Firstchance Managers Darleen - CEO Darleen is a Social Work professional with over 30 years of experience in the community sector, beginning in grassroots community development and progressing into leadership and management roles. For the past 15 years, she has served as CEO of Firstchance, where she has championed inclusive practices for families and staff. Passionate about social justice, Darleen believes in the power of bringing people together to create lasting impact. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family & friends, watching cricket, pilates, book club reads, and doting on her two furbabies. Barbara - Program Manager Barbara is a seasoned physiotherapist and leader in the early childhood intervention space, with extensive experience supporting children with disability and developmental delay through the NDIS and private therapy services. As Program Manager at Firstchance, Barbara leads with clarity, compassion, and a focus on quality outcomes for children and families. She is passionate about building strong teams and sustainable systems that allow children to thrive. Outside of work, Barbara enjoys running and spending weekends watching her daughter play sport — always cheering from the sidelines Nicole - Manager Organisational Development With a Bachelor of Business Management and a heart for supporting families, Nicole works behind the scenes at Firstchance to help create the best possible experience for the children, families, and our team. As a parent of a child with Autism—who simply identifies as himself—Nicole brings personal understanding and lived experience to her role. This helps guide her work in building an inclusive, responsive organisation where families feel heard, supported, and valued. Outside of work, Nicole has fun reading and relaxing by the beach. Manage Cookie Preferences