The Youth and Education Team

Mindi Smart

Mindi Smart is a strong community and social services professional, an experienced manager who has a broad knowledge of businesses employment needs and management.

After spending close to 2 very successful years with Enterprise Plus as a Program Coordinator for our program “Get Back in the Game” Mindi has now returned as our Work Placement Program Lead. As well as leading the program, she will continue to have her boots on the ground and will also be looking after the work placements in the Snowy region including Cooma, Jindabyne and Bombala.

Mindi has a long and successful history of working with businesses to create training and employment opportunities for a diverse range of young people, and she is thrilled to now be leading our work placement team to ensure students have the skills, and workplace experience, so they can complete their qualifications and transition into personalised employment pathways.

Mindi is an Accredited Mental Health First Aider, she also holds certifications in safeguarding children, management development, Mentoring Youth, Cert III Business Administration and has recently completed several Aboriginal Cultural education courses to stay up to date and ensure she is part of a culturally responsive and inclusive workforce.

Taylor Hart-Rule

Taylor is an experienced professional with over 15 years in the hospitality industry and formal qualifications as a chef. Throughout her career, she gained valuable experience starting as a work placement student, then continuing her studies as an apprentice chef, and eventually becoming a workplace supervisor who guides others entering the hospitality field. Her passion for helping individuals drives her to share her extensive knowledge and skills with participants in the work placement program. Taylor is dedicated to empowering others and building strong relationships, making her a valuable asset to our work placement team.

Taylors passion for helping individuals is matched by a substantial wealth of knowledge, which she is eager to share with those participating in this program.

Connie Dunn

With 25 years of experience as a professional hairdresser and 10 years as a successful business owner, Connie brings a deep understanding of the skills, dedication, and passion required to thrive in the workplace. Throughout her career, she has been committed to education, the local community, and creating opportunities for the next generation to pursue careers they are passionate about.

As a Work Placement Coordinator, Connie is eager to connect students with meaningful opportunities that align with their aspirations and provide them with hands-on experience to prepare for their futures. Her extensive industry knowledge, combined with her passion for mentoring and supporting young talent, ensures that she can guide individuals toward fulfilling and rewarding career paths.

Amie Baard

Amie is a dedicated professional with 18 years of experience in the Community Sector, specialising in empowering young people to achieve their employment and educational goals. Based on the beautiful NSW South Coast, she has built strong relationships within her community and among the individuals and organisations she supports.

Amie is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young people and is experienced in facilitating programs that inspire confidence and pave the way to fulfilling work. Her expertise extends to group facilitation, career development, and community engagement.

Amie’s qualifications include a Master of Counselling, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Community Studies, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.

Henna Watson

Henna has worked with children and young people in residential care settings, out of home care and in child protection for two years across Canberra and Yass.

Henna is passionate about mentoring and advocating for young people to see them receive the best outcomes possible for their future. She spent 10 years working in Port Moresby and helped develop several schools throughout Papua New Guinea to see children in slums and disadvantaged regions receive a basic education. Many of her students were successful in going to university and changing the trajectory of their lives.

Henna has a Bachelor’s degree in Society, Life, and Learning and a Bachelor of Theology. She is a keen property investor and buyer’s agent. Henna enjoys building belief in people and showing them the possibilities that exist from having multiple income streams and working “smarter, not harder.”

Megan Edwards

Megan is passionately committed to achieving education, communication, and continual improvement outcomes. She is naturally creative and enjoys utilising empathy and compassion to build internal and external working relationships for a business.

Megan has more than 20 years of experience in administration and more than 4 years of experience running her own training business. Coordination of marketing materials and events has been a core part of her work across industry sectors. She has training experience, including software programs and business-based Diplomas.

Megan believes in continual self and professional development. She has completed courses including project management, adult education, business administration, software packages, and leadership.

Rahni Orr Deas

Hailing from Braidwood, Rahni is deeply passionate about her local community and providing opportunities for young people within it.

Rahni transitioned into the community services sector a year and a half ago, driven by a commitment to channel her skills into enhancing community wellbeing.

Rahni has a strong track record of providing impactful opportunities. She was the inaugural ACT State Coordinator for the Pink Boots Society, a not-for-profit organisation that supports, and engages women and non-binary individuals to advance their careers in the fermentation industry through education and training.

Rahni is excited to be working with young people in her home region and is committed facilitating positive pathways for their future.

Melissa Bell

Melissa has dedicated her life to the Shoalhaven community, gaining diverse experience across various industries and owning multiple businesses. After completing her Diploma in Community Services in 2012 and a TAFE qualification in Training and Assessment in 2013, she found her passion in youth programs. Melissa has facilitated and delivered many different programs.  Working in the industry from crisis support to EVET trainer and in-between Melissa has a deep understanding of the challenges young people face in the Shoalhaven, Melissa is committed to helping them explore alternative pathways for their futures.

Renee Dawson

Renee brings with her over 10 years of extensive experience in supporting young people. From beginning in the fitness industry to transitioning to the field of disability, where she found her true passion for working with vulnerable young people.

Renee has completed a Certificate IV in Youth Work, which has further enhanced her expertise. Shortly after embarking on her career in Youth Work, Renee took on the role of Coordinating the Sydney South- West area, accumulating a wealth of experience and knowledge in the process.

Renee is deeply committed to guiding and advocating for all young people, ensuring they have the necessary support and direction to thrive.

Ashleigh Scott

Ashleigh lives in the stunning Eurobodalla region with her wonderful young family, surrounded by nature and all the beauty the coast has to offer.

Ashleigh’s career journey has been focused on supporting young people, especially those facing tough circumstances. Over the past years, she has had the privilege of working in a range of roles, including residential care, out-of-home care, and youth justice across Canberra. She then moved into the world of Patient Transport, where she brings her passion for helping others into every interaction.

Ashleigh is deeply committed to ensuring young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds to have the same opportunities to thrive as others do. Whether through her work or personal life, she is all about supporting and empowering the next generation.

When not working, you can find Ashleigh spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, and always looking for ways to give back to the community she feels lucky to be a part of.

Ashleigh is excited to connect with you and make a positive impact together!