Meet The Team

The Commissioner for Children and Young People is an independent statutory office established by the South Australian government in 2017. The role of the Commissioner is to promote and advocate for the rights, development and wellbeing of all children and young people in South Australia. The Commissioner is committed to advocating for children and young people’s involvement in decision-making that affects them, with particular consideration given to the needs of vulnerable and at-risk children and young people across our communities who struggle to have their voices heard.

Hi, I'm Helen.

Before being appointed South Australia's inaugural Commissioner for Children and Young People in April 2017, I was an Executive Director with the Australian Red Cross. With more than 30 years of experience as a leader in human services, I am committed to promoting and advocating for the rights and interests of all children and young people in South Australia. This includes building respectful partnerships with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Hi, I'm Monique.

I am the Principal Advocacy, Research and Policy Officer.
I believe children and young people are the experts in their own lives and I will be advocating for their rights and interests by listening to their voices to help me inform government policy and practices.
I have a passion for human rights, working in this field for over 10 years.

Hi, I'm Nicola.

I am the Engagement and Participation Officer at CCYP.
My role is around digital engagement, social media, and event execution.
My background is working with an empowerment and education NGO
with a particular interest in digital engagement and participation.

Hi, I'm Josephine.

I’m the Executive Assistant to Commissioner Helen Connolly.
I manage and maintain Helen’s schedules, travel arrangements and conferences.
I also manage the communication and internal relations of our office.

Hi, I'm Damian.

I am the Senior Participation and Partnership Development Officer at CCYP.
I manage the co-design of CCYP's flagship programs with children and young people to value and
respect the contributions they make and create a platform for continuous, representative, meaningful engagement.
I have experience in stakeholder engagement within government, non-government and education sectors.

Hi, I'm Sharon.

I take care of External Relations and Communications here at CCYP.
My role is to ensure you hear about the work we do and feel inspired to tell others all about it!
I feel very privileged to be working with the Commissioner and her passionate team on projects
that aim to make a real difference to the lives of South Australia’s children and young people.

Hi, I’m Cat.

I’m the Graduate Research Officer at CCYP.
This role combines my research skills with my passion for social justice and youth empowerment.
My academic background is in the humanities, and I have been involved in
several student support programs and community organisations.

Hi, I'm Emma.

I’m the Senior Advisor to the Commissioner for Children and Young People.
I have a strategic role to advise on, influence and monitor long-term change to systems
that support and repond to the needs of children and young people.
I have a broad background in education and youth justice
as a public servant and management consultant.

Hi, I'm Lachlan.

I’m the Marketing and Communications Officer at CCYP. I assist in communicating all the amazing things we do and are a part of.
My role at CCYP combines my passion for helping people and my technical skills gained throughout university and hands-on experience.
These were gained from work I've undertaken with local councils, not-for-profits, marketing agencies, University support services, and
volunteer mentor programs. Working with the Commissioner, I am proud of the work that has been and will be accomplished
for the benefit of SA children and young people.

Hi, I’m Kerina.

I’m a graphic designer at CCYP. Designing connection is my cup of tea.
With experience gathered working in design studios and as a freelancer,
I combine my design skills and love of problem-solvingto help
deliver CCYP’s communications in print and online.