Board Member - Karina Vice Chairperson. Having a younger sister with special needs I have seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and the integrative role it plays in a young person with additional needs life. Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Business (Management and Human Resource Management) Graduate Certificate Workplace Health & Safety Why I joined the Firstchance Board I was approached by a friend who received an email about a position on a Board from Newcastle University, who thought I’d be perfect for this position. Having a younger sister with special needs I have seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and the integrative role it plays in a young person with additional needs life. Joining the Firstchance Board will give me the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge gained from being a young carer to assist in delivering strategic and operational goals. The skills I bring to the board With my experience as a HR professional I bring a broad range of people skills. I provide advice and coaching to Leaders for any people matters including HR policy, interpretation of enterprise agreements & relevant legislation, HR strategies, conduct and performance management, health management, succession planning, diversity, remuneration and change management.
Bachelor of Business (Management and Human Resource Management) Graduate Certificate Workplace Health & Safety Why I joined the Firstchance Board I was approached by a friend who received an email about a position on a Board from Newcastle University, who thought I’d be perfect for this position. Having a younger sister with special needs I have seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and the integrative role it plays in a young person with additional needs life. Joining the Firstchance Board will give me the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge gained from being a young carer to assist in delivering strategic and operational goals. The skills I bring to the board With my experience as a HR professional I bring a broad range of people skills. I provide advice and coaching to Leaders for any people matters including HR policy, interpretation of enterprise agreements & relevant legislation, HR strategies, conduct and performance management, health management, succession planning, diversity, remuneration and change management.
I was approached by a friend who received an email about a position on a Board from Newcastle University, who thought I’d be perfect for this position. Having a younger sister with special needs I have seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and the integrative role it plays in a young person with additional needs life. Joining the Firstchance Board will give me the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge gained from being a young carer to assist in delivering strategic and operational goals. The skills I bring to the board With my experience as a HR professional I bring a broad range of people skills. I provide advice and coaching to Leaders for any people matters including HR policy, interpretation of enterprise agreements & relevant legislation, HR strategies, conduct and performance management, health management, succession planning, diversity, remuneration and change management.
With my experience as a HR professional I bring a broad range of people skills. I provide advice and coaching to Leaders for any people matters including HR policy, interpretation of enterprise agreements & relevant legislation, HR strategies, conduct and performance management, health management, succession planning, diversity, remuneration and change management.
Chairperson- Stephen Stephen brings to to board his personal experience being a parent of a child with a different ability and whom receives early childhood interventions supports from Firstchance. Stephen has a deeply personal need to help make things better for others. Expand Qualifications Certificate III Public Safety (PUA30400) Certificate III Storage and Distribution Warehousing Provide Training through Instruction and Demonstration (TAADEL301A) Why I joined the Firstchance Board A deeply personal need to help make things better for others” I have two boys, both “normal”, however, my youngest sees the world through a kaleidoscope while his brother uses a telescope. Like most parents in our “situation”, I am as hands on as I can be with my sons’ therapies and have been lucky enough to be at some of his home therapies as well as attending in house group sessions at the Firstchance centre meeting some wonderful people along the way. Our family were first welcomed into the Firstchance family via the early intervention program when it was run out of Newcastle University. Here like many other families, we met Darren and his band of magicians who held the hopes of parents in their hearts. As well as helping my son to begin to flourish I witnessed other children who were closed off and non-verbal in groups come out of their shell and welcome others into their world. When we were finished with the program the transformations I witnessed were simply amazing, and cemented in my mind that Firstchance was the best place for our family to be for the journey ahead because lets’ face it, it’s not just our kids who get the therapy it’s the whole family (don’t tell NDIS). Skip forward a brief couple of years and we get an invite to SibsRule, and since my wife works nights I’m it (now I’m not much of a people person, but hey anything for my family). Catharina, Carolyn, Michelle the Firstchance staff facilitating the 8 week Sibsrule program made even this ‘ambivert’ feel accepted and valued of opinion. During the program I met Nicole a parent and one of the Firstchance staff. Within the group, we shared experiences raising children with needs alongside their siblings. From this when a position on the Board opened up Nicole contacted me and offered me the chance to meet with the board and apply to sit. With everything Firstchance has done for my family I felt that if this was my chance to help make life just that little bit better by offering my input then I’m going to grab it with both hands and enjoy the ride. The skills I bring to the Board Not too sure how to answer this one. I don’t really bring too many on paper quantifiable “skills” to the table. Other than 9 years currently as a father with a son on the Autism spectrum, I have over the past 24 years helped my wife provide irregular respite for her sister who has developmental delays and more recently research for my mother-in-law for my sister's other medical conditions which have begun to impact their lives. I provide research and advice to my own parents who live in Victoria, on mental and mobility support my mother can herself provide for my father who is living with both dementia and Parkinson’s. So I would have to break it down to passion. A passion to help, a passion to learn and a passion to impart knowledge onto others.
Certificate III Public Safety (PUA30400) Certificate III Storage and Distribution Warehousing Provide Training through Instruction and Demonstration (TAADEL301A) Why I joined the Firstchance Board A deeply personal need to help make things better for others” I have two boys, both “normal”, however, my youngest sees the world through a kaleidoscope while his brother uses a telescope. Like most parents in our “situation”, I am as hands on as I can be with my sons’ therapies and have been lucky enough to be at some of his home therapies as well as attending in house group sessions at the Firstchance centre meeting some wonderful people along the way. Our family were first welcomed into the Firstchance family via the early intervention program when it was run out of Newcastle University. Here like many other families, we met Darren and his band of magicians who held the hopes of parents in their hearts. As well as helping my son to begin to flourish I witnessed other children who were closed off and non-verbal in groups come out of their shell and welcome others into their world. When we were finished with the program the transformations I witnessed were simply amazing, and cemented in my mind that Firstchance was the best place for our family to be for the journey ahead because lets’ face it, it’s not just our kids who get the therapy it’s the whole family (don’t tell NDIS). Skip forward a brief couple of years and we get an invite to SibsRule, and since my wife works nights I’m it (now I’m not much of a people person, but hey anything for my family). Catharina, Carolyn, Michelle the Firstchance staff facilitating the 8 week Sibsrule program made even this ‘ambivert’ feel accepted and valued of opinion. During the program I met Nicole a parent and one of the Firstchance staff. Within the group, we shared experiences raising children with needs alongside their siblings. From this when a position on the Board opened up Nicole contacted me and offered me the chance to meet with the board and apply to sit. With everything Firstchance has done for my family I felt that if this was my chance to help make life just that little bit better by offering my input then I’m going to grab it with both hands and enjoy the ride. The skills I bring to the Board Not too sure how to answer this one. I don’t really bring too many on paper quantifiable “skills” to the table. Other than 9 years currently as a father with a son on the Autism spectrum, I have over the past 24 years helped my wife provide irregular respite for her sister who has developmental delays and more recently research for my mother-in-law for my sister's other medical conditions which have begun to impact their lives. I provide research and advice to my own parents who live in Victoria, on mental and mobility support my mother can herself provide for my father who is living with both dementia and Parkinson’s. So I would have to break it down to passion. A passion to help, a passion to learn and a passion to impart knowledge onto others.
A deeply personal need to help make things better for others” I have two boys, both “normal”, however, my youngest sees the world through a kaleidoscope while his brother uses a telescope. Like most parents in our “situation”, I am as hands on as I can be with my sons’ therapies and have been lucky enough to be at some of his home therapies as well as attending in house group sessions at the Firstchance centre meeting some wonderful people along the way. Our family were first welcomed into the Firstchance family via the early intervention program when it was run out of Newcastle University. Here like many other families, we met Darren and his band of magicians who held the hopes of parents in their hearts. As well as helping my son to begin to flourish I witnessed other children who were closed off and non-verbal in groups come out of their shell and welcome others into their world. When we were finished with the program the transformations I witnessed were simply amazing, and cemented in my mind that Firstchance was the best place for our family to be for the journey ahead because lets’ face it, it’s not just our kids who get the therapy it’s the whole family (don’t tell NDIS). Skip forward a brief couple of years and we get an invite to SibsRule, and since my wife works nights I’m it (now I’m not much of a people person, but hey anything for my family). Catharina, Carolyn, Michelle the Firstchance staff facilitating the 8 week Sibsrule program made even this ‘ambivert’ feel accepted and valued of opinion. During the program I met Nicole a parent and one of the Firstchance staff. Within the group, we shared experiences raising children with needs alongside their siblings. From this when a position on the Board opened up Nicole contacted me and offered me the chance to meet with the board and apply to sit. With everything Firstchance has done for my family I felt that if this was my chance to help make life just that little bit better by offering my input then I’m going to grab it with both hands and enjoy the ride.
Not too sure how to answer this one. I don’t really bring too many on paper quantifiable “skills” to the table. Other than 9 years currently as a father with a son on the Autism spectrum, I have over the past 24 years helped my wife provide irregular respite for her sister who has developmental delays and more recently research for my mother-in-law for my sister's other medical conditions which have begun to impact their lives. I provide research and advice to my own parents who live in Victoria, on mental and mobility support my mother can herself provide for my father who is living with both dementia and Parkinson’s. So I would have to break it down to passion. A passion to help, a passion to learn and a passion to impart knowledge onto others.
