About Us
Our Teams
The people behind Karinya - showing up every day with care, consistency, and a deep belief in young people and their potential.
Meet the Team
About the team
Our team at Karinya shows up. Every day. With care, consistency, and a deep belief in young people and their potential.
We show up to listen without judgment, to walk alongside, and to create spaces where young people feel safe, seen, and valued. Through our work, we bring our mission to life, partnering with young people and the community to create safe, supportive, and inspiring places and programs.
Grounded in our values of hope, kindness, safety, accountability, and innovation, we bring both heart and professional expertise to everything we do. These values are not just words; they shape how we show up, how we respond, and how we build trust every day.
We are driven by our vision of a future where all young Tasmanians are nurtured, protected, and inspired to succeed. This vision guides our work and keeps us focused on what matters most: supporting young people to move forward with confidence, strength, and a sense of possibility.
It is this shared purpose that brings our team together - people who care deeply, act with integrity, and stand alongside young people as they build a future that is safe, strong, and their own.
Leadership Team
Chief Executive Officer
Jane
“From little things, big things grow”
— Paul Kelly
As the CEO of Karinya, I find great resonance with Karinya's values, as they mirror my core principles. At the heart of our mission lies a deep commitment to hope, integrity, safety, and kindness. While many of us may take for granted the sanctuary of a safe and nurturing family home, where food and affection abound, we aim to cultivate such an environment within our organisation.
We understand the importance of providing not only physical safety but also emotional security, where each member of our team is valued and respected for their unique contributions.
Karinya greatly values our partners and supporters who join with us in making a positive difference in a young person's life. Together, we envision a future where every young person feels empowered, valued and ready to take on the world!
Program Team Leader
Patsy
“Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog.”
— Matilda, Roald Dahl
I firmly believe that with the right opportunities, every young person has the potential to lead the world. It's crucial to recognise the incredible potential within our youth. As workers, we are responsible for walking alongside them on their journey, understanding that they may fall over along the way, and being a supportive bridge to help them succeed.
Finance Officer
Lisa
“Kindness costs nothing, but it can change everything.”
I work at Karinya because I love being around people who are passionate about supporting young people, and their families and friends, to live their best lives.
Program Support Team
Admin & Project Support
Madeline
“You can start over at any stage”
After working in marketing for a decade I wanted to use my skillset in admin and project management in an industry that helps others. It has been so rewarding to see the work that is done by the team at Karinya.
Tenancy Officer
Arlene
“If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
I was seeking a career shift that offered both personal fulfilment and the chance to make a real impact. Working at Karinya aligns with those goals by providing an opportunity to support and assist young people in need, which can be incredibly rewarding.
Supporting a team that helps young people with accommodation needs is incredibly meaningful. Knowing that your efforts contribute to something greater is a good feeling.
Living & Life Skills Educator
Mohana
“We rise by lifting others.”
Karinya gives me the opportunity to make a direct and tangible impact on young people's lives. Helping shape and guide young minds can be incredibly rewarding - I love what I do!
Crisis Accommodation Team
Case Manager
Sophie
“We can't be brave in the big world without at least one small safe space to work through our fears and falls.”
— Brené Brown
I was motivated to work at Karinya within the Case Management role as I had personally witnessed intergenerational trauma be addressed within my own family. Through genuine struggle, youth homelessness, poverty and other adversity, my parents overcame barriers to pursue higher education, stable housing, and access to services. Knowing what is possible with the right support in-place, I hope to be a part of an organisation that offers safety, client-focused services for best outcomes — reducing the likelihood of intergenerational struggle for all young people.
Youth Support
Louise
“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
— C.S. Lewis
I have had connections with Karinya for a number of years and it is now amazing that I work there. I have always loved helping young people to be their best version of themselves, regardless of what life has presented them with. Empowering young people to be strong, independent and confident in who they are is such a privilege.
Youth Support
Rachel
“Step with care and great tact, and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.”
— Dr. Seuss
Working with young people has always been a passion for me. I love being a part of youth development and seeing an individual grow. It's an honour to work at Karinya and to have the opportunity to guide young people and see them tackle individual goals in a safe and supportive environment.
Youth Support
Nancy
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.”
— Charles R. Swindoll
I was drawn to Karinya because of the strong commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for young women. I'm passionate about empowering them to build confidence, set goals, and achieve what matters to them.
Youth Support
Cynthia
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless”
— Mother Teresa
Youth Support
Sharni
“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
Youth Support
Kellie
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
Living & Life Skills Educator
Mohana
“We rise by lifting others.”
Karinya gives me the opportunity to make a direct and tangible impact on young people's lives. Helping shape and guide young minds can be incredibly rewarding - I love what I do!
KYTT Team
KYTT Senior Case Manager
Courtney
“We cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can always build our youth for the future.”
Every day presents an opportunity to positively impact young people's lives, supporting them through various challenges and milestones. The sense of purpose derived from working with youth is truly remarkable, as I witness the resilience and growth of the youth I work with. It's gratifying to contribute to their journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal development. The unique blend of challenges and joys in this role keeps me motivated.
KYTT Senior Case Manager
Jye
“Do the things that make you happy.”
I believe in the power of doing what makes you happy and for me, that's working alongside young people as they navigate some of the most complex and challenging times in their lives. I started working in youth services because I wanted to support young people to figure out who they are, what matters to them, and where they want to go. It's a privilege to walk alongside them, helping create space for growth, resilience, and self-discovery. I'm passionate about building strong, respectful relationships and bringing a strengths-based, non-judgmental approach to everything I do.
Living & Life Skills Educator
Mohana
“We rise by lifting others.”
Karinya gives me the opportunity to make a direct and tangible impact on young people's lives. Helping shape and guide young minds can be incredibly rewarding - I love what I do!
KYM Team
KYTT Senior Case Manager
Ally
“Believe you can and you're halfway there.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
Working in the Karinya Young Mums program is an incredibly rewarding experience and a source of profound satisfaction. Supporting and engaging with young mothers and their babies is both a privilege and a joy, and witnessing the genuine bonds and resilience they embody is profoundly inspiring. The commitment to empowering families and fostering a supportive community resonates deeply with me.
KYTT Case Manager
Georgia
Bio coming soon.