20th anniversary last year, Johanne recalls that at the age of 15 she was alone and living homeless on a riverbank after being kicked out of home.

By the age of 29, she had three children and was in a refuge for domestic violence.

"Fortunately, the refuge was staffed with good social workers. One day, I told one of them I wished I could have been a social worker and she said to me 'you can be'. This planted a seed.

"When I had my life in order again I made enquiries and this led me to STEPS." Ms Stoodly said she found STEPS very challenging but the staff were motivating and supportive.

She said completing the program gave her the confidence to take on challenges she had never even thought of.

"I attained a BA in Psychology and Sociology, taught English in South Korea, and was one of 36 people chosen from over 1000 applicants to complete a Diploma of Government for the ACT Government.

"I have also worked in child safety in both Canberra and Queensland." "Through STEPS, I gained the ability to learn and think in a different way."