Rebecca Ferris (she/her)
Team Leader Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership
RebeccaFe@hume.vic.gov.au
Bec is our Team Leader Mental Health Wellbeing and Leadership. Bec has worked in a range of youth work roles such as housing support and education and employment services and local government youth services. She is passionate about young people being safe to be their authentic selves and to have access to inclusive and supportive spaces.
Outside work Bec enjoys reading and yoga. She also loves her dogs, much like everyone in her household where pets outnumber humans 5 to 3. Bec's heart can be won over with a delicious pasta or brunch with pals!
Anna Lewenhagen-Allvin (she/her)
Middle Years and Transitions Officer
AnnaL@hume.vic.gov.au
As the Middle Years and Transitions Officer, Anna works with schools, service providers and families across the region to support young people aged 6-12 to thrive, connect and stay engaged with school. A key part of Anna’s role is to understand gaps and explore what supports can be offered for young people embarking on the crucial transition from primary to secondary school.
Anna completed a Bachelor of Youth Work and Youth Studies at RMIT University and has been working and volunteering in the youth work sector for the last 7 years. Anna has experience in the design and delivery of early intervention programs, homelessness, disability, pathway support and supporting young people who have recently arrived in Australia. Anna enjoys drinking coffee, travelling and dancing (badly).
Meet the staff within your local region:
Broadmeadows & Central Region
Courtney O'Donnell (she/her)
Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer
CourtneyO@hume.vic.gov.au
Courtney is the Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer for the Central Hume region which includes Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park Youth Centres.
Courtney has over 10-years’ experience in the youth sector working in local government and homelessness organisations.
She is passionate about listening to young people hearing what they say and elevating their voices to see real change.
Courtney loves purple, dancing and brunches with friends.
Emilia Todaro (she/her)
Youth Support Officer
EmiliaT@hume.vic.gov.au
Emilia is Officer is a Youth Support Officer within the Broadmeadows and central Hume region which includes Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park Youth Centres and has been a youth worker for over 14 years.
Emilia works with the Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Team to deliver programs for young people age 12 to 24 years.
Emilia is passionate about empowering young people to identify their strengths and give them the opportunity to be the amazing people that they are and reach their full potential.
Dance, music and reading and having a bash on her electric drumkit makes her heart sing!
Lewis Zouzoulas (he/him)
Youth Support Officer
lewisz@hume.vic.gov.au
Lewis is a Youth Support Officer in the central Hume region which includes Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park Youth Centres.
He has been in the youth work sector for the last 5 years and is passionate about the outdoors, art and loves to a good yarn about anything over an espresso coffee.
Lewis has experience in working in crisis support, with Indigenous communities in Victoria and in youth homelessness.
He has developed and delivered programs at schools in Melbourne Northern region and often promotes the arts and nature as important themes in programs.
Sunbury & Craigieburn Region
Natalie Spear (she/her)
Acting Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer
Natalies@hume.vic.gov.au
Natalie is the acting Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer for the Sunbury and Craigieburn Region which includes Sunbury and Craigieburn Youth Centres.
Natalie has over 10-years’ experience in the youth sector working in Out of Home Care, homeless and community development.
She is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to be heard and giving skills to aid them in their future.
Personally, Natalie loves to play tabletop games, cooking and spending time with her friends and family.
Larni Blythman (she/her)
Youth Support Officer
LarniB@hume.vic.gov.au
Larni is a Youth Support Officer in the Hume Region which includes Sunbury and Craigieburn Youth Centres.
Larni graduated with a Bachelor of Youth Work from Victoria University. While studying she completed her placement with Hume City Council Youth Services. She has worked with young people as a mentor in a volunteer capacity.
She is a passionate and empathetic youth worker who is dedicated to empowering young people by helping them recognise their inner strengths to showcase their unique qualities.
Outside of work, Larni loves to spend time outdoors especially at the beach, cooking new dishes, and attending concerts with her friends.
Tala Hafez (she/her)
Youth Support Officer
TalaH@hume.vic.gov.au
Tala has recently joined the team as one of our Youth Support Officers for the Sunbury and Craigieburn region.
Tala previously worked within the Youth team as a student placement, while studying her Bachelor of Youth Work. She is looking forward to re-joining the team in a different capacity and getting more involved with the planning and facilitation of youth programs.
Outside of work, Tala enjoys cooking for her loved ones and spending time with her friends and family. She also likes to complete puzzles and play card games.