Our Team

With qualifications in social work, communications and the law, John has over 30 years experience working in non-government and government settings in operational, policy development and sector development roles. He has worked in a broad range of human service fields including, homelessness, social housing, child protection, youth justice, disability services, community legal services and criminal law. As head of homelessness at the former NSW Department of Housing, John led the development of the first NSW Homelessness Action Plan, negotiated the NSW implementation plan for the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness and oversaw the development and implementation of Regional Homelessness Action Plans across the state.

Following his time working in the government sector John worked in senior roles in national peak bodies for disability service providers and community legal centres, before graduating as a lawyer. Following five years working in criminal law, John is excited and energized to be working again in homelessness and is committed to working with, and supporting, the youth homelessness sector to make youth homelessness, rare, brief and non-recurring.

Nicole is the Office Manager at Yfoundations, holding over 15 years of experience in office management and administration, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the organisation.

At Yfoundations, Nicole is responsible for coordinating daily administrative activities, managing office resources, and supporting the team in delivering impactful projects. Her strong organisational skills and attention to detail help create an efficient and welcoming environment for staff and visitors alike.

In her role, Nicole also focuses on developing processes that enhance productivity and support the organisation’s goals. Her proactive approach and problem-solving abilities make her an invaluable asset to the Yfoundations community.

With a strong commitment to making a positive impact, Nicole is proud to be part of Yfoundations and dedicated to supporting young people in need.

Shai is a dynamic and compassionate professional with a unique blend of lived experience and a strong foundation in psychology and social work. Specialising in youth homelessness, mental health, and trauma-informed care, Shai has dedicated over a decade to supporting young people in crisis and driving systemic change to improve outcomes for at-risk youth.

Shai’s career spans leadership roles in program development, case management, and community outreach, where she has implemented evidence-based practices to empower young people and strengthen service delivery. Shai has managed crisis accommodation services, developed innovative frameworks, and guided teams through complex restructures and accreditation processes.

Her advocacy work is bolstered by her expertise in policy development and communication, where she channels her passion for systemic reform into crafting strategies that amplify the voices of young people and the services supporting them.

Shai’s personal and professional journey fuels her determination to create a future where every young person has access to safety, stability, and opportunity. She combines her lived experience with academic insight to approach challenges with empathy, innovation, and a clear vision for meaningful change.

Sam has worked in the media industry for over 25 years at companies including Fairfax Media, Nine Entertainment, his own business and most recently Australian Community Media.

Sam has a background in graphic design, communication and marketing and has worked in creative roles, strategic partnerships, leadership, and client solutions giving him a deep understanding of campaign creation, planning and implementation. His passion for helping youth at risk was ignited during his time as an UnLtd Ambassador so welcomed the opportunity to join the team at Yfoundations to have a more direct positive impact on the sector.

Simon Byrnes is a passionate advocate for ending youth homelessness, bringing over a decade of experience to his role as Lived Experience Coordinator at Yfoundations.

Drawing from his own experiences of child and youth homelessness, Simon is dedicated to ensuring young people's voices drive systemic reform and create lasting change.

In 2016, Simon co-founded the Youth Homelessness Representative Council (YHRC), establishing a platform for young people in NSW to share their experiences and shape solutions to homelessness. His leadership has also extended to community engagement initiatives, including organising for YES23 in NSW, where he mobilised first-time volunteers and highlighted the power of grassroots movements.

With a background in digital marketing and communication development, Simon crafts innovative strategies that amplify youth voices and foster community connection. As an executive with Rotaract Australia, he has supported thousands of young people, led impactful projects, and organised a national conference focused on youth empowerment.

Simon’s dedication lies in creating a future where every young person has access to a safe home, thriving community, and opportunities to shape the world around them.