DVSM Leadership
DVSM's Leadership works together to plan, implement, monitor, support and celebrate achievements in the organisation.
Members of the leadership team work together as a whole, in project teams and in individual work portfolios to establish and sustain a supported, purposeful and productive workplace. A workplace where individuals can stretch in their professional potential and where teams share a culture committed to continuous quality improvement and have opportunities for new experiences, development and succession.
Stephanie Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie has more than 20 years in the human services fields starting as a Statutory Social Worker in New Zealand in the late 1990’s. Her career has largely been dedicated to working within the justice sector, with harmful behaviours and violence in therapeutic ways. Her first management role began in 2003 and she has progressively developed her career from front line management; to Operations and Strategic Leadership at both a regional and national level. Stephanie spent six years working in Educational Leadership and Governance and has also supported other not-for-profits as a change consultant and external supervisor.
First and foremost, Stephanie is committed to building relationships as a tool to impact the environment and culture of organisations; and in turn the outcomes for the people who use the services offered. Her uniquely New Zealand experience holds valuable insights in how organisations can work in partnership with indigenous and first nations people and understands the challenges and rewards that come from taking this brave step.
As well as Social Work qualifications, Stephanie has undertaken post graduate studies in Social Services Supervision at Massey University; a year long Executive Development programme in 2012; and most recently she completed the Leading Strategic Projects Programme through the Saïd School of Business at Oxford University.
Stephanie is passionate that the not-for-profit sector not only deliver the most outstanding and aspirational services for the people who use them, but the staff that commit to working in the area gain skills and expertise, build meaningful and beneficial relationships; and have experiences that make them feel valued, seen, confident and know they have made an incredible contribution to wider society.
Erin Gao
Finance and Risk Controller
Erin is a highly accomplished Finance Executive with a wealth of experience working within leading not-for-profit and corporate environments. Erin brings together her financial expertise, risk management and strategic decision making with a genuine passion for education and human empowerment, providing authentic and transformational leadership for the organisation.
Erin is committed to promoting social inclusion and improving opportunities for disadvantaged groups to reach their potential. She serves on the Media Centre for Education Research (MCERA) Board, a not-for-profit advancing education by improving the reporting of education research in the media to enable the public to better understand education matters.
She also sits on the Board of Human and Hope Incorporated, a poverty alleviation organisation empowering local communities through education and employment opportunities. Prior, Erin served as Board Director and Company Secretary in Digital Gap Initiative Ltd, a not-for-profit in digital accessibility.
Erin holds a Master of Commerce degree, and she is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Kate Hurley
Marketing, Communications and Development Manager
Kate has worked in a variety of marketing leadership positions within the media industry and not-for-profit sector. Accepting a traineeship with ACP Magazines when she was 18, led her to discover her passion for the written word and communications. After working on some of Australia’s most recognisable magazine titles and leading communications for the Australian Radio Network’s popular commercial radio stations, Kate moved into the not-for-profit sector. Most recently Kate was the Head of Fundraising and Marketing at YWCA Australia, responsible for corporate engagement and securing funds to enhance YWCA’s many programs and services, helping women and children escaping violence.
Kate has a passion for people and problem solving. She is enthusiastic about tackling challenges in creative ways and is constantly exploring new ways to create opportunities for good. Kate is committed to continuing to make a positive impact, in any way she can.
Nicole Diab
Service Lead - Refuge Outreach Action Response (ROAR)
Nicole has been working within the youth and community sector for 13 years in and around the West and South West Sydney area. She has worked for government and non-government organisations supporting disengaged young people aged 10-21 years within juvenile detention, as well as in the community.
In 2007 Nicole started working for a not-for-profit organisation called MTC Australia as a Case Manager in various youth programs within the company to eventually a Regional Management role. She remained with MTC Australia until she decided to have a sea change in 2016 and entered into a partnership and bought a café, which she has since sold.
