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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MENTORING & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Meet Elissa — better known as El — one of the vibrant hearts behind the Connect Kids team.
El is a boisterous, open-minded and deeply compassionate human who brings energy, authenticity and a whole lot of heart into everything she does. Born and bred in Australia and the youngest in a family of six, El grew up learning how to connect with all kinds of personalities, build resilience and create strong relationships — skills that now shine through in both her mentoring and operational leadership roles.
With more than seven years of experience across disability support, mental health and community services, El has worked with a diverse range of participants across both the physical and psychosocial sectors. Her colourful life journey, paired with extensive hands-on industry experience, allows her to bring a genuine, down-to-earth and highly adaptable approach to every individual she supports.
As Connect Kids’ Outreach & Operations Coordinator, El plays a key role behind the scenes while also remaining deeply connected to participants, families and frontline supports. She works closely with participants and support teams to ensure services are person-centred, empowering and outcome-focused. Whether coordinating supports, mentoring young people, managing day-to-day operations or guiding support staff, El leads with empathy, consistency and integrity.
El is especially passionate about supporting at-risk youth and individuals with complex needs. She has a natural ability to build rapport quickly, creating safe spaces where people feel heard, respected and accepted without judgement. Her approach is never about doing everything for someone — it’s about empowering people to regain confidence, independence and ownership over their lives.
Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, compassion and continual learning. El provides guidance and support to staff while helping maintain a positive team culture built around connection, accountability and genuine care for the community.
But don’t let the professional title fool you — El is also basically an adventure guide disguised as a support worker. She absolutely thrives outdoors and believes some of the best healing happens in nature. Supports with El might involve snorkelling, SUPing, fishing, skating, waterfall adventures, beach walks, community events, op-shopping, arts and crafts, cooking, gardening or simply reconnecting with the world around you. Rainy days don’t slow her down either — there’s always a creative project, thrifting mission or wholesome kitchen experiment waiting to happen.
El strongly believes we heal through kindness, connection, nourishment and being mindful of what we allow into our minds, bodies and environments. Outside of work, she can usually be found in the garden growing something new, creating jewellery or clothing, spending time with her pets, or teaching herself yet another random skill — her latest challenge being the harmonica.
With her vibrant personality, calming presence and unwavering belief in people’s potential, El brings a unique blend of mentorship, structure, creativity and compassion to the Connect Kids family.
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.