Vice Chairperson - Jennifer Secretary Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies (Honours) and currently a PhD Candidate of Aboriginal Studies Bachelor Theology Diploma in Agriculture Certificate IV – Training and Assessment Certificate Child Care Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies (Honours) and currently a PhD Candidate of Aboriginal Studies Bachelor Theology Diploma in Agriculture Certificate IV – Training and Assessment Certificate Child Care Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Public Officer - Sue-Ellen Expand Qualifications Diploma in Teaching Bachelor of Education Masters of Adult Education (Language Literacy Numeracy and TESOL) Graduate Certificate in TESOL Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Certificate III Individual Support Why I joined the Firstchance Board Having witnessed the fantastic work of the Firstchance team as part of the team, I wanted to continue to support the work that they do. I felt I had a mix of skills that might bring value to the board and felt it was time to give back to an organisation that meant so much to me and the families they work with. I also value the importance of early intervention and working as a part of a wider community. Firstchance staff play a critical role in the lives of the families they work with and do so with integrity and professionalism- who wouldn’t want to support that! The skills I bring to the Firstchance Board I bring to the board a range of skills. I have worked in the Community services industries in a workforce adviser role for a number of years. This has given me some insights into the needs of the sector, the strengths and weaknesses and some ways to address issues or challenges. I have also made a lot of connections and enjoy connecting people to ensure that talented people meet and work together. I have worked for the organisation and understand how it ticks. I have witnessed the value of great management and commitment and how that works for an organisation. Another skill is that of a small business owner for many years and understanding the importance of good financial governance and other aspects of running a business. Finally having grown up with a brother with an intellectual disability I know how important it is to maintain connectedness in the community and with service/health providers and to work as part of a strengths based team.
Qualifications Diploma in Teaching Bachelor of Education Masters of Adult Education (Language Literacy Numeracy and TESOL) Graduate Certificate in TESOL Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Certificate III Individual Support Why I joined the Firstchance Board Having witnessed the fantastic work of the Firstchance team as part of the team, I wanted to continue to support the work that they do. I felt I had a mix of skills that might bring value to the board and felt it was time to give back to an organisation that meant so much to me and the families they work with. I also value the importance of early intervention and working as a part of a wider community. Firstchance staff play a critical role in the lives of the families they work with and do so with integrity and professionalism- who wouldn’t want to support that! The skills I bring to the Firstchance Board I bring to the board a range of skills. I have worked in the Community services industries in a workforce adviser role for a number of years. This has given me some insights into the needs of the sector, the strengths and weaknesses and some ways to address issues or challenges. I have also made a lot of connections and enjoy connecting people to ensure that talented people meet and work together. I have worked for the organisation and understand how it ticks. I have witnessed the value of great management and commitment and how that works for an organisation. Another skill is that of a small business owner for many years and understanding the importance of good financial governance and other aspects of running a business. Finally having grown up with a brother with an intellectual disability I know how important it is to maintain connectedness in the community and with service/health providers and to work as part of a strengths based team.
Board member - Kate I bring to Firstchance 20 years’ experience in senior management and consultancy in the private sector. Expand Qualifications Business Owner Journalist Tender coach - Submission management training Numerous short courses relating to corporate communication management Why I joined the Firstchance Board I was very inspired to see how children and families benefited from Firstchance support when I was first introduced to the organisation. The Firstchance team is doing wonderful things to assist in the development and wellbeing of children and young people, and this is reflected int he feedback and appreciation from their families. I believe my business and management experience, and understanding of government contractual environment will help support Firstchance to remain an integral service for Hunter families. I have recently moved back to the Hunter after more than 15 years in Sydney, and look forward to applying my knowledge and skills to help local families and integrate myself into the local community. The skills I bring to the board I bring to Firstchance 20 years' experience in senior management and consultancy in the private sector. I assist clients to secure new business by winning government contracts. I also work with these clients to post-tender transition and operate their business in accordance with the new contract requirements. This included on of Australia's largest infrastructure contracts, the NSW Waratah Train Project. I assisted the client to win the tender, and then became part of the senior management team which managed the contract, involving extensive stakeholder and government relations and management. I have had my own communications consultancy since 2003 and have worked across the transport, infrastructure, fiance and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to this, I was a journalist and worked for several years at the Newcastle Herald.
