People
Management Team
Director Social Justice - Karen Bevan
Karen Bevan is the Director of Social Justice at UnitingCare Children Young People and Families. She leads the organisation’s commitment to social justice, evidence based practice, good public policy and making a difference for children, young people and families.
Manager Research and Program Development - Sally Cowling
Sally leads the Research and Program Development team. The team is responsible for building an evidence base to support high quality practice and research-based advocacy. Sally's own work focuses on developing research partnerships, research on new service models, effective service delivery for Aboriginal children and families, and cost-benefit analysis.
Manager Social Policy and Advocacy - Romola Hollywood
Romola leads the Social Policy and Advocacy team which undertakes social policy analysis and advocacy to narrow the gap of disadvantage. This work includes responding to public inquiries and developing proactive campaigns on issues affecting vulnerable children and young people. Romola’s policy interests include early childhood education and care, and the non-government sector’s role in building civil society.
Chaplain - Garry Derkenne
Garry Derkenne is the Chaplain for UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families. He facilitates the organisation’s connections with the Uniting Church and its congregations and provides pastoral care and support for our staff.
Staff
Research and Program Development Team
Principal Researcher – Program Development - Samia Michail
Samia provides research support for programs in the following areas:
education, children's services, early childhood, the middle years, chldren's participation and the child-led research project.
Principal Researcher - Dr Natalie Scerra
Natalie provides research support for programs in the following areas: Newpin, young people, family support services, supported playgroups, counselling and family relationships services.
Research Officer, Research & Program Development - Gillian Sliwka
Gillian provides research support for programs in the following areas: intensive family support, integrated service models, men’s programs, disability services, MDS and Outcomes Framework and local Government area profiling.
Research Officer, Research and Program Development - Neha Prasad
Social Policy and Advocacy Team
Public Affairs Coordinator - David Fisher
David is responsible for co-ordinating UnitingCare Children Young People and Families government relations. David liaises with politicians, their staff and public servants to help UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families advocate for better policy outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families.
Principal Policy Officer - Toni Beauchamp
Toni’s policy areas include prevention and early intervention, social inclusion, school age education, health (particularly maternal, Aboriginal and mental health).
