Our People
Board of Management
The Bridge Youth Service is fortunate to have a voluntary passionate Board of Management, responsible for providing governance and strategic leadership to ensure we focus on our mission and deliver positive outcomes for our Youth.
MELINDA LAWLEY
Melinda has worked with young people for over 26 years in the Goulburn North East region and holds a Master of Health. Melinda took on the role of CEO in 2015, advocating for young people and supporting our staff to be the best they can be. Melinda values the importance of education for young people and enjoys linking the community and health sectors closely to the education sector to enhance outcomes for young people.
CEO – MEMBER SINCE 2015
GEORGIA LINTON
Georgia grew up in Shepparton before studying a Bachelor of Business at Latrobe University. Georgia is passionate about social justice, equal rights and being involved in the local community. Georgia chose to apply to TBYS BOM as during her teenage years she was involved with some of the social programs TBYS offered and was excited by the opportunity to give back to an organisation that had helped her in her time in need.
PRESIDENT – MEMBER SINCE 2017
IAN MICHAELSON
Ian has been a lawyer for nearly 25 years being an accredited specialist in Children's Law. Moving to Shepparton in 2003, Ian set up the local Victorian Legal Aid office. Prior to becoming a Lawyer, Ian was a Youth Worker.
VICE PRESIDENT – MEMBER SINCE 2018
BRETT O’KEEFFE
Brett currently works at Primary Care Connect and previously worked at Headspace and has a background in Youth Work, Mental Health, and training in the VET sector. Brett is passionate about volunteering in the local community having volunteered in his local community for over 20 years in a variety of roles including lifeline telephone counselling, the L2P program and many years with local charity, People Supporting People. Brett's interest in TBYS stems from his belief that youth are our future and he see's that TBYS gives those who are doing it tough the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential.
MEMBER SINCE 2017
ANNE RYAN
Anne works as a Counsellor with people who have been impacted by trauma and sexual assault and is a qualified Mental Health Social Worker. Anne is interested in the development of flexible and innovative services to support the well being of young people as they transition towards adulthood.
MEMBER SINCE 2019
ALAN MITCHELL
“Allan works within the criminal justice system providing therapeutic interventions to persons with matters before Courts throughout our region. Allan has been working in community services for 10 years and, prior to that, worked as project manager in his home country of Scotland. Having graduated from the Fairley Leadership Program in 2019, Allan sought to engage with youth services due to his view that support and diversion is of the utmost value for young people experiencing hardship and crisis.”
MEMBER SINCE 2020
NATHAN QUINLAN
Nathan has worked in local government for almost 20 years and holds a Master of Business Administration. Having two children, Nathan has been active in coaching and assisting in many sports and served 5 years as the treasurer of Cricket Shepparton. Nathan believes TBYS is an important organisation to help give opportunity and hope to the youth.
MEMBER SINCE 2022
GEMMA PARKINSON
Gemma is a Mental Health Social Worker that specialises in working with youth and families that have complex psychosocial needs. Gemma has over 10 years experience within Australia and Internationally. Gemma is passionate about Early Intervention, diversity and inclusion, and equity for disadvantaged or vulnerable young people and their families.
MEMBER SINCE 2022
SHANNON BALFOUR
Shannon has worked within the Community Services sector for almost 20 years throughout the Northern Territory and Victoria, specialising in Domestic and Family Violence prevention and response. Shannon is passionate about equality, diversity, early intervention and education; working towards youth experiencing life to its full potential. .
MEMBER SINCE 2022
