Our Leadership Team

Michelle is an experienced Executive with extensive experience within the not-for-profit sector, including aged care and disability, as well as within financial services/ banking. Michelle has a thirst for knowledge teamed with a passion for continuous growth, learning and development; she flourishes in roles that enable her to strengthen her leadership skills. Michelle is a champion for the advancement of women into Executive roles in business; it is important to her to work with younger woman to assist them in gaining knowledge and experience to help facilitate their development.

As a certified HeartMath trainer, Michelle helps build resilience in individuals and teams. Michelle holds multiple leadership qualifications, including a Master of Business Leadership from Charles Sturt University and has completed the Standford Business Leadership Series from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She is a Transpersonal Counsellor and Transpersonal Art Therapist, Reiki Master and training in Neurosomatic Breathwork. She is also a Graduate of AICD and sits on several Boards.

The varied roles that she plays within the community help Michelle to get a better perspective of the impacts of governmental changes in funding and policy, and advocate on behalf of the community.

Louise is an accomplished financial leader with a strong background in the education sector. As the Chief Financial Officer of Youth Futures, she oversees financial strategy, budgeting, and operational efficiency to ensure the institution’s long-term sustainability and growth. With a deep understanding of funding models, including grants and student enrolment-driven revenue, Louise plays a critical role in aligning financial planning with the organisation’s mission to provide accommodation, support, and quality education to young people in our community.

Bringing over 20 years of experience in finance and administration to the team, Louise has successfully led initiatives to optimise resource allocation, enhance financial transparency, and support strategic expansion. Prior to joining Youth Futures, she held key financial leadership roles in other private education providers, where she specialised in financial forecasting, compliance, and operational improvements.

Louise holds a degree in Accounting and Information Systems from Curtin University and is a Chartered Accountant. Passionate about education, she is committed to fostering financial stability that enables student success and institutional excellence.

Janet has been the HR Consultant at Youth Futures since July 2024. She believes that achieving positive outcomes requires treating people fairly and with compassion, while delivering a quality of service that reflects the organisation’s values and ethical standards. Janet makes a concerted effort to connect with as many staff as possible to gain a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

She has a particular interest in the not-for-profit sector, especially organisations that support women and young people. Janet served for nearly 20 years as the voluntary Chair of a local organisation providing a range of services to women, with a focus on supporting Aboriginal women and those affected by domestic violence.

Janet holds a Master’s degree in International Human Resource Management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is a Fellow of the UK Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and was formerly a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), where she also served as President of the WA Council.

Over the years, Janet has shared her expertise by lecturing around 1,000 students at Curtin University and contributing to the HR curriculum for optometry doctorate students at the University of Western Australia. From 2008 to 2017, she was registered by the Australian Government to provide advice on Australian migration law.

Paul is a strong advocate for disengaged students in alternative education settings with over 24 years’ experience in teaching, in addition to working in leadership roles, with the last 10 years in WA. Paul was awarded Leader of the Year in 2017 by the West Australian Education Support Principals Association and has gained extensive experience within a school for specific purposes (SSP) in Sydney, as well as numerous education support settings for students with emotional and behavioural difficulties in the UK. Holding a Bachelor of Education (Hons, QTS) with the University of Liverpool (UK) and a Certificate in Psychology (Education) from the University of London (UK), combined with strong interpersonal skills means Paul establishes and maintains positive relationships with students, parents/carers, staff, and external agencies.

Jade graduated with a degree in Events Management. After completing her studies, Jade worked at an agency where she organised a variety of events from high-end luxury incentives to large scale conferences and exhibitions. When she relocated to Australia, Jade moved to an Operations Manager role. This position saw her involved in all aspects of the company including project management, process development and team training. In 2024, Jade made the decision to move to an organisation that aligns with her personal values; she believes that everybody deserves the opportunity to be the best version of themselves and is motivated in helping people to achieve this goal.

Claire brings a background of professional experience that spans continents and industries. She began her professional journey in France, where she created events and brand activations for major global organisations, honing her skills in creativity and strategic planning.