Board member - Renata Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Expand Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Teaching Secondary Graduate Diploma of Industrial and Employee Relations Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors Studied (but not completed) Masters of Employment Law Why I joined Firstchance Board I have always aspired to be on Boards, it was to me the obvious career path to follow the advancement to an executive role in my industry. Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Having studied Psychology and Teaching, I always thought the best fit to my interests and passion would be an opportunity in Mental Health, Disability or Education – a cause that would support the community and those in need of a little more help. A colleague who I value opinions of and who was aware of my aspirations, recommended Firstchance to be an organisation that was governed & led by passionate & inspirational people, filled with team members with the same characteristics, and clients who were in need of support and additional needs to make their lives easier. After speaking to Darleen Taylor (General Manager), I knew that this was an organisation I would be proud to be able to meaningfully contribute to serving its mission. The skills I bring to the Board With over 18 years’ experience in the resources industry in a diverse portfolio of functions and projects throughout Australia and Internationally, I have had strategic and governance experience in the areas of Safety & Health, Risk & Audit, Human Resources & Capability, Information Technology and Community Relations. Having delivered future focus strategies in rapidly growing and changing environments and heavily regulated industries, I bring confidence in governance systems and risk management practices. I am adept to fostering strong cultures and leading programs to embed the desired business values, and I am passionate and an energetic advocate for strong community relations and be of service business models.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Teaching Secondary Graduate Diploma of Industrial and Employee Relations Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors Studied (but not completed) Masters of Employment Law Why I joined Firstchance Board I have always aspired to be on Boards, it was to me the obvious career path to follow the advancement to an executive role in my industry. Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Having studied Psychology and Teaching, I always thought the best fit to my interests and passion would be an opportunity in Mental Health, Disability or Education – a cause that would support the community and those in need of a little more help. A colleague who I value opinions of and who was aware of my aspirations, recommended Firstchance to be an organisation that was governed & led by passionate & inspirational people, filled with team members with the same characteristics, and clients who were in need of support and additional needs to make their lives easier. After speaking to Darleen Taylor (General Manager), I knew that this was an organisation I would be proud to be able to meaningfully contribute to serving its mission. The skills I bring to the Board With over 18 years’ experience in the resources industry in a diverse portfolio of functions and projects throughout Australia and Internationally, I have had strategic and governance experience in the areas of Safety & Health, Risk & Audit, Human Resources & Capability, Information Technology and Community Relations. Having delivered future focus strategies in rapidly growing and changing environments and heavily regulated industries, I bring confidence in governance systems and risk management practices. I am adept to fostering strong cultures and leading programs to embed the desired business values, and I am passionate and an energetic advocate for strong community relations and be of service business models.
Treasurer - Dean Meet our new Treasurer Expand Why I joined the Firstchance Board I was inspired years ago by a previous work colleague that worked with a lot of not-for-profit organisations, and thought that one day I would like to make a similar contribution. Firstchance was recommended to me by a business associate, as a well-run organisation that is doing really good things for children with special needs, and I thought I could make a positive contribution to the organisation with my business and finance expertise. The skills I bring to the Board Over 20 years’ experience in business, finance and management roles. I have worked in Chartered Accounting firms in the early years of my career, then branching out into commercial roles in large industrial firms. Currently working in a senior management position in an ASX100 company, looking after a team that is responsible for negotiating with suppliers for multi-million dollar contracts. Other than my financial and business acumen, I have my own family and life experiences from raising my own children.
Secretary - Lachlan I’m passionate about learning, and about giving every child the opportunity to realise their full potential through learning. Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Arts Informatics Why I joined the Firstchance Board I’m passionate about learning, and about giving every child the opportunity to realise their full potential through learning. My mother-in-law worked for Firstchance for many years, my sister-in-law worked for Samaritans and my wife works for Cerebral Palsy Alliance, so I’ve witnessed the passion and impact for helping others second hand for a few years now. We recently moved to Newcastle from Sydney and I was introduced to Firstchance by a friend, who thought I could make a positive impact on the board. After reading more about Firstchance’s mission and reflecting on my own kids’ learning journeys and how much I’ve enjoyed watching them thrive, I decided I needed to get involved! The skills I bring to the board I have over 15 years of experience in online, creating digital websites and products. I’m currently the Managing Director and co-founder of Yarno, an online learning platform. I’m responsible for setting and evolving the strategic vision of the business, for hiring and retaining the best people we can find, and for ensuring that we remain financially healthy. Yarno is currently a fully remote business, with no physical office, which has encouraged us, as a team of 13, to level up how we communicate with each other. Prior to founding Yarno I was the Executive Producer at webqem for 5 years, a full-service digital agency based in Sydney. I was responsible for managing the webqem Project Management team and the webqem Production House process, designer and developer utilisation and output. Prior to this, I was a Senior Digital Project Manager at webqem for 5 years. I was also on the board of the Accelerator Program for the Entrepreneurs Organisation. They help entrepreneurs and business owners learn from like-minded people and grow their knowledge and skills. I describe myself as a lifelong learner- always asking lots of questions, reading plenty of books and trying new skills. I try to lead with empathy and curiosity and familiarise myself with different perspectives and cultures.