Trish Connolly
Chief Executive Officer
Trish has an extensive background in homelessness and domestic abuse policy, research service design, and service system reform in both the Australian and UK contexts. She has worked across a broad range of sectors, including the NSW State Government, UK Government, peak bodies, non-government/frontline service providers and charities. Trish was also a member of the Yfoundations Board in 2014–15 to provide expertise on impacts and best practice approaches for young people experiencing domestic and family violence.
Trish is an experienced consultant having established her own business in 2016 and a new consultancy service within one of the UK’s largest homelessness charities, Crisis UK. Prior to joining Yfoundations, Trish worked in a service delivery capacity in the community housing sector. Trish is passionate about working in the youth homelessness sector, strongly committed to ending homelessness, and focused on developing a systemic approach to address the fundamental issues that contribute to youth homelessness.
Megan Hall
Health Promotion and Training Coordinator
Megan delivers our Sticky Stuff program alongside other NSW Health initiatives, all aiming to improve sexual health outcomes for young people throughout NSW. Megan is driven to provide holistic health information and practical solutions to ensure participants feel prepared and comfortable to open up the conversation of sexual health with young people.
Megan comes from a nursing background, having spent 3 years working in the area of sexual health. Before this, she worked with children and young people in many different capacities, as an Indigenous Group Training Consultant, a Boarding Supervisor at a residential college and an Outdoor Education Instructor. In all her roles, Megan has always been passionate about empowering individuals to challenge themselves.
Jessie Adlide
Policy and Research Assistant
Jessie recently graduated from the University of Technology with a degree in communications, majoring in social and political science, and blitzing creative writing. She first came to Yfoundations as a student intern and quickly grew passionate about youth homelessness. Jessie officially joined the team in July.
Jessie is also our digital literacy guru and social media aficionado with a passion for social justice, education and climate justice.
Lauren Kiernan
Office Manager
Lauren is a highly accomplished administrator known for her diverse background and unwavering dedication to excellence. With a unique blend of experience in outdoor education, aged and healthcare services, and office management, Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge and a refreshing perspective to the office.
Lauren's involvement in aged and healthcare services has given her a deep understanding of the importance of compassion and empathy in every interaction. Her exceptional interpersonal skills and genuine care for others enable her to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Whether it's managing schedules, coordinating meetings, or engaging with external stakeholders, Lauren's professionalism and unwavering dedication make her an indispensable part of our team.