Our team

Shona is an Eastern Arrernte woman and comes from a family who has a long legacy of working with First Nation children, families and communities. Having previously worked in the child protection system, she has worked hard to build First Nation governance, leadership and reconciliation and playing her part in building a more culturally inclusive community; where true inclusivity is observed through the respect for diverse, meaningful and substantive relationships and engagement is grounded in honesty, integrity, transparency and truth. When she is not working, Shona is busy keeping her family of nine close, strong and connected.

Merike joined the advocacy team in November 2018, with a strong background in out-of-home care. She has worked in non-government and the public sector, including foster care placement co-ordination and support, carer assessment and support, carer approval and review, project management and legislation implementation. Family and children are the light of Merike’s life and she lives the adage “it takes a village to raise a child”. She describes herself as ‘a people-person, who is bright and bubbly and always sees the glass as half full”. She loves movies, meditation and a great cup of coffee shared with good company.

Courtney has completed a Bachelor in Psychology and has worked for a non-government foster care agency and for the Department for Child Protection. Within out-of-home-care, she has experience in the recruitment, assessment, approval and review of foster carers, as well as the support of foster care families. Courtney enjoys watching documentaries, going out for breakfast and spending time with her friends, family and dog, Gus.

After completing a Bachelor of Nursing degree, Claire has spent the last 8 years working in Child Protection. Claire also has a background in education, both in primary and tertiary settings, supporting children and young people. Claire is passionate about ensuring that the voice of the child is listened to, and that children and young people feel safe and supported. Outside of work Claire can be found at the beach, going for walks and spending time with family and friends (including her cats).

Esther has a background in youth work and prior to joining OGCYP, worked in a non-government organisation supporting young people experiencing complexity and crisis. Esther has completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Social Work and is interested in the impact of both social and legal systems on children and young people. Esther is passionate about the power of advocacy and facilitating spaces for children and young people to harness their potential and utilise their voices. When not in the office, you’ll find Esther surfing, op shopping or trying a new café.

Shaylem is a proud Ngarrindjeri woman who understands the importance of culture and connection. Shaylem has previously worked in foster care and education supporting First Nations children and adults to thrive and reach their full potential. Shaylem is passionate about supporting Aboriginal children to have their voice heard and be the leaders of their own lives. Outside of work, Shaylem loves cooking, spending time with her partner and cats and watching Netflix.

Before joining the Training Centre Visitor Unit, Nadia worked as a community lawyer with a focus on child protection, family violence, and youth crime. She’s lived in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and Melbourne, but is an Adelaide girl originally. Nadia is passionate about supporting young people to access their own autonomy and self-advocate. Outside of work, she loves catching up with friends, babysitting her new niece, and reading… But if the Western Bulldogs are playing, she’s glued to the TV.

Originally Hamish worked as a teacher, particularly in rural and remote schools, before moving into the child protection space. Whether in schools or with the Department for Child Protection, Hamish has a strong relational work focus and firmly believes it is through forming meaningful and consistent relationships that positive outcomes can be achieved for young people. When not working, Hamish can be found hanging out with his daughters, who have him wrapped around their little fingers, bike riding and spending time at the beach surfing. In between all this, Hamish has a soft spot for his pets – even if that only consists of one moody cat and four chickens!

Em has been working in the youth sector for the last 15 years designing and facilitating empowerment, leadership and therapeutic programs. Complimented by her outdoor education background Em enjoys supporting young people to recognise their inner strength, try new things, connect to nature and gain skills in mindfulness. Through her various roles Em has led a number of co-design initiatives and consultations with young people for both the government and non-government sectors. Em firmly believes in the power of lived experience to guide policy, drive change and promote child-centred practice. Outside of the office, Em can usually be spotted riding her bike or chasing her children at the beach.

Eileen is a proud Warumungu, Luritja and Yawuru woman. She brings with her extensive experience from a variety of roles working with Aboriginal children, young people, and families impacted by the child protection system. Eileen is passionate about advocating for the rights of children and young people to ensure their views and voices are heard. Her years of experience have provided her with valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by children and young people, and First Nation communities. She strongly believes in the importance of cultural identity and is dedicated to promoting the social and emotional wellbeing of every child and young person. Outside of her work, Eileen enjoys spending time at the beach, socialising with family and friends, and reconnecting with her country.

Aali is a proud Kaurna Narungga Wirangu woman. Aali is firm in her ability to ensure the generations who follow hers are empowered and strong in cultural identity. Aali is also dedicated to championing the voices of children and young people, and believes cultural identity is key to supporting them. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Aali previously worked in Aboriginal Education and the Justice sector. In her free time, Aali loves to spend her free time with her 3-year-old German Shepherd, Emmet.

Kerry has significant experience across child protection, youth justice and residential care systems in a variety of roles and enjoys working in partnership with young people to assist them achieving their aspirations. When not involved in the hassle and bustle of city life, Kerry enjoys taking full advantage of the peaceful country environments and costal experiences that South Australia has to offer.

Alicia has a background in law and human rights, with a strong passion for advocacy, engaging with communities and striving for change. Working across the Northern Territory, Victoria and South Australia, Alicia has diverse experience in areas including equal opportunity law, youth justice, tertiary education and working with victims and survivors of family violence and child sexual abuse. When not working, you’re most likely to find her at her piano or guitar – until her dogs bark to go for a walk!

Ella was born on Kaurna land and has worked with children and young people for over 20 years as a lawyer, community worker, and advisor who advocates for system change in complex and sensitive areas. She is an experienced driver of legal education, youth justice, mental health, suicide-prevention, arts and community focused programs and state-wide initiatives. Ella works towards a time when children and young people’s views, experiences, voices, passions, and inherent rights are valued and supported. Outside of work, Ella is passionate about increasing community connections and a sense of place. You will find her running a community choir, caring for her two kids and dog, talking with neighbours, playing music, thinking about nature, or walking next to a river.

Jade has qualifications in law and social science, previously working in policy roles across Child Protection and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. She has a strong passion for ensuring that policy reflects the voices of children and young people, and making sure that the decision-makers who aren’t working directly with children and young people don’t lose sight of what’s really important. When not working or doing her mountains of housework, you’ll find Jade walking her dog, reading a good book or camping with her partner and kids.

Paige joined the OGCYP team in November 2023. She spent the last four years working at the Department for Child Protection in various corporate administration roles. Paige has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, and her strengths include streamlining administration processes to make workplaces more efficient. Paige’s ideal weekend consists of good coffee, a Pilates class, and a beach walk to soak up the sun!

Sowaibah is a first-generation Muslim Australian whose family fled Afghanistan in the 90s. She’s an award-winning journalist with almost eight years of experience working across digital, television, and radio news at 7NEWS.com.au and the ABC. Her journalism career saw her travel to remote and regional communities in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Sowaibah is passionate about improving the media’s coverage of diverse communities. In her own time, Sowaibah enjoys spending time with her family.