Luisa Arancio

Luisa is a case manager at youth space flexible learning options (FLO) program at youth options. Luisa graduated University of South Australia with a bachelor or Social Science (Human Services) degree in 2023. Luisa has experience in supporting young people through NDIS providing assistance in woodwork and metal work workshop. Luisa has a passion in supporting young people achieve their goals and providing support in developing essential skills towards employment and, alternate pathways in education.

Kym Hayward

With a diverse career spanning several industries, Kym’s accumulated invaluable experience and expertise. Beginning in the building industry with a focus on roof tiling, Kym ventured into entrepreneurship early on, establishing his first business. Transitioning into culinary arts, Kym honed his skills as a chef in prestigious establishments throughout the Barossa Valley, before rediscovering his passion for hands-on work in earthmoving. Managing his own earthmoving enterprise for many years, Kym later seized the opportunity to oversee commercial kitchens at Maggie Beer’s renowned establishments.

Returning to earthmoving to prioritise family commitments, Kym specialised in large-scale construction and civil projects until a workplace injury prompted a shift in direction. Pursuing further education, Kym obtained certifications in Community Service and Youth Work, completing my Cert IV in 2023. Motivated by a desire to bridge the gap between formal education and real-world readiness for young people, Kym found fulfilment in youth work, striving to equip them with essential life skills.

Guy McRedmond

Guy’s journey to Youth Work is marked by diverse experiences and a profound dedication to serving others. From his beginnings as a Musician in the Royal Australian Navy to his time spent honing his culinary skills as a qualified chef, Guy has always embraced new challenges with enthusiasm and determination.

Guy’s early years in the Navy provided him with not only a deep appreciation for music but also invaluable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

Transitioning from the military, Guy pursued his culinary aspirations, undertaking an adult apprenticeship in Cheffing. His time as a chef allowed him to express his creativity and develop a keen understanding of the importance of attention to detail, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to new environments.

Drawing upon his diverse background and life experiences, Guy is deeply committed to empowering and mentoring today’s youth, guiding them towards a path of self-discovery, personal growth, and academic achievement.

Chad van Heerden (Driving Mentor)

Chad is a Driving mentor part of our Drive me program at Youth Options. As a mentor, his main role is to provide support and encouragement for young people completing their learner hours. Helping young people to achieve their goal of getting their license, assisting them to overcome any barriers leading up to gaining their driving independence.
Chad is currently completing his Diploma of Social Science and has completed his qualification in Child, Youth and Family intervention. While studying Chad works as a youth programs coordinator and a Therapeutic youth worker with young people that have experienced trauma and neglect. Chad has been a case manager working with young people transitioning to the workforce with barriers such as homelessness, incarceration and mental health issues.

Chad Staunton (Barista Mentor)

Chad is Barista Mentor at the Youth Options site on Sturt street, Adelaide. As a Barista Mentor, his main role is to support participants in developing skills in all areas of cafe work and coffee knowledge. Chad has a number of years working with young people and enjoys combining his love of coffee and youth work.
Chad graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Youth Work) in 2011. Upon graduating, Chad spent many years working in cafes throughout the United Kingdom and Canada. He has has travelled extensively throughout Central and South America, visiting coffee farms, attending expos and national competitions. Upon returning home to Adelaide, Chad has been working part-time in cafe’s whilst completing his Bachelor of Psychological Studies in 2022.

Paula Clarke (Driving Mentor)

Paula is a Driving Mentor at Youth Options and works in the Drive Me Program. As a qualified Motor Driving Instructor her main role is to support young people through their driving journey. This can be by providing initial lessons, manoeuvring practice or VORT preparation. Throughout their driving she assists them to overcome nerves and become Safe competent drivers.
Paula has over 30 years of Driving Instructor experience including training in trucks, emergency vehicles and motorcycles. She is passionate about all thing’s road safety.

Jessica Joute (FLO Case Manager)

Jessica Joute is a FLO Case Manager at Youth Space. Jessica has completed a Master of Social Work and Master of International Community Development from University of South Australia and Victoria University. Jessica is very passionate about empowering others and providing support to those in need. Jessica uses her expertise in social work and community development to create customised plans for each individual based on their unique circumstances and needs. Prior to her work at Youth Space, Jessica worked as a technician at Apple where she gained valuable experience in customer service, communication and problem-solving. This has taught her how to effectively communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds which has proven invaluable in her work as a case manager.

Lauren Upham (Youth Space Assistant Administration Officer)

Since joining Youth Options in August 2019 as a volunteer administration officer, Lauren has proved her ability to complete administration tasks with a smile. Now working upstairs in the Youth Space, Lauren provides administration support to the Youth Services Manager and Youth Co-ordinator.

Lenet Mbatia (Youth Space Case Manager)

Lenet is a FLO Case Manager in our Youth Space program. Lenet has completed a Master of Social Work and Master of Health and International Development from University of South Australia and Flinders University respectively. In addition to this, she has over 3 years working experience in the medical field in her beloved home country, Kenya. Lenet’s true passion has always been working with young people and assisting them in realising their true potential. Lenet believes in the importance of having alternate pathways in education or learning for all young people especially those who are facing multiple or complex barriers in their lives. She employs a holistic systems approach to helping young people to achieve success.

Amy Sterkenberg (Practice Leader – Youth Space)

Amy is the Practice Leader for our Youth Space Flexible Learning Options Program at Youth Options.

Amy is passionate about supporting young into a positive pathway towards employment and success. Amy graduated from Flinders University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Planning Degree.

Amy has a strong background in hospitality which she brings to Youth Options to help young people develop essential skills towards employment.

Amy assisting one of her Coffee Craft participants make coffee.

Amy’s

Jenni King (Manager – Youth Space)

Jenni is the manager of Youth Space and manages the day-to-day running of the division as well as liaising with schools, supporting case managers and facilitating learning.

Jenni has worked in the community service industry for over 20 years, for the majority of this time, supporting young people. She has Certificate 4’s in Mental Health, Youth Work, Training and Assessment andis currently studying Certificate 4 in Career Development and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. Jenni believes that all young people deserve respect and equal opportunities. She works to form trusting relationships with young people and their careers as well as working with case managers to provide individual learning plans for the FLO students to assist them in pursuing their chosen pathways and completing SACE.