Joh Leader - Founder & CEO
Joh is the founder and CEO of LeaderLife. Trained as a paediatic Speech Pathologist in the early days, Joh worked in both the public and private sector before starting the precursor to LeaderLife, Leader In Development.
Through Leader in Development Joh began building the foundations for a model of community-focused, child-centred care that would best benefit children and their families facing challenges.
Joh believes that no child should be left behind; not matter the circumstance.
With strong community support, Joh has been able to develop a wide range of supports, develop more focused workshops and bring even more love to kids lives.
Uncle Frank Doolan - Indigenous Elder & Community Worker
Born and bred in Bourke, in the far west of New South Wales, Uncle Frank always knew of his strong connections to Wiradjuri Country from his mother, Pat, who was born on the Talbragar Mission in Dubbo.
A Willae Wiradjuri man of the Tubbogah peoples, Uncle Frank moved from Bourke to Dubbo in the 1980s, and has since re-established and strengthened his links and connection to Country and community.
Uncle Frank joined us at Apollo House in 2012, initially employed to further our story-telling projects in East Dubbo's Apollo Estate. This early work grew with his role extending to include community work.
Uncle Frank believes it's a blessing to be someone the community trusts to share their stories with, and that these moments of sharing are sacred to him.
Mel Singh - Program Coordinator
Mel joined Joh in the early days of Leader In Development, helping to build the quality and range of services for children and community and helping to manage the organisation as it evolved into LeaderLife.
Mel is the main point of contact for all general enquiries and workshop bookings.
Judy Armstrong - Allied Health Community Worker
Judy has been at Apollo House since the Resilience program began in 2011. She is an an amazing allied health therapist, and has worked in paediatric allied health departments for over 20 years. Judy has great passion for working with kids and their families. She is also a fine knitter and great at anything crafty!
Jason Yelverton - Social Enterprise Manager
Jason Yelverton has been involved with LeaderLife since it’s inception in 2011 through various partnerships including his role within the Community Services division at Dubbo Regional Council and his business the Westview Drive In. He has recently come on board as a contractor to assist with the management of our Social Enterprise.
Alex Keen - Holistic Counsellor
Alex Keen is a Holistic Counsellor, Master Practitioner of Time Line Therapy®, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) & Hypnotherapy and a Certified Trainer of NLP & Hypnosis. Alex is passionate about helping people to overcome emotional, mental and behavioural challenges, and to empower them to create positive changes to achieve success and happiness.
Clint Bennett - Social Enterprise Supervisor
Clint Bennett heads up our Soil2Soul crew supporting the young people in our Social Enterprise to gain practical employability skills. Clint is passionate about helping young people to gain the self-confidence and self-belief they need to accomplish their hopes and dreams.
Sam Mould - Youth Worker
Sam Mould is passionate about helping young people achieve their education goals. Previously working with the Clontarf Academy and as a Student Liaison Support Officer with at risk students, Sam now supports LeaderLife’s young people to stay at school, to navigate the Youth Justice System and set and achieve goals for a positive future.
Shakira Toomey - Activities Officer
A role model to her peers, Kira is currently completing Year 12. As a youngster Kira was a regular at our Skill Builders program. She joined our team after volunteering and shows a passion for providing kids from her community with the same support and love she experienced at Apollo House growing up.