Andy Umbers

Title: Bushfire Recovery Program Coordinator (Melbourne)
In a Nutshell: Managing the partnerships between Evovle, the Victorian Department of Education and Alexandra & Yea secondary colleges to deliver the Bushfire Recovery Program to students at those schools.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Social Work; Graduate Certificate (Narrative Therapy).
In A Past Life: Managing Evolve's community support functions and running health-based programs in India.
Why Evolve? “Because it reckons that people know themselves best and know what direction they want in their lives – I believe the idea that people are experts in their own life, so it fits with me. Simply, it's an inspiring privilege to work with young people who are dedicated to building the skills and resilience they need for healthy futures. Typo Station isn't too bad as far as offices go either!”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: For a run along Merri Creek in Melbourne or back to India in my mind!
Place I grew up: In Melbourne, with my family.
Furry support crew: Just the Station dogs at this stage, but I'm in the market for a puppy.
Two things I can’t live without: My guitar and my bike – for the peace and relaxation they both give me, and the places they take me...
Two things I can live without: Broken strings and flat tyres.
 

Email Andy: andy@evolve.org.au *

Kate Walsh

Title: Intake Manager & Youth Worker (Melbourne)
In a Nutshell: Get together a group of young fellas who haven’t got the life they want but are willing to work toward it in the Young Men’s Program.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Behavioural Science; Bachelor of Arts (Outdoor Education).
In A Past Life: Helping out with outdoor education programs, volunteering in an Aboriginal community and leading camels through the Simpson Desert.
Why Evolve? “The lads that come our way inspire me! To have the guts to face a tough life and change it around is huge. To do that at age 14, 15… the wisdom from these fellas blows my mind. They present as one way but have a depth and determination within that they’ve learnt a whole lot along the way. The bush and a simple life has always given me so much and been a part of many special times. To be able to share that with others is important to me.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Northern Territory and Central Australia.
Place I grew up: Inner suburbs of Melbourne.
Furry support crew: Bonnie, a black and tan kelpie who gives love with vigour and chases too many kangaroos.
Two things I can’t live without: Adventures (water, wind, quiet – anything!) and sharing cups of tea.
Two things I can live without: Electricity and a flushing toilet.
Not many people know this, but: My favourite camel once gave me a black eye; I thought we had a great relationship – ‘twas a real slap in the face!

Email Kate: kate@evolve.org.au *

Suz McKay

Title: Youth Worker (Cheshunt)
In a Nutshell: Working and living at the Station (in the stunning King Valley), hanging out with the young blokes during program and more particularly when out in the bush. Resident gear store organiser and chaser-upperer of people who forget to keep it in ship-shape.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Arts (Outdoor Education) & hoping to continue study in the adventure/therapeutic field in the future.
In A Past Life: Coffee girl, Australian Army reserve soldier, nanny & nomadic traveller.
Why Evolve? “How many people get to wake up everyday and be genuinely inspired by the place and people they are surrounded with in their workplace? I do.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Tough one, I'd say anywhere coastal - crashing waves, endless views of the ocean, sunshine and sand but the mountains, dirt paths and sunsets of the King Valley are quickly becoming a favourite!
Place I grew up: South-eastern Melbourne with a Labrador, two brothers and friendly neighbours; pretty idilic really. Spent a lot of time at Sandringham Lifesaving Club; it is a second home with a second family.
Furry support crew: Currently part-time 'Aunty Suz' to Bonnie who I care for and go on rambles with when her owner is away.
Two things I can’t live without: Good food and good people.
Two things I can live without: Arrogance and evangelism.
Not many people know this, but: I love musical stage shows & ballet.

Email Suz: suzanne@evolve.org.au *

Kate Doherty

Title: Resident Chef & Youth Worker (Cheshunt)
In a Nutshell: Working with the young people at the Station, imparting the wisdom of the kitchen and feeding the troops.

  
In A Past Life: Restauranteur & chef. 
Place I grew up: In the Valley - technically I'm a local!
Furry support crew: Kinta, the smallest dog in the world (with the loudest bark).
 

