Joanne possesses over two decades of expertise in management, administration, and marketing across diverse sectors. She is a self-motivated and organised leader who is passionate about advancing youth and community development and is dedicated to making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Outside of her professional role, Joanne enjoys getting outside with her kids and cheering on the Firebirds or Brisbane Lions at their games!

Charlotte brings a wealth of expertise to Kokoda Youth Foundation as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Throughout her 20-year career, she has predominantly worked across the education and not-for-profit sectors, where she has created many impactful campaigns. Charlotte has always enjoyed collaborating with organisations who empower young people to reach their full potential, and her skill set spans strategic planning, content creation, event management and brand development.

Beyond work, Charlotte enjoys keeping fit, drinking coffee, travelling to new places and having outdoor adventures with her family and border collie.

Ariana is of Māori and Samoan descent, hailing from the tribes of Ngāti Kahu and Te Whānau-a-Apanui in New Zealand and the village of Lauli’i in Samoa. Ariana is a creative who brings her artistic eye to the team at Kokoda Youth Foundation as the Marketing and Communications officer. Ariana has spent her entire career in communications within the non-profit sector, passionate  to serve communities in need through her skillset.

Additional to her work for KYF, Ariana contracts out her creative work as a professional photographer, videographer and designer. Beyond work, Ariana enjoys spending time with her village, competing in the odd CrossFit competition, reading, taking photos and travelling to new places.

In recent years Chris has been developing himself professionally and experientially in youth mentoring, rite of passage, men’s work and counselling.  He is now a qualified counsellor and youth worker and is certified in rites of passage. In his role as the Digital Detox Program Coordinator at KYF, Chris is excited to apply a preventative approach to guide, support, role model and journey with youth while helping them realise their potential.

Prior to embarking on his journey of personal development and education, Chris spent two decades applying his knowledge and expertise to start-up and manage numerous businesses, including an Industrial Abseiling organisation and indoor trampoline centres. Chris is a keen surfer who loves the ocean and relishes every opportunity to spend time with his wife and daughters on our stunning Gold Coast beaches.

Sam has a passion for youth work and helping others break free of the limitations they set themselves.

He spent two years as a Volunteer Leader with the KCYP before deciding to take on his current role.

Over the years, Sam has completed 5, 96km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenges. He is an outdoor fanatic, who loves spending his spare time hiking, camping and exploring new cultures.

Jessie has always had a passion to help young people strive and achieve their potential, while recognising that one’s adolescent years can be turbulent and detrimental without the right foundation and support. Completing a bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare majoring in youth work, Jessie is determined to make lasting change in today’s young people.

With a background of school-based mentor programs at Arcadia College, Jessie is no stranger to the classroom. Along with her time at the forefront of the health pandemic COVID-19, Jessie was providing emergency relief through the St Johns Crisis Centre, which equipped her with a multi-faceted set of skills in these areas: food relief, drugs and alcohol, homelessness, family outreach programs and domestic and family violence.

Jessie is looking forward to putting her education and prior experience into action as part of the Kokoda Youth Foundation.