Exceptional learning starts with extraordinary people.

Amanda Kirchner brings robust business acumen shaped by an extensive career in consulting in accounting, tax, corporate finance, governance, and risk. She has experience working with and advising executive teams and boards on topics such as transactions and public listings, strategic risks and risk appetite, and establishing a strong risk culture. Having also worked in industry, she understands the importance of solutions that balance the needs of the business and its stakeholders. Amanda is passionate about bringing out the best in everyone to create a better world for all.

Janine has worked in leadership and executive roles across government, education, and the not-for-profit sector for more than 20 years. With a background in secondary teaching and extensive experience in community development and social impact, she is passionate about creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Janine is currently Chief Executive Officer of Younity Community Services and is proud to be leading the establishment of The Younity School, an innovative initiative providing inclusive and meaningful education pathways for young people.

James Weait has worked in the employment services sector for almost 20 years in Australia and the UK, leading generalist, disability, skills and youth welfare contracts. James formed his company, Populi Solutions, in 2019 and has led client engagement programmes, project management consultation, performance uplift projects and executive coaching for employment service providers and other purpose-led organisations. Currently James serves as an Advisor to the Board for industry leading recruitment specialists Parkhouse Bell. Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma of Leadership qualified, James is also an accredited DISC facilitator and a passionate advocate for the role that employment plays in reducing anxiety, building resilience and the prosperity of local communities.

Steven is the Chief Operating Officer of Younity Community Services and The Younity School. He brings more than a decade of experience in education, nonprofit senior management, program leadership, and community engagement. With a strong background in advocating for vulnerable young people and First Nations students, Steven is passionate about creating opportunities that enable them to succeed. Steven has extensive experience building partnerships across government, education, community, and corporate sectors, driving innovative programs that deliver meaningful outcomes. He is committed to strategic leadership that fosters innovation, empowers teams, and achieves positive social impact in complex environments.

Mark Cleaver has rejoined the Younity Board after a stay in the USA in 2023. Mark brings a long and strong relationship with Younity and was Chairperson supporting the organisation during the significant changes made over the past few years. Mark has also been responsible for referring many wonderful students to Younity over the years and brings many years of experience in this field to the committee.

Ashleigh Stephens (Ash) has worked in the community sector for over 10+ years building communities through community development, strategy, engagement, empowerment and stakeholder management. She is currently working for the Department of Education (Early Years) as a Partnership Facilitator to support children <0-5 to have a great start. Ash truly believes our biggest opportunity for change starts in the first 1000 days of a child’s life. ‘If we work together as one team and include the voice of children and families in the work we do- we can provide the best possible start to children’s lives and ensure families have the opportunity to be the best parent they wish to be.’

Dr Emily Moir is a lecturer in Criminology and Justice at The University of the Sunshine Coast. Emily is an environmental criminologist and crime analyst who is interested in how certain environments enable opportunities for crime. She is passionate about understanding what works in crime prevention. She has applied this work across a range of crime types including burglary and property crime, elder abuse, workplace exploitation, and parole and probation reoffending. Emily has consulted with a variety of state and local agencies on projects related to community safety, crime trends, and project evaluation.

Erica is an experienced commercial generalist who has worked in the business community for the past 25 years. Her key skills include delivering strategic and operational strategies, business restructuring, and change management. She has worked across a broad cross section of industries, including engineering and finance, and for several years, she operated for NFPs in health, aged care, and education. Erica seeks to contribute to help create sustainable, operationally sound, community-based organisations that focus on improving individual outcomes. She has a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA.