Our Team

Humaira is a dedicated social worker with over a decade of experience in child protection and kinship care. With a career spanning international community development and senior clinical roles in South Australia, Humaira brings a wealth of knowledge in supporting vulnerable communities and navigating complex statutory environments to uphold children’s best interests. When she is not advocating for best interests of children in care, you can find her coaching a junior basketball team or enjoying outdoors with her family. Humaira’s favourite food is pizza.

Merike has worked in non-government and the public sector, including foster care placement co-ordination, carer assessment and support, carer approval, project management and legislation implementation. Family and children are the light of Merike’s life and she lives the adage “it takes a village to raise a child”. She describes herself as ‘a people-person, who is bright and bubbly and always sees the glass as half full”. Merike’s favourite Cartoon is Bugs Bunny!

Courtney has completed a Bachelor in Psychology and has worked for a non-government foster care agency and for the Department for Child Protection. Within out-of-home-care, she has experience in the recruitment, assessment, approval and review of foster carers, as well as the support of foster care families. Courtney enjoys watching documentaries, going out for breakfast and spending time with her friends, family and dog, Gus. Courtney’s favourite song is a thousand miles by Vanessa Carlton!

Ashleigh has worked in organisations where she was committed to ensuring young people felt confident, independent and enthusiastic about their future. She’s also worked at the Department of Child Protection. She looks forward to meeting with new young people, listening to their voice, ensuring they feel heard and supported. When not working, you’ll often find Ashleigh at the gym ‘pumping iron’ or walking the linear trail. Ashleigh’s favourite cartoons are Arthur, Rugrats, Tom and Jerry!

Dani has a background in law and previously worked as a Children’s Representative in the Youth Court. Dani is passionate about advocating for children’s rights and giving a voice to vulnerable children and young people. She believes that every child should be afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential. When not at work, Dani enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with her son, husband and dog! Dani’s favourite cartoon is the Wild Thornberry’s.

After completing a Bachelor of Nursing, Claire spent 8 years working in Child Protection. Claire also has a background in education, supporting children and young people both in primary and tertiary settings. Claire is passionate about ensuring that children are listened to, and they feel safe and supported. Outside of work Claire can be found at the beach, going for walks and spending time with family and friends (including her cats). Her favourite book is The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe!

Esther has a background in youth work and previously worked with a NGO supporting young people experiencing crisis. Esther has completed a Bachelor of Law and a Master of Social Work. She is passionate about the power of advocacy and facilitating spaces for children and young people to harness their potential and utilise their voices. When not in the office, you’ll find Esther surfing, op shopping or trying a new café. Esther’s favourite book is the Magic Faraway Tree!

Alisha is a proud Nangala woman of the Warlpiri people who is passionate about Aboriginal children growing up strong, proud, and connected to their family, community and culture. Alisha has over six years’ experience working with children and young people. She is a mentor for Aboriginal young people in out of home care. In her down time, Alisha enjoys playing basketball, riding her bike, camping, surfing and any time outdoors. Alisha’s favourite music artist is the Black Eye Peas!

Victoria has spent most of her career working with children. With a professional background spanning teaching and child protection, she brings a holistic understanding of children’s needs across education, wellbeing and safety. Victoria is passionate about relationship-based practice and creating spaces where young people feel heard, respected and supported. When she’s not working, Victoria enjoys going to the gym, travelling, catching up with friends and family and trying out new food spots. Victoria’s favourite cartoon is Hey Arnold.

Hamish worked as a teacher in rural and remote schools, before moving into the child protection space. When not working, Hamish can be found hanging out with his daughters, who have him wrapped around their little fingers, bike riding and spending time at the beach surfing. In between all this, Hamish has a soft spot for his pets – even if that only consists of one moody cat and four chickens! Hamish’s favourite cartoon is Rocket Power!

Ally has completed a Bachelor of Psychology and spent the last 9 years supporting children and families within the Child Protection system. Ally is deeply passionate about ensuring children and young people have a genuine voice in decisions that affect their lives. When she’s not at work, you’ll often find Ally spending time with her daughter, enjoying a good coffee and a beach walk with their dog Frank. Ally’s favourite music artist is Mac Miller & Frank Ocean.

Mona holds a Master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and brings experience as a youth worker, practitioner, and rehabilitation clinician. Mona values listening carefully to children’s voices and supporting systems to be safe, respectful, culturally responsive, and child centred. In her spare time, she enjoys studying and expanding her knowledge, and spending time with her daughter and husband. Mona’s favourite cartoon is The Lorax!

Em has been working in the youth sector for the last 15 years designing and facilitating empowerment, leadership and therapeutic programs. Em enjoys supporting young people to recognise their inner strength and gain skills in mindfulness. Em firmly believes in the power of lived experience to guide policy, drive change and promote child-centred practice. Outside of the office, Em can usually be spotted riding her bike or chasing her children at the beach. Em’s favourite cartoon is X-men!

Kerry has significant experience across child protection, youth justice and residential care systems in a variety of roles and enjoys working in partnership with young people to assist them achieve their aspirations. Kerry enjoys taking full advantage of the peaceful country environments and costal experiences that South Australia has to offer. Kerry’s favourite book is Bolitho!

Angel (Aj) is a proud Wirangu, Kuyani, and Arabana woman who is deeply committed to advocating for Aboriginal children, families, and communities. With over six years of experience, she brings a strong understanding of the systemic challenges facing First Nations peoples. Angel is completing a Master’s degree in Narrative Therapy. Outside of work, Angel is often on the go with personal hobbies and being a single mum to a five-year-old along with supporting Kinship care responsibilities. Angel’s favourite cartoon is Daria!