Who We Are

The Connect Kids vision is to put an end to the cycle of disadvantage within our communities.

Our Mission

Connect Kids believes we all aspire to live in a community in which its members live a happy, healthy, fulfilling and safe life. The reality is that no matter your postcode, many within our community are not afforded this privilege.

We are a broad-based movement that encourages everyone to involve themselves within their community with disadvantaged children. From the earliest years many children are brought up in an environment where their basic rights are not a part of their daily lives. In the worst cases, abuse is a common and constant part of their lives and the basic necessities are not always there for them. These children are vulnerable and at risk.

Statistics suggest that the abused of one generation have a 70% chance of becoming the abusers of the next generation, thus perpetuating this vicious cycle. The simple act of engaging positively with these children can reduce their chances of disadvantage by 30%. Through mentoring programs with children their risks of disadvantage are further reduced. This simple act of connection represents a significant human saving and also alleviates an otherwise growing economic burden that will be absorbed by the broader community.

At ConnectKids we strive to give these children an opportunity to become involved in the broader community and to be contributing members of society. When this is achieved children will turn the tide of generational disadvantage and leave a new legacy.

We invite the community to take ownership of reducing this alarming trend of disadvantage. The benefits to the community as a whole cannot be underestimated.

Meet The Team

  • OAM & CHAIRMAN

    Gordon has been involved with various Sunshine Coast community groups for many years. Through his involvement with the local disability charity The Board Meeting, Gordon was directly exposed to the damaging effects that disadvantage brings to communities.

    It was this experience that drove him to develop this program over the past 5 years to specifically tackle disadvantage across the entire community. Gordon has himself been an active mentor of a number of children for years and knows first-hand the impact that mentoring has as a lasting solution to the issues that disadvantage causes.

  • CEO

    Volunteering as a Mentor for Connect Kids since 2021, Sonja was not only inspired by the impact our charity makes but became immediately 'hooked', finding the experience truly rewarding and life changing.

    Sonja's advocacy work is at the heart of her mission to effect positive change for marginalised individuals and communities. Through her diverse career background in housing, human resources & youth out-of-home care she leverages her experiences to address systemic inequities and empower those in need.

    As the CEO of Connect Kids, Sonja is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the unheard and overlooked. She confronts societal challenges head-on, advocating for resource allocation and community-driven initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

    Her advocacy efforts encompass a wide range of issues, from basic rights to combating abuse and ensuring essential needs are met. Sonja's leadership guides Connect Kids in making tangible differences in the lives of those most at risk.

    She firmly believes that postcode should not dictate privilege, leading Connect Kids in its mission to support disadvantaged children and empower communities. Her passion for justice and compassion for others drive her relentless efforts to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges of understanding and solidarity.

    Through her advocacy work, Sonja strives to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

  • BUSINESS MANAGER & SECRETARY

    Trish has had many years of experience in Chartered Accounting, financial and business management. Since moving to the coast she has found a passion for social justice and addressing social inequality and is currently studying a Bachelor of Human Services at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

  • MENTORING PROGRAM COORDINATOR

    Paola is our dedicated Mentoring Program Coordinator and passionate support worker with a strong background in psychology. Holding a Bachelor of Psychology, she is currently pursuing honours research in human behaviour, deepening her expertise in understanding and supporting others.

    With extensive experience in support work, Paola has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, bringing insight, empathy, and practical knowledge to her role. Having journeyed from Italy to Australia, she deeply values individuality, self-expression, and meaningful connections, which shape her approach to mentoring.

    Committed to empowering both mentors and mentees, Paola provides the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. Whether it’s fostering confidence, skill development, or personal growth, she is passionate about creating opportunities that lead to lasting, positive change.

    Paola’s approach is grounded in effective communication, patience, and a genuine sense of humour, making her an invaluable source of support and inspiration.

  • COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Nathan Taylor is a passionate mental health advocate and youth mentor who brings deep lived experience and strong community leadership to the Connect Kids committee. Seventeen years ago, Nathan survived a suicide attempt—a turning point that ignited his life’s mission to support young people facing mental health challenges.

    Nathan is the founder of Comunite’z, a Sunshine Coast-based youth wellbeing initiative focused on education, connection, and suicide prevention. In 2025, he made the strategic decision to hand over Comunite’z to Connect Kids, aligning with our organisation’s mission to provide holistic support through mentoring, education, and employment. 

    Nathan also co-founded the Nurture Festival, a safe, community-focused event for teens and families to connect, reflect, and access mental health resources. He is an active voice in regional suicide prevention efforts and serves as an ambassador for SafeTALK and ASIST programs, as well as a member of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention – Sunshine Coast.

    At Connect Kids, Nathan continues his unwavering commitment to helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported—every step of the way.

  • COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Lauren is the owner and Director of Thea Media, a Sunshine Coast-based digital marketing agency that has been providing ongoing marketing support and guidance to Connect Kids for over 18 months. With a deep passion for creating positive local impact, Lauren is dedicated to leveraging her business expertise for good.

    With many years of experience in marketing, she brings a strategic approach to help Connect Kids amplify its reach and communicate their important mission in the most cost-effective way possible. Lauren’s pro bono work has significantly contributed to increasing awareness and engagement within the community, ensuring that more vulnerable children and families benefit from the life-changing mentoring programs Connect Kids offers.

  • COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Danny aspires to empower individuals and is passionate about making a positive difference in his community. Danny has been in the recruitment industry for over 20 years, working for both the private and not for profit sectors, responsible for all aspects of industry recruitment and supply of staff for industry needs.

    Danny founded and coordinated 2 charities, the BEST Community Shed and the BEST Food Garden in Inverell NSW. Both of these charities are still operating today and making a positive impact in the community. Danny was honoured to receive the 2017 Inverell Citizen of the year for his charitable work and for his contributions to the Inverell and surrounding communities.

  • NDIS COORDINATOR

    Elissa, known affectionately as El, is a dedicated NDIS Support Coordinator with a strong background in disability support and community services. With over four years of experience across both mental health and physical disability sectors, El brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and real-world insight to her role.

    El is passionate about empowering participants to take control of their own lives. Her focus as our NDIS Coordinator is to ensure participants are at the centre of their supports, with tailored solutions that promote independence, connection, and quality of life. She works closely with individuals, families, and support teams to develop clear, outcome-driven plans, helping participants navigate the NDIS with confidence and clarity.

    Her professional approach is grounded in empathy, consistency, and open communication. El takes the time to truly understand each participant’s unique goals, challenges, and strengths, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported at every stage of their journey. She is especially committed to supporting youth at risk, and those with complex needs, by creating safe, structured pathways toward personal growth and long-term stability.

    As part of her role, El also provides guidance and training for support staff, ensuring high standards of care and fostering a team culture built on integrity, collaboration, and continual learning.

    El values a holistic and person-centred approach, often incorporating nature-based or community-driven activities to encourage wellbeing, engagement, and social connection. Whether it's coordinating allied health supports, facilitating service access, or advocating for participants’ needs, El’s approach is always purposeful, responsive, and empowering.

    Outside of work, El enjoys gardening, cooking nutritious meals, crafting, and exploring the outdoors with her pets. Her love for nature and creativity reflects in her work, as she supports others to find balance, joy, and meaning in their own way.

Our goal is to deliver an accessible, personalised and effective mentoring program that provides life changing results for disadvantaged children and a life affirming experience for mentors.