After returning to Perth, Claire worked with peak industry associations, focusing on sponsorship, partnerships, and engagement, as well as building a reputation for cultivating strong, impactful relationships.

At Youth Futures, Claire channels her expertise and enthusiasm into developing meaningful connections with partners and supporters. She’s deeply committed to ensuring these relationships create lasting, positive outcomes for the young people in Youth Futures’ programs.

Claire’s qualifications include a Certificate in Marketing and Communications and a Mini MBA in Marketing.

Kris has a strong passion for helping others to succeed. Originally from the UK, Kris has spent the last 20 years in New Zealand, working for Tourism based companies providing a range of support from ICT Systems, to building and asset management, through to managing teams and setting up new companies. Kris made the conscious decision to seek out an organisation that was passionate about both the present and future, a place where his skills could have a direct positive impact on the people around him. With a passion for organisation, streamlining systems and processes, and a desire to consolidate information and data, he will provide support to our network of staff and businesses.

Jemma has been working within the Youth Futures Homelessness Team since 2015 after completing her university practical placement at TINOCA. Jemma holds a Bachelor of Youth Work degree from ECU, which she began after volunteering on youth camps through Vinnies. Motivated by wanting to further support and empower young people who were striving towards a better future she is passionate about social justice. Currently acting in the Homelessness Services Manager role, Jemma is providing support and guidance to the Youth Futures Homelessness Services Team.

Nilima has over 20 years of experience in the finance industry, working across various sectors including technology, automotive and not-for-profit. Nilima is a Chartered Accountant (CA/ FCCA); she has a proven track record of delivering high quality financial results, ensuring compliance management in line with regulations and deadlines, and leading high performing teams across corporate accounting procedures. Her desire to make a positive difference to the community by providing services to support disadvantaged young people is what drove her to join the Youth Futures team.

Linda currently manages Youth Futures Anchor Point (Community Based Courses) offering appropriate education and support to disengaged young people. Linda has over 30 years’ experience in the education industry, including 12 years as a classroom teacher of English. She is experienced as a teacher and trainer in several sectors, including VET, Adult Literacy, Secondary Schooling, English as a Second Language and English for Academic Purposes for International students. She also has considerable experience in Academic and Compliance management as well as curriculum design and development.

Kristy holds a Master of Social Work from Curtin University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an Addiction Studies major, along with Honours in Psychology. With over 15 years at Youth Futures, she has supported vulnerable young people in education and homelessness services. Since January 2023, she has served as Practice Lead (Youth Work) and now Head of Student Wellbeing, overseeing programs that enhance students’ health and wellbeing. Passionate about social justice, she advocates for equitable access to resources and opportunities for young people.

With experience in working across both Youth Futures programs and the broader Youth Workspace, Helaina brings a commitment to supporting young people navigating significant life challenges. Helaina began her journey at Youth Futures undertaking numerous roles such as Drug Education Support Worker at TINOCA, and Housing Support Worker – Correct Juvenile. Helaina has also worked as a Youth Support and Development Worker at Youth Futures Community School.

Helaina has held roles beyond Youth Futures as a Mental Health Outreach Worker and Drug Education Case Manager, broadening her experience in working with young people facing hardships that have impacted their right to safe and supportive living.

In her current role as Coordinator, Helaina provides support and guidance to a dedicated and passionate team of Case Workers across the Youth Futures Homelessness and Support Services. Helaina is responsible for overseeing quality service delivery across a range of programs, ensuring strengths-based, person-centred approaches are delivered in all aspects of practice.

An advocate for young people’s rights and autonomy, Helaina is driven by the belief that no young person should be defined by their circumstances. She is committed to creating safe spaces where young people feel heard, understood, and supported to build a future that accomplishes their goals and needs.

Liz is a seasoned Community and Business Management professional with over 25 years’ experience in the immigration and community coordination sectors. Throughout her career, she has shown a strong commitment to managing, supporting and advocating for a diverse range of clients, always tailoring her approach to meet their individual needs.

With a genuine passion for helping others, Liz specialises in supporting clients in accommodation services, ensuring they receive the resources and assistance needed to achieve positive outcomes. Her extensive experience enables her to navigate complex situations and develop practical, effective solutions, making her a trusted advocate in her field.

