Our leadership team
Senior Leadership Team
Steph Smith
CEO
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.
Kath Wheeler
GM Operations
Kath brings over a decade of experience in the sector, with a strong dedication to supporting women and children survivors of Domestic and Family Violence. Her journey began as a case manager at the Drug and Alcohol Women’s Network (DAWN) in Campbelltown, and she subsequently transitioned into a support role at Taree Women and Children’s Refuge. During her tenure there, she ascended to a senior worker position.
Following the Going Home Staying Home (GHSH) reform, Kath assumed the role of SHS Manager at Community Resources, where she oversaw a youth refuge, transitional properties, and outreach services. For almost six years, she served as the Safety Action Meeting Senior Coordinator with Mid Coast WDVCAS, covering the Mid North Coast and Manning Great Lakes regions.
Kath later relocated to Sydney with her family and took on the role of Service Lead at DVSM for the Moving Out Moving On (MOMO) service, which provides essential outreach support to women in the Inner City of Sydney. Her time at DVSM exposed her to a broad spectrum of programs, equipping her with valuable insights that prepared her to recently secure the position of GM Operations.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Kath places a strong emphasis on family and cherishes quality family time. Outside of work, she enjoys socialising with friends and exploring the city, making the most of her free time.
Kate Hurley
Branding, Partnerships and Projects 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.
Mel Baquir
People and Capability Partner
Mel has worked in a range of industries within her HR career including, Insurance, Banking, and Pharmaceuticals in Sydney and London. With over 5 years’ experience as a HR Professional, her background focuses on partnering with leaders and the business on the full employee lifecycle from talent and recruitment, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, remuneration and benefits, employee relations and performance succession.
Mel’s passion for people and seeing their careers grow is why HR was the right fit for her. She enjoys coaching and mentoring managers on navigating through challenging situations and collaborating with them to find solutions to support their people. Both professionally and personally speaking, Mel would be described as someone outgoing, sociable, driven, and reliable.