About Us
Empowering young people through transformative mentoring relationships.
Our guiding principles
Specialised mentoring. Recreational support. Opportunities for health and wellbeing.
At Kickstart, we provide all of this for young people (aged 13-28) who are either part of the NDIS or subject to DFFH Child Protection Orders.
Our aim is to create a supportive environment for young people experiencing disadvantages and vulnerability.
We understand the complex needs of each of our clients and we work in collaboration with professional support, child protection and community systems to identify the needs of every young person we see.
The entire Kickstart approach is evidence-based, and our central commitment is towards improving young people’s lives. Diverse needs are the name of the game, and we empower those in our care to lead full lives as equal members of the community.
We work tirelessly towards achieving this for our young people – who are often the most vulnerable in our society. We know we’ve done our job when we see our young people improve their mental health, mood and overall well-being.
01.
Patience
We believe that young people deserve ongoing meaningful connections, and are defined not by their actions, but by their inherent value as human beings.
02.
Dedication
We are committed to seeing a beneficial change in youth, by creating safe relationships that don’t give up when things are tough.
03.
Integrity
We lead young people by example, modelling our own resilience in each mentoring relationship.
04.
Safe
Relationships
Safe Relationships
We prioritize trust and respect, fostering environments of safety and growth.
05.
Resilience
We lead young people by example, modelling our own resilience in each mentoring relationship.
06.
Hope
We create a culture of hope, empowering youth to dream and set goals for the future.
Meet The Team
MARK CATAMORA
Director
MARK CATAMORA
Director
With over a decade of experience as a Youth Mentor, Mark has developed an array of specialised skills. With a focus on building pathways with young people through trust and connection, Mark has an exceptional talent for behaviour modelling and has used this in connecting with the most diverse cohort of young people.
ZEPH TINSLEY
Team Leader
ZEPH TINSLEY
Team Leader
I am passionate about connecting with young people through sports, gaming, and the great outdoors. My goal is to create supportive and inclusive spaces where young people can explore their interests, develop essential life skills, and have an incredibly fun time.
I think this is incredibly important in shaping young people’s growth and their overall well-being. Whether we’re shooting hoops, diving into the latest PlayStation game, or heading off on outdoor adventures, my focus is is building lasting memories and life skills along the way. Being a mentor and a positive role model for young people is what I’m all about.
MAREE CATAMORA
Operations Manager
MAREE CATAMORA
Operations Manager
As an Operations Manager, I take a holistic approach to Kickstart, ensuring all parts of the operation work together smoothly. I am passionate about improving processes, fostering teamwork, and driving efficiency to achieve our goals.
Charlie
Client Relationship Manager
Charlie
Client Relationship Manager
As the client relationship manager at kickstart i have a passion in creating connection not only with our clients but their families, i’m a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child and that we need everyone involved in the betterment of the young people we serve.
Always down for a chat!
Tim
Programs Coordinator
Tim
Programs Coordinator
Hi I’m Tim, I’m the programs coordinator and one of the mentors here at kickstart.
I have been granted with the best opportunity to help support our young people and create awesome experiences through our group programs and camps.
With lived experience I am able to relate with the youth and help give them the tools as well support strategies that they may need to meet their needs. I am a firm believer in empowering the youth to be the best that they can be. It inspires me to see our young people grow and gain new skills! It’s not so much about what we can expect from our young people, but for me it is to meet them where they’re at and work from there.
(Also known as K-WAK) is a passionate, energetic and bubbly young man who loves music, God and young people. He has been involved with music since a young age and creates his own raps, as well producing his own beats. Michael was a volunteer youth leader at his church for almost 10 years, before pursuing a paid role in youth work. For a while, Michael has known that his ‘calling’ centers around music and helping youth/young people. He prides himself on being a good listener, easy communicator and having a laid back personality. In future, Michael sees himself supporting and helping young people, as well as trying to pursue a career in music.
Hello, my name is John and I have been doing Youth mentoring for almost a year, after a career change. I really enjoy helping young people learn how to do life better and have fun in the process. I have been all over the world to places in Africa, India, the Middle East, the USA and enjoy travelling and meeting new people. I am very easy going and will get along with just about anyone. I am also a qualified fitness instructor and I enjoy helping people reach their fitness goals
Hey there! I’m Natasha and I’ve been in youth support for four years. Being a positive role model for young people is my passion. I’m compassionate, goal-oriented and dedicated to helping youth develop skills for growth and success. I love staying fit and exploring extreme sports, believing in health and a positive attitude to navigate life’s challenges. When not working, you’ll find me enjoying nature and an active lifestyle. I’m dedicated to helping others reach their full potential, believing that with hard work and a positive mindset, anything is possible.
Kiwi-born Samoan living in Melbourne’s South-East. I empower youth to reach their potential and have been doing it for over a decade, always learning to be a better mentor. As a specialised youth mentor, I make a positive impact and inspire young people. Seeing them achieve their goals is why I love helping them set and smash personal targets. When we’re not doing that, you’ll find me taking them fishing or enjoying the outdoors. Let’s go!
Hi everyone, my name is Bonnie. I have a passion for helping young people and those in need. My experience spans various support roles and diverse employment roles, and I have extensive experience enrolling in TAFE courses and short courses. I can guide young people looking for work opportunities in the right direction. I excel in providing support and guidance to young people and those in need, assisting them in navigating their paths toward success and happiness.
You’ll often find me outside with nature, enjoying the beauty of animals and being a social butterfly. I enjoy going on road trips, spending quality time with loved ones, and immersing myself in the joys of music, singing, and dancing. My active lifestyle includes experience in various sports, and I am currently playing in a local dodgeball league. My unwavering dedication to youth empowerment drives me to inspire and uplift those around me. I’m always striving to make a positive impact and help those in need achieve their fullest potential and be the best versions of themselves in all aspects of their lives.
Hey! I’m Maya, I work as the executive assistant at Kickstart which I love because I am passionate about connecting people and solving problems.
I love spending quality time getting to know people and exploring new places, playing board games and going to the beach.
Contact me any time if you would like to get connected!
I am always here to help 🙂
I’m Eric Simpson, a qualified counselor and youth mentor with over ten years of coaching experience and a strong background in support work. I believe in connecting with young people through understanding and empowerment, helping them build their confidence and autonomy and find their path forward. With two decades of martial arts experience, I bring the principles of structure, resilience, and focus into my mentorship, guiding others to reach their full potential. I’m passionate about fostering positive change and providing youth with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life.
Who we've worked with
Donations
KickStart was founded to give back to our community. We regularly donate to other organisations doing good in our community and the world.
