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.
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 has been a Management Committee member since 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.
Helen joined the Management Committee in 2017 as Chair of the Clinical Sub-Committee, a role which she still holds. Helen was the 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 has overseen 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.
Mark joined the Management Committee 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 Management Committee in the development of our organisational strategy.
Justin has been a Management Committee member since 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.
Jane joined the Management Committee in 2020. A brand and communications specialist, her career spans the advertising and market research industries, covering a broad portfolio of local and global clients across diverse sectors, including FMCG, Financial Services, Health and Not-for-profit.
Jane drives the brand positioning of KYDS and the shaping of communication campaigns to highlight KYDS’ unique nature and the outstanding results achieved in helping young people with mental health challenges. Her focus is to maximise the potential of all opportunities to raise funds to enable KYDS’ work to continue.
Tim has been a member of the Management Committee since 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 has been a Management Committee member since 2024. After a successful career as an executive focused on strategy and planning in financial services, he switched gears to focus on the community.
Alec is now a Councillor for Ku-ring-gai, 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 the Management Committee 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 Wellbeing 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.
