Our Staff

Shaun
Shaun has been privileged to work with a number of different community organisations over 20 years, working to support people across a variety of areas including mental health and wellbeing, health promotion, research, inclusion and clinical education and training. Shaun has held an Honorary Associate Lecturer attachment with the University of Queensland, has been involved with a variety of Steering Committees, Reference Groups and Boards of Governance, and has a Masters in Criminology and Bachelor of Science (Psychology). Shaun is passionate about creating space for everyone feel empowered and be able to live their authentic lives, and ensuring programs and services have community voices at the centre of the work.

Elena
Elena joined BABI in July 2025 with a background in various legal, government, and non-profit administration roles. She graduated from QUT in 2018 with a Bachelors Degree in Justice while majoring in Criminology and Policing, and completed a Certificate III in Floristry in 2020. Elena has always been recognised for her excellent communication skills, empathetic approach, and commitment to creating meaningful connections across diverse environments. Her aim is to create a welcoming and wholesome atmosphere to BABI's office space, and she brings a touch of magic to all her endeavours. In her personal life, Elena is a parent to one lovely son, loves to craft and bake, loves creative writing and is an avid reader. A fun fact about Elena is that she loves collecting trinkets and special edition or out of print indie published books.

Fadia
Fadia Joined BABI in 2015 and holds a bachelor’s degree in business majoring in Accounting from Cairo – Egypt. After moving to Australia in 1990 she attended QUT for further studies to update her skills to Australian standards and is proud to call Australia home. Since 1982 Fadia has worked in both the corporate and the non-corporate sectors. Since 1994 Fadia is working exclusively for the not for profit sector in Queensland and has developed an extensive experience within the sector. Fadia loves her work and enjoys developing and implementing strategies that overcome the financial challenges faced by the not for profit sector. Fadia loves being part of a dynamic, experienced, diversified and caring team.

Carly
Carly joined BABI in 2018 in our Youth Engagement role after completing her university student placement here. She has worked in our Get Set for Work program, CYS program and is currently the Housing Program Manager in our Specialist Youth Homelessness Service. Carly holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health. Carly is a passionate advocate for young people and enjoys the role of supporting them through the adversities and challenges they face.

Tara
Tara initially started at BABI in 2021 as a student on placement and then graduated from her Bachelor of Social Work. Tara moved into the Youth Case Worker role in the Get Set for Work program in 2023 and supports young people disengaged from school and employment. Tara is passionate about working alongside young people to overcome barriers and support them to shape and build the life they want to lead. Tara enjoys connecting with young people, learning off them and seeing them reach their goals.

Maddie
Maddie is the Youth Case Worker on our Youth Support program at BABI Youth and Family Service. Maddie provides individualised, holistic, practical case management and outreach support to young people aged 12-21 living in local Wynnum/Manly and surrounding community. With over four years experience of working with young people and families, and holding a Bachelor of Social Work, Maddie brings a trauma-informed and youth centred approach to her work. Maddie is passionate about creating a safe space for young people to feel seen, valued, accepted and empowered.

Julie
Julie has been excitedly working at BABI since the beginning of 2022 and is impressed at the compassionate and fervent team that she works in. Julie loves her role as a as it allows her to support our youth and families and ensure they thrive. Julie is dedicated in meeting the support needs of her clients and enjoys working with diverse communities to empower their aspirations.

Carly
Carly joined BABI in October 2025. Carly comes to BABI with a background in youth work, supporting vulnerable and at-risk young people, particularly in out-of-home care. Carly graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Social Work and brings a trauma-informed and person-centred approach to her work. Carly is passionate about fostering authentic, trusting relationships in her practice, and ensuring young people have the support they deserve to thrive. As BABI’s Intake Case Worker, Carly is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where young people feel heard, empowered and supported in navigating challenges and achieving their goals. Outside of work, Carly enjoys camping and spending time with her two kelpies.