Liz’s dedication to her work reflects her belief in the power of community support and engagement. She is committed to empowering those she serves, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive and reach their goals.

Matt brings a strong background in Leadership and management, stakeholder management, coaching and mentoring, project management and program design and development. With experience gained in the sports management industry and working with young people in CaRE school programs, Matt is passionate about helping create environments that promote opportunity, learning and growth. Matt’s energy and enthusiasm drives his strong focus on developing an engaging curriculum, supporting professional development and establishing and consolidating compliance systems, processes and practices that serve to drive quality assurance and improve the student experience in training organisations.

Jen is the Deputy Principal of Clarkson Youth Futures Community School. She has a background of diverse educational experience, having taught throughout Australia and abroad. Jen has taught students from all age groups, primarily teaching students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those within an alternative education setting. With a passion for the systemic implementation of trauma-informed practices in alternative education she is currently pursuing a PhD in this field. Jen has been recognised for her innovative research and received The Research in Educational Leadership and Management Award from the Australian Council of Educational Leadership (ACEL). Jen is an inspirational researcher, speaker, and lecturer, who shares her knowledge with both current and future educators. Jen is passionate about supporting staff and students, ensuring the successful provision of holistic services for the diverse young people at the Clarkson campus.

With over 20 years of leadership experience in both national and international organizations, Rebecca Varian brings deep expertise, empathy, and purpose to her role as Head of School at Youth Futures Community School in Midland.

Motivated by a strong belief in the power of education, Rebecca entered the education sector in 2017. Since then, she has become a passionate advocate for trauma-informed practices and inclusive learning, with a focus on supporting students facing significant barriers to education. She champions social equity and works to build strong connections between schools, families, and communities.

Rebecca believes every young person deserves the chance to re-engage with education and rediscover their place in the community. She is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where students at educational risk feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Her career spans a range of roles in both alternative and mainstream settings, including teaching English to Years 7–12 at Court Grammar School, SMYL, and Communicare Academy, and providing relief teaching at St. Clare’s School (CEWA). Prior to her current role, she coordinated an award-winning TAFE program, partnering with industry to scale it statewide and build real-world pathways for young people.

Now, as Head of School at Youth Futures, Rebecca leads with compassion and vision—developing industry-recognized pathways to trades and lifelong learning, and ensuring every student has access to meaningful, future-focused opportunities.

Kerry-Ann is a dedicated and forward-thinking educational leader with over 20 years of experience in education across Australia and South Africa. She specialises in supporting students at educational risk, particularly those facing learning challenges. Drawing on her extensive curriculum knowledge, expertise in differentiation, and trauma-informed practices, Kerry-Ann creates inclusive, effective learning environments that support every student’s growth.

Committed to resilience and continuous improvement, she maintains clear boundaries, upholds high expectations, and leads with empathy. Her educational philosophy blends academic achievement with social-emotional wellbeing—an approach supported by her academic credentials. She holds Master’s degrees in Education and Learning Support, and in School Guidance and Counselling, as well as a PhD.

As a proactive and collaborative leader, Kerry-Ann brings strong organisational skills and a progressive mindset to the Caversham Hub. She is passionate about streamlining processes, driving progress, and cultivating a dynamic environment that empowers staff and helps students realise their full potential.

Steve first trained as an art teacher and started his career at Mirrabooka Senior High School. Following time in Kalgoorlie, Steve returned to his hometown of Albany where he established a highly innovative multimedia and computer graphics facility at North Albany Senior High School. Steve had a range of promotional positions at NASHS, including Deputy Principal. Steve developed a reputation as a passionate and strong relational leader. After NASHS, Steve was drawn to leading a newly established CARE school in Albany and served 10 years as the Regional Principal of Alta-1 Great Southern. At the start of 2024 Steve had the opportunity to embark on a fresh direction taking up the opportunity to join Youth Futures as Deputy Principal of the Albany campus. Steve is excited to offer an alternative education model to the Albany community built around re-engagement, personal recovery, and success in a supportive self-paced curriculum.