Our counsellors, social workers and psychologists are experienced in addressing various mental health challenges, including trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviours. We also support young people on the autism spectrum, those with disabilities and individuals engaging in high-risk behaviours. The team offers individual counselling, family-based interventions, parenting support, therapeutic group sessions and well-being programs.
We tailor our approach to each young person, using a range of therapeutic techniques that best suit their needs. Importantly, we empower them to voice their preferences regarding the type of support they receive.
At KYDS, we strongly believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship between our clinicians and the young people we support. We encourage parents and carers to actively support the therapeutic process, as their involvement is key to achieving positive outcomes.
In line with our comprehensive approach to mental health, our Schools and Community Outreach team offers early-intervention services aimed at enhancing the emotional and psychological well-being of young people. These include keynote addresses and mental health-focused workshops conducted in school and community settings, webinars for parents and carers, and training sessions for school staff.
As Vice-Regal Patrons, it is a pleasure to support KYDS Youth Counselling. There’s no doubt that young people are facing increasing pressures, and the importance of clear, compassionate mental health support has never been more urgent. KYDS provides outstanding, personalised counselling to young people when they need it – and crucially, for as long they need it. This kind of care tangibly transforms young lives, and we commend the KYDS team for their hard work and dedication.
Carol is passionate about supporting young people and their families to have better lives, through improved resilience and confidence to support enhanced well-being. A seasoned senior executive with experience across a broad range of sectors domestically and internationally, she has volunteered for many years leading programs and initiatives that support youth. As CEO, Carol brings together her passion for improving young people’s well-being with her extensive business experience, focussing on driving strategy and enabling us to support more young people and families.
Carol is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds an Executive MBA from AGSM, is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has a Bachelor of Commerce. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolasimpson/
Andrew has been a Partner at EY for 25 years, where he’s held various leadership positions. From 2009 to 2017, he served as Treasurer and later Deputy Chair of KYDS.
Currently, Andrew is a Director at Bell Shakespeare and has previously contributed to the Finance and Performance Committee of the Western Sydney Local Health District. He also mentors the CEO of a youth mental health non-profit and is a member of the Institute of Company Directors.
David joined KYDS in 2016 and has 30 years of global experience in transforming technology, risk, regulation and decision making across mining, logistics, retail, manufacturing, government and financial services. David is currently a founder of a technology business involving AI and decision making.
Recognised by IBM for Innovation Thought Leadership, David has written a book on innovation and been recognised by the NSW Government for services to volunteering. He has been involved in youth related non-profits for over 20 years.
A passionate believer in using innovation to drive good business and improve outcomes for employees and consumers, David has spoken internationally and appeared on radio and television. He arrived in Australia with little, having escaped from war, and has used those experiences to work with universities and others on how to use innovation to give the less fortunate more opportunities.
Mark joined KYDS in 2023 as an experienced finance and risk professional, having worked in senior leadership roles in consulting and banking. He provides oversight of our finance function and supports the Board in the development of our organisational strategy.
Justin joined KYDS in 2023. With over 35 years’ international industry experience, Justin has held a range of senior positions at a number of blue-chip organisations across the financial services and technology domains. With a deep passion for the growth and development of people, Justin has maintained a high focus on championing initiatives aimed at empowering local communities, and being a significant contributor to the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion agenda.
Justin holds an MBA and MSc in Strategic Focus from Edinburgh Business School and is a certified Executive and Gallup Strengths Coach. As a certified Company Director, Justin sits on a number of Boards.
Jim joined KYDS in 2024 as a Non-Executive Director and chairs the Development Committee, supporting the Board and leadership team to strengthen KYDS’ sustainability and help more young people access barrier-free mental health support.
Founder of Kennedy Associates, an Australia-based management consulting firm that supports leaders across strategy, operations and governance, Jim brings more than 25 years’ experience in strategy, digital and enterprise transformation. He has held senior executive roles at Telstra, spanning corporate strategy, M&A, enterprise digital transformation, and earlier consulting roles at Kearney in the UK and Europe.
Jim has been a Senior Advisor to Boston Consulting Group and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds an MBA from London Business School and a Bachelor of Engineering from JCU, bringing pragmatic, execution-focused insight to KYDS’ mission and growth.
Tim joined KYDS in 2023. A Chartered Accountant and financial and operational executive, Tim has delivered transformational outcomes across startups, scaleups and business turnarounds.
Since 2021, he has worked on the development of sustainable, agile and robust business practices for scaling up and has immersed himself in the startup ecosystem as CA in Residence and CFO at Stone & Chalk. Tim is currently working on the opportunities for KYDS to provide mental health support services to schools across Northern Sydney.
Alec is a Councillor for Ku-ring-gai and joined KYDS in 2024. After a successful career as an executive focused on strategy and planning in financial services, he switched gears to focus on the community.
He volunteers across a wide range of organisations including the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and does casual work in disability support. He is focused on inclusivity, community engagement and well-being.
Alec holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management, a BSc from Macquarie University and has completed a wide range of training in business and management.
Stephanie joined KYDS in 2024, representing the Port Stephens Sub-Committee. She has had a long career as a General Practitioner and the Medical Director of the University Health Service at the University of Newcastle, and for over 10 years was also responsible for the provision of Student Support and Well-being services including Counselling and Disability Support at the University.
Having been both a clinician and a manager who has witnessed the positive impact that providing accessible, timely support can have on young people struggling with their mental health, Stephanie fervently believes that every young person should have access to the support they need to address and prevent mental health concerns.
Lauren joined KYDS in 2024. A registered psychologist and clinical supervisor, she has a special interest in the treatment of self-harm and suicidality in young people. Her passion for clinical governance drives her commitment to ensuring KYDS delivers high-quality, industry-standard, evidence-based, and ethical standards of care for young people in our communities.
Outside of KYDS, Lauren is President of the School Counselling and Psychology Association of NSW, and a consultant psychologist with the NSW Department of Education.
Helen joined KYDS in 2017 as Chair of the Clinical Sub-Committee and served as KYDS’ Chair from 2020 to 2024. She is an experienced Nationally Accredited Mediator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), facilitator of Restorative Engagement Conferences and Clinical Supervisor of mediators and FDRPs.
Helen oversaw a period of rapid growth for KYDS and is motivated by a desire to make it as easy as possible for young people to connect with effective mental health support. She is excited by the positive outcomes that the KYDS service model achieves, in such a cost-effective way. In 2022, Helen established social enterprise Ripple Learning, which delivers interpersonal skills and well-being workshops for workplaces – with 100% of profits being directed to effective youth mental health services, including KYDS.
Matt is a highly experienced senior executive with more than 35 years’ leadership experience across the distribution, manufacturing, ICT, telecommunications, finance and credit sectors in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Having held CEO, COO and senior executive roles, Matt has led organisations through periods of growth, transformation and business turnaround, with expertise in strategic planning, organisational change, mergers and acquisitions, and operational performance.
Beyond his executive career, Matt is passionate about supporting the community, particularly people experiencing disadvantage. He has a longstanding interest in the mental health and disability sectors, including experience as a mental health carer and volunteering his time and expertise with a number of not-for-profit organisations, including Life for Koori Kids, OzHarvest, Cana House and Youth Off The Streets.
