Leadership Team
Samantha King
Executive Officer
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02 9986 3339
0417 678 499
I am so passionate about young people having choices and a stronger more resilient community that supports itself through good times and bad! In this, I have worked at Youth Up Front for over 18 years and continue to be in awe of the work of my amazing team.
I find the great thing about YUF is the diversity of what we can do to support young people in our community – to be able to see and experience firsthand the impact our work has on the whole community.
My passion for youth development, community collaboration and the amazing difference our work makes - fits me like a glove. The journey has always felt like it has been a growing movement – always forward and never back!
Aimee Wilson-O'Connor
Work Placement Team Leader
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02 9986 3339
Aimee here! I started in Childcare and then moved across to the Work Placement team 6 years ago. I am passionate about animal therapy and supporting links for students to local skill development.
I love being able to be a part of the Work Placement team as I feel work placement is such an important step for students. Whether it is them deciding they loved that industry placement or helping them realise it’s not quite for them. Either way, that placement makes an impact to improve students’ skills in life and may help them move in the same or a different direction for a career.
I believe all programs at Youth Up Front really make a difference and I am so happy to be a part and evolve with the company and everyone involved.
Gus Larrigaudierre
Youth Engagement Team Leader
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02 9986 3339
Over the last sixteen years I have worked in a youth ministry context as well as in the Learning & Development space as a facilitator. In this time, I have seen many young people making some wonderful life changing choices through the medium of knowledge, care and example that my heart was drawn to pursue this as my career path.
My philosophy is to never treat a young person as one that has no hope, rather my credence is that every person makes life work for them through the choices they make” Life does not make you; your choices do.”
Therefore, I am completely vested in the opportunities I have every day to reach young people and offering them skills and practical truths that may improve their lives for the better via the channel of this program.
Simone Duggin
Executive Assistant
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02 9986 3339
Hi, my name is Simone. I’ve had experience working for large international corporations to small family-owned businesses, with exposure to various industries such as pharmaceuticals, engineering and entertainment to name a few. I’m well versed with all facets of office and administration procedures, and I am looking forward to learning everything I can in my new role at YUF.
I enjoy the uniqueness YUF has to offer, from the semi-rural location and environment, the diversity and supportive approach everyone brings to the workplace on a daily basis and of course seeing the kids thrive from the opportunities the company provides to enable them to reach their full potential.
Youth Engagement Team
Harry Scott
Youth Case Worker
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02 9986 3339
Hi I’m Harry! I have worked as a youth worker for a year now and found it incredibly rewarding. Seeing the progression that the kids go through as they grow and change over the course of the program has been a very satisfying thing to watch and something that I've been very proud to be a part of.
The relationships that I have developed with the kids in our programs have also been a very satisfying part of the job and have often helped me understand the best ways to help each person. Being a youth worker is an incredible privilege as it allows me to help young people who may be struggling with various aspects of their life whilst also learning something new every day.
Noge Bengamine Beshere
Youth Case Worker
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02 9986 3339
Hi, Noge here,
I’ve been working as a Personal Trainer for many years, being involved with different people and different goals, short and long term.
I love training and seeing people make changes to better their lives, it’s a very rewarding experience/ journey being involved in that process.
I’ve coached youth soccer for a couple years and have been involved in varies youth activities for several years.
I am excited to be part of this community and to be able use my passion in youth works and Personal Training skills to impact the lives of the young people through Youth Up Front.
Julia Kaehler-Faulds
Youth Case Worker - Casual
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02 9986 3339
Hi, my name is Julia. I was raised in Germany and moved to Australia with my mum at 16 years of age. After completion of year 12 on the Gold Coast I moved to Sydney to work as an international flight attendant for 22 years.
During Covid I decided to leave flying to study counselling with a keen interest in working with young people. I completed my work placement at “Youth Up Front”, which gave me an insight of how rewarding and challenging this career choice would be. I am so happy to have joined the Team in a casual position and hope to make a difference.
Work Placement
Xanthia Krimatat
Work Placement Co-Ordinator
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02 9986 3339
Hi, my name is Xanthia. I’ve recently joined Youth Up Front as a Trainee and have already seen the incredible work they do here. I’m so grateful to be a part of the team and a part of helping our youths in the community.
I am excited to be become more involved in our community and contribute to the already huge difference the whole team has made.
Events
Cherryann Woods
Projects Co-ordinator - Casual
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02 9986 3339
Working as the Project Officer in an organisation that makes a real difference within our local community is a real privilege.
My strengths to the role come from years of Local, National and International project work involving coordination and logistics. It is great to be able to apply this with the team, as we are all passionate about connecting to community to support outcomes for young people.
Linking my local knowledge and using these skills in a close team dedicated to young people, is very rewarding.
You are braver than you believe,
stronger than you think,
smarter than you seem,
and loved more than you know.