Sahn
With over six years of dedicated experience supporting families at risk, Sahn is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community. He believes that every person carries a unique purpose, and with the right encouragement, they can achieve incredible things. Grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, Sahn draws inspiration and strength to foster hope and positivity in the lives he touches. He works with the IHRF program, a role he is truly grateful for, as it allows him to assist families in need and make a tangible difference. He is also deeply committed to outreach and community support, striving to uplift and empower those around him.

Jake
Hake is our Coordinator of the Community Youth Space. Within this new role he uses skills as a youth worker to listen to what the young people need and then does his best to make it happen. He is always grateful to be in a position where he can learn, laugh and grow with the young people at BABI. Today's youth are often misunderstood and Jake wants the community to see that they are kids still learning to navigate the world around them. He finds a lot of joy in being able to assist youth who often feel like they don’t have much support. Outside of work, Jake enjoys live music and is passionate about fishing and kayaking.

Gwen
Gwen is our Tenancy and Property Worker. She has worked in the childcare sector for over 20 years and is a passionate advocate for youths and young children. For Gwen, being part of the BABI team and working to support vulnerable young people is exciting and rewarding.

Ash
Ash joined BABI through their social work degree placement and quickly became a valued member of the team. They are now the LINX Youth Worker, working in the youth drop-in space. Ash is passionate about supporting young people through a youth-centred approach, and they are committed to fostering safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments. Their work focuses on empowering young people and helping them find their voice within the community. Outside of work, Ash enjoys reading, especially science fiction and going on walks with their dog.
Our Board of management
Bayside Adolescent Boarding Incorporated (BABI) is governed by a Board of Management which is responsible for the development of the strategic vision of the organisation and monitoring professionalism and compliance.
Sarah is a public policy and communications specialist with a career spanning over 20 years within government, community and union organisations. Sarah has proven abilities to successfully work collaboratively with multiple levels of government, utilising well developed interpersonal and negotiation skills to achieve positive results. Sarah is committed to working with local community organisations to improve outcomes for those who need support.
Chris worked as a Technical Officer with Telstra until 1998 (30 years), a Retail Sales Assistant for 5 years (1998-2003) and Admin/Bookkeeping part time (2003-2021). He retired from paid employment in July 2021. He currently volunteers with the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme since 2010, the Redland Community Centre since 2017. He is Company Secretary of RWM Community Financial Services Limited (the company that holds the franchise to operate the Bendigo Community Bank branches in Victoria Point and Wynnum Manly), and Chairperson of the United Community Services Inc. Board. He is a Life Member of the Capalaba State College Amateur Swimming Club and a Life Member of Tennis Officials Australia.
Edward joined the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) in 2006 and is currently employed as PBPL Community Relations Advisor. His responsibilities include oversight of community sponsorship programs and management of community amenities inclusive of visitors centre, cafe, conference rooms and port tours. Previously, Edward worked in a variety of management positions in hospitality in Melbourne, Adelaide, the UK and Sweden. Edward has been a board member of BABI since 2014 and is well known across many non for profit entities in the local area. Edward has an interest in community issues and assisting community organisations to achieve their social aims.
Sharon joined the BABI Board in 2022 after a 30 year career in the provision of housing and housing-related services in local, state and commonwealth government agencies. Sharon held senior leadership roles responsible for housing acquisition and construction, maintenance, portfolio management and the delivery of property and tenancy management services to social housing and Defence clients. Sharon brings to BABI many years’ experience in leadership roles with responsibility for strategic management and governance. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business majoring in Public Management. Sharon has a strong belief that access to safe, secure and affordable housing and a place to call home are fundamental to health, education, employment and life opportunities. The services that BABI provides play an important role in addressing this need in the Wynnum community.
Peter has qualifications in Economics and Law but has not practiced in law for almost 30 years. Peter has been heavily involved in the Wynnum Manly community in his previous role as Councillor for Wynnum Manly for 29 years until his retirement in 2023. He continues to take a keen interest in community events in Wynnum Manly.

