Our Staff
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.
Emina has a rich history with BABI (since 2005) and has worked in different roles and programs. During this period, Emina has had much success in ensuring BABI continues to remain and thrive in the local community and has shown extreme commitment and passion in creating the organisational structures, processes and programs that are relevant and responsive to the needs of our clients and the community. “I love the dedication and commitment of our BABI Team, their passion towards making a positive difference in the lives of young people and families we work with inspires me every day. I feel honour and a great privilege to work alongside them as they truly are great leaders, advocates and change makers in our local community”.
Tracey first joined BABI in February 2023 as the administration assistant and has since become our Administration Officer. Tracey’s background includes working in the childcare sector for over 20 years in many roles. An interesting fact out Tracey is she has also worked for over 5 years with remote island communities off the Darwin coastline. Tracey is BABI’s first point of contact, in person and over the phone, to clients and visitors. Tracey’s warm and welcoming presence is a delight to have as our administrator.
Catriona has been working with youths and families in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years. Her roles have included front line practice, education and management. Catriona has completed a Bachelor in Counselling and Psychotherapies and is passionate about creating a trauma informed organisation. Catriona loves seeing people heal, learn and grow, including the team at BABI. Catriona has a love of learning, social justice and human rights.
Fadia Joined BABI in Oct.2015. Fadia 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 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. During these years Fadia has assisted many Community Based Organisations through time of changes such as staffing restructuring, the implementation of tax reform, the application of GST, the changes in the fringe benefit regulation, the implementation of the Standards for community-based organisations and most recently during changes to QLD State award for community workers. Fadia also assisted many organisations transitioning from manual to computerised accounting systems providing system setting up and training. 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 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. “I have a passion for empowering and advocating for young people, so my job never feels like work. It blows my mind how much I have learnt from the amazing, resilient and confident young people that access our service”.
Kara joined BABI in 2021 as our Property and Intake worker. Kara has come to BABI with significant experience having worked in the community sector for over 20 years (yes I’m old!!!). Most of her experience has been in working with young people but also more broadly with families and also in Community Development. Kara is passionate about seeing young people live their best lives and is all about creating opportunities for young people. Kara first studied Agriculture when she left school (that’s a whole other story) before returning to university to study social work and has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Counselling.
Julie Figliano is excited to be working at BABI Youth and Family Service since the beginning of 2022 and is impressed at the compassionate and fervent team that she works in. Julie loves her role as a Youth Case Worker that allows her to support our Youth and families to thrive. Julie is dedicated in meeting the support needs of her clients and enjoys working with diverse communities to empower their aspirations.
Louise holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) and a Master of Human Services and is registered with PACFA. Louise is also a parent and grandparent. Louise is a passionate trauma therapist who has worked with families and individuals in several organisations and private practice for over 17 years. Louise enjoys family activities, walking, Pilates and reading.
Beth has over 14 years' experience working with young people. Beth likes building relationships, creating safe spaces for young people to be themselves, and assisting young people to build on their strengths. Beth is a social worker and a mum. She also enjoys yoga, walks in nature and spending time with others.
Tara initially started at BABI in 2021 as a student on placement and has recently 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 is the Youth Case Worker on our Youth Support program at BABI Youth and Family Service. Maddie is an experienced new graduate social worker with a passion for creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people to feel seen, valued, empowered and accepted. Maddie provides individualised, holistic, practical case management and outreach support to young people aged 12-21 living in local Wynnum/Manly community. Maddie enjoys connecting with young people and supporting them to navigate complex systems and barriers, so that they are able to overcome the personal and environmental challenges to reaching their goals.
Over the past six years Sahn has been immersed in the meaningful work of supporting young people at risk. “My belief is rooted in the idea that every young person carries a unique purpose, and with the right encouragement, they can achieve incredible things. As a person of Faith in Jesus, I’ve found inspiration and strength to pour into the lives of young individuals, fostering an environment of hope and positivity.” Sahn has a passion for Gospel Hip Hop, health and fitness and enjoys spending time with family.
I have recently changed roles from Youth Worker to Coordinator of the Community Youth Space. Within this new role I can use my skills as a youth worker to listen to what the young people need and then do my best to make it happen. I am always grateful to be in a position where I can learn, laugh and grow with them. Today's youth are often misunderstood and I want the community to see that they are kids still learning to navigate the world around them. I find a lot of joy in being able to assist youth who often feel like they don’t have much support. Jake enjoys live music and is passionate about fishing and kayaking.
Gwen recently started at BABI as the Tenancy and Property Worker. Gwen has worked in the childcare sector for over 20 years and is a passionate advocate for youths and young children. Being part of the BABI team and working to support vulnerable young people is exciting and rewarding.
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.
Samantha is a senior Governance, Compliance and Regulatory expert. Her career spans over 17 years working for a top tier law firm for a decade, inhouse legal and senior compliance roles for a mid-tier bank, partner in the Governance, Risk and Compliance division of a Sydney law firm and now as Counsel in the Financial Regulation practice at Ashurst Australia. Samantha’s Governance experience includes previous non-executive/management committee roles for the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House, CSIRO ethics committee and Stadiums Queensland. Samantha is passionate about lifting the standards of governance and compliance in Australian organisations and with two young children of her own, is committed to ensuring youth support organisations such as BABI continue to thrive in local communities.
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.
Sarah is a communications specialist with a career spanning over 15 years within government, community and union organisations specialising in building power through political and community campaigns. 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.
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.