About US
Our Governance
Karinya is led by a committed Board of Directors and a Senior Leadership Team dedicated to transparent, values-driven governance.
Board of Directors
Our Governance Structure
Karinya Youth Services Tas is guided by a skills based Board of nine women, each bringing diverse expertise and professional experience. The Board provides strategic direction and oversight, ensuring all decisions align with our mission, vision and values.
An Audit and Risk Sub Committee supports the Board by overseeing financial management and risk, strengthening accountability and long term sustainability.
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day to day operations of the organisation, ensuring our services are delivered effectively and in line with our strategic priorities.
Our governance framework is underpinned by the Association Constitution of Karinya Youth Services Tas, which provides clear structures for accountability, transparency and informed decision making.
Together, this structure supports strong leadership and ensures we continue to deliver safe, high quality services to the young people we walk alongside.
Governance at a glance
Board of Directors
10 women — diverse expertise and professional experience
Audit & Risk Sub Committee
Financial management, risk oversight, and accountability
Chief Executive Officer
Day-to-day operations and service delivery
Association Constitution
Clear structures for transparency and informed decision-making
Our Board
Board of Directors
Director, Chair
Natalie Mayes
Natalie joined the Karinya Board in June 2023. She is currently employed as the Executive Manager People & Culture with NDIS disability support provider Multicap Tasmania. Natalie brings expertise in change management, organisational culture and strategic planning to the board. She is a member of AICD, Women on Boards, AHRI and IRST.
Vice Chair Practice and governance (safeguarding) subcommittee
Olivia Skirving
Olivia has worked in Education for over 20 years in a variety of schools and positions in Northern Tasmania. In 2023 she joined the University of Tasmania, helping tertiary students and adult learners continue study in our state. Olivia was previously on the Karinya Committee from 2015–2020 and rejoined in 2023. She lives on a farm with her husband and two children and enjoys volunteering and making a difference in rural communities.
Treasurer & Chair Audit and Risk Subcommittee
Ashley Amore
Ashley is a Chartered Accountant with 17 years of finance and operations experience across public practice and industry roles. She currently teaches within the College of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania. In 2020, she received first class honours for her dissertation exploring transparency and accountability in Australian charity sector reporting.
Director
Clare Smith
Clare is a senior executive and accountant with almost 20 years' experience across the private and public sectors. She is currently a Senior Consultant at Synectic Accountants & Advisors. Clare is a graduate of the 2019 Tasmanian Leaders Program, an independent member of the Department of Treasury and Finance Audit & Risk Management Committee, and Vice Chair of the Institute of Internal Auditors (Tasmanian Chapter).
Director, Secretary
Susan Skinner
Susan is a primary school teacher with the Department of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Tasmania and, upon graduation, was placed on the Dean's Honour Roll for the College of Arts, Law and Education. Susan is passionate about education and the benefits it provides to young people. She has previously volunteered for not-for-profit organisations that assist young women, in particular young mothers.
Director
Katrina Myburgh
Katrina is a marketing communications leader with 20+ years' experience in the energy, wine, education, consumer and automotive aftermarket sectors. She is currently Head of Marketing and Communications at The Project Lab. Her skills span corporate communications, branding, reputation management, digital and social media marketing, public relations and internal communications. She has a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Canberra.
Director
Jozie de Deuge
Jozie is a general psychologist with 9 years of experience working in the mental health sector. Her work has spanned research into youth mental health services in Tasmania and hands-on work with children and adolescents in the disability sector. Jozie currently works in private practice, focusing on empowering children and adolescents, particularly those from neuro and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Director — joined April 2025
Michele Gibbins
Michele joined the Karinya Board in April 2025. She has extensive and diverse career experience, with over 18 years in local government, with a proven background in governance, strategic planning, youth engagement, community development and stakeholder engagement. Michele is an inaugural and former member of the Premiers Disability Advisory Council.
Chief Executive Officer & Public Officer
Jane Gaetani-Black
Jane is a highly experienced professional in the community and health sectors with expertise in leadership, governance, and project management. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing, a Post Graduate Certificate in Health Service Management, and a Graduate Diploma in Public Health. Jane is also Vice Chair Migrant Resource Centre North. Her primary focus is ensuring the safety and welfare of young people in need of Karinya's services.
Our purpose
Walking alongside young people
Walking alongside young people as they find safety, connection, and a place to belong.
Our governance framework exists to ensure the organisation we build reflects the values we hold: hope, kindness, safety, accountability, and innovation. Strong governance means better services for young people — and that is always our north star.