Nicole’s colleagues describe her as passionate about the work that she does and that she is supportive to clients and other staff.
Nicole has a degree in Social Science and a cert IV in Frontline Management. She facilitated various group workshops and trained in the delivery of Love Bites. Nicole is most passionate about being able to help grow and support positive change in people’s lives as well as the community.
Helen Brown
Human Resources and Quality Manager
Mara Greenwood
Service Operations Manager
Mara has worked in the community sector for the last 13 years within a variety of roles mainly focused on the design, delivery and management of programs. As part of her studies (Bachelor of Applied Social Science - Counselling) Mara was required to attain a certain number of hours in the field. She was fortunate to secure her placement with the Sydney based not-for-profit organisation YWCA NSW and through persistence and dedication Mara landed a role within the Youth Mentoring team at the ‘Y’.
So began her nine-year journey from front line delivery and assessment through to management. During this time, Mara was learning from and being inspired by the diversity of the programs delivered across the state and the incredible people delivering and leading. A highlight of Mara’s time with the ‘Y’ was the successful implementation of a six month pilot state-wide youth mentoring program for the Department of Education that informed the design and roll-out of a larger scale state-wide mentoring program that she then went on to manage.
After her time at the ‘Y’ Mara spent three years within the Indigenous Strategy team at the National Rugby League (NRL) managing the contract and program delivery of a federally funded School to Work program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in years 11 and 12, throughout NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD. A highlight of Mara’s time with the NRL was the opportunity to listen and learn from her Indigenous colleagues as they generously shared their stories and lived experience.
Laura Bradburn
Service Lead - Refuge Outreach Action Response (ROAR)
Laura has worked in the Youth and community sector for 12 years in both the West and South West of Sydney. Laura has worked in 4 Non-Government organisations providing case management to disengaged young people and their families, employment and education support and worked across several programs, such as; Links to Learning, Job Active, Youth Connections and The Opportunity Hub.
Laura commenced working at MTC Australia in 2010 as a Case Manager then moved to a Program Manager for The Opportunity Hub in Campbelltown, working directly with Aboriginal Young People and their families to strengthen their connection to culture and community, re-engage with education, employment and family. Laura also facilitated The Opportunity Hub Advisory Board for 5 years.
Laura has a Diploma in Community Service, Certificate IV in Youth Work and Frontline Management. Laura is trained to also deliver many resilience and behavioural workshops. Laura is extremely passionate about supporting and empowering people throughout their individual journey.
Imman Chakik
Service Lead - Domestic Violence After Hours Service (DVAHS)
Imman began working in the youth and community sector in 2007 as case manager for a not-for-profit organisation called MTC Australia, supporting young people at risk in various roles and youth programs within the company.
MTC Australia provided her with multiple career growth opportunities working her way from a case manager to team coordinator and then to a Regional Management role servicing a number of regions within Sydney.
Imman took a short break to focus on her family, upon her return into the workforce her developed skill set and knowledge of the industry and experience in management gained her, her most recent roe as General Manager for a not-for-profit organisation called 2Connect Youth & Community servicing South Sydney.
Imman’s colleagues and friends describe her as being a hard worker and passionate about the things that she believes in and loves. Imman is passionate about making positive change within the community and advocating for those with no voice.
Kath Donovan
Service Lead - Moving Out Moving On (MOMO)
Kath has worked in the sector for over 10 years with a strong focus on supporting women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.
Kath has qualifications in community welfare and management amongst others. She started out working as a casual support worker at Taree Women and Children’s Refuge many years ago and progressed to a senior worker position while there.
Following the Going Home Staying Home (GHSH) reform, Kath went on to the role of SHS Manager with Community Resources, managing a youth refuge, transitional properties and outreach services. Most recently, she held the position of Safety Action Meeting Senior Coordinator with Mid Coast WDVCAS for close to 6 years, covering the Mid North Coast and Manning Great Lakes regions.