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MICHAEL 
Director & Team Leader

After an adolescence that had its ups and downs, I struggled to find my focus as I moved into adulthood. Yes, I was always gainfully employed, but challenges with substance abuse meant that life was difficult. After hitting rock-bottom, I slowly turned my life around to realise where my passions lay. My family always comes first, but I wanted to use my new positive outlook for good. To help others, especially disabled and troubled youth, to learn the skills to improve their lives and find their true purpose.

 

With a background in sport and fitness and adventure therapy I know the importance of a healthy balanced lifestyle and the power of nature as a natural healer.  

 

I am currently self-employed as a disability support worker & youth mentor and I love it! I have beaten my challenges with substance abuse, continue to learn new techniques to self-regulate involving weekly yoga sessions, men’s support groups and daily breathing and meditation exercises. I live a fun filled, purposeful and active life with my Wife and Son on the Sunshine Coast. 

 

I would love to help as many people as possible to find their inner peace, as I have. I would love to teach the skills that assist in overcoming the day-to-day challenges of life and empower all youth and young adults to live the life they deserve and desire. 

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JENNAH 
Support Worker

My name is Jennah. I am a 32-year-old woman and a Sunshine Coast local. I only started working as a support worker 3 years ago. Before that I worked in hospitality which enabled me to travel to some amazing destinations around the world. Three and a half years ago I was lucky enough to find myself at a luncheon and listened to one of the guest speakers talk about her vision for building a brighter future for those living with a disability. I knew at that moment my hospitality career was over and that I needed to do my part in making that vision a reality. Over the next six months I completed my Cert. III in Individual Support and secured a job at the STEPS Pathways College. The last three years have sparked a passion in me and introduced me to an incredibly humbling and inspiring world, and I have never regretted the change I made in my career.

 

When I'm not at work I tend to enjoy the simpler things in life. My favourite part of the day is the early morning, sitting at the beach and watching the sunrise. I love to cook, almost as much as I love to eat and one of my favourite pastimes is sharing good food with my loved ones. I believe you can never be bored or lonely if you have a book in your hand and I adore musical theatre and playing the saxophone. Most of all, I like to keep fit and healthy, and I'm happiest when with family and friends.

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TROY 
Support Worker & Outdoor Recreation Crew

Hello there, my name is Troy and I am based on the Sunshine Coast. I originate from New Zealand and have been lucky enough to call Australia home for 20 years. I’m passionate about the outdoors and showing people from all walks of life a good time. I love to help and support people as my new profession is a support worker.


My background working in the outdoors for the last 15 years includes Outdoor Recreation instructor for 10 years here on the Sunshine Coast, Bungy Jumping Instructor in Cairns  and Sea Kayaking Tour Guide in the Daintree Rainforest. My purpose is to show you a good time stay safe and push ourselves as we are so capable of doing amazing things together. I look forward to the next adventure.

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ROB
Support Worker

I am a neurodiverse warrior leading the way with empowering boys and young men to know and own who they are. My vision is for all my clients to know who they are (self - acceptance), how they think (self-awareness) and what makes their neurodiverse brain work at its optimal (leading to self - love).

My purpose is to support my clients to live their most empowered life. My role is to remind you what you can do.

Hobbies - mindfulness practices, outdoor adventures, kayaking and mountain bike riding

Fun Fact - I have meditated every day for over 12 months.

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SARAH 
Outdoor Recreation & Physiotherapist

Born and based in Brisbane, Sarah currently works as a paediatric physiotherapist, where she supports infants, children and young adults with disabilities and developmental disorders. Every day is different as a community physio; one moment Sarah might be in the pool for hydrotherapy, and the next moment she is out in a park, helping a new wheelchair-user learn to drive! Sarah believes strongly in paying kindness forwards to the next generation, and thus is also employed part-time at The University of Queensland as a teacher and researcher. In this role, Sarah is working towards a PhD in the field of physiotherapy training, to help better prepare physio graduates for the workplace.

 

Having grown up in the bush, Sarah is drawn to the outdoors. Sarah brings five years of experience in the outdoor education industry, where she has helped many groups of children and adolescents to enjoy adventures such as canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and archery. She also spends most of her spare time outside, either going for long relaxing hikes with her beautiful dog Tigger or sitting by the nearby lakes and rivers with a thermos of tea.

 

Sarah joined the Empowerment Adventures Australia (EAA) team because she believes strongly in the importance of adventuring and creating priceless memories. Her driving force and passion in life is empowering both herself and others to enjoy the everyday magic of life. She looks forwards to seeing you around at EAA programs and sharing some exciting times!

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MATTHEW 
Youth Worker

Hello everyone,

I would like to introduce myself to you all. My name is Matthew and my background is in youth work.

 

I have been working with young people since I left school in the UK, USA and now Australia. I have had a chance to work with young people from different backgrounds and needs. From well-adjusted young people to young people in care, risk of exclusion and Youth Offending Team (YOT) all with varying degrees of needs. I enjoy creating opportunities and experiences for young people to increase their confidence and self belief.

 

I have been in Australia for over 5 years and am now a permanent resident. I have been working at an outdoor education centre on the Sunshine Coast delivering adventure activities, however I have worked in many different youth projects.

My partner Nicki is currently studying to be a teaching assistant and has a background in youth work as well. I have 2 children, 1 in secondary and 1 in primary.

 

In my free time I run a karate school in my local community, and I support the P and C at my sons' school on the executive board. I enjoy watching sci-fi movies / tv shows and spending time with friends and family.

WANT TO BE PART OF THE EMPOWERMENT ADVENTURES AUSTRALIA TEAM TOO?

We are always looking for passionate, inspiring and qualified staff. If this is you, please email us to make a time to have a chat.

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