Email Kate: kated@evolve.org.au *

Carey Moncrieff

Title: Hey, you! or Evolve Youth Worker (Cheshunt)
In a Nutshell: Working with Evolve's young people on hike and at the Station, particularly in the blacksmith's forge.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Arts (Hons.); Graduate Diploma (Education - Secondary).
In A Past Life: Secondary school teacher, industrial designer, retail assistant & soldier.
Why Evolve? “These young blokes keep me on my toes - nothing better to keep a man young...”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Stalking deer in the high country.
Place I grew up: North-coast New South Wales.
Furry support crew: Two wombats who haunt my backyard.
Two things I can’t live without: Poetry and good, challenging conversation.
Two things I can live without: Australian Rules football and imported beer.
Not many people know this, but: My first pet was a goat named Wallace whose favourite food was peach stones.

Email Carey: carey@evolve.org.au *

Ben Knowles

Title: Community Support Worker (Melbourne)
In a Nutshell: Supporting the young blokes at the Station, on hike and back at home in their own communities.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma (Experiential Learning); Graduate Certificate (Narrative Therapy), current.
In A Past Life: Dish pig, fleece thrower, post-hole digger, barman, outdoor education teacher, bush adventure therapist.
Why Evolve? “It seemed like a very good idea at the time...”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Eastern Bass Strait for salt watery goodness; South West Tasmania for mountain nourishment; Anmatyerr country for earthy solitude.
Place I grew up: Lots of places spread between the Adelaide Hills, country Victoria and Melbourne... in a pub, a cottage, in the hills, in a desert...
Furry support crew: My nephews (but I can give them back)
Two things I can’t live without: My favourite wilderness therapy places and my sexy green sea-kayak.
Two things I can live without: Traffic and... hmmm... where else to begin? 
Not many people know this, but: I have played the lead role in a feature film about pirates. Arrr, Ben, arrr.

Email Ben: ben@evolve.org.au *

Dermot O'Hara

Title: Community Support Worker (Melbourne)
In a Nutshell: Supporting the young fellas at the Station and back in their communities.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Youth Work, Bachelor of Letters (Journalism), Bachelor of Arts (Media Studies), Certificate in Mental Health First Aid, Certificate IV in Alcohol & Drugs, Certificate in First Aid (Level 2), Narrative Therapy (current)
In A Past Life: Furniture removalist, kitchen hand, glassy, cleaner, trolley boy, waiter, barman, investment & finance consultant, traveller & youth worker
Why Evolve? “I love working with young people and what petter place to do that than in the great Australian bush...”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: The Northern Territory, the Great Ocean Road and Provence in the South of France
Place I grew up: I was born in Robin Hood country in Nottingham, England but spent most of my formative years in Traralgon in Gippsland...
Furry support crew: Currently my housemate, but I would love to get a dog one day.
Two things I can’t live without: My favourite people (girlfriend, friends, family) and music .
Two things I can live without: Alarm clocks and burnt toast. 

Not many people know this, but: I spent my 29th birthday in the Sahara Desert.

Email Dermot: dermot@evolve.org.au *

Kate Emery

Title: Program Coordinator (Melbourne & on Campus)
In a Nutshell: Working with young people in mainstream & alternative educational settings.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation & Heritage); Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary); Diploma in Music Performance (Jazz/Popular); a sense of humour, the ability to give anything a go and qualifications after giving things a go.
In A Past Life: Lots of things - a teacher, musician, artist & retail manager.
Why Evolve? “I like working with young people and think that what Evolve offers young people and the broader community are more in line with my own beliefs. I think that with my background and interests I fit well into the team. I love learning and want to inspire others to feel the same.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Anywhere on a bicycle, preferably a bicycle and a tent. I love fresh water so Bahmah Forest is a favourite but anywhere along the Murray River.
Place I grew up: The Northern suburbs of Melbourne, running around my grandparent's backyard in Preston. Although I don't know if I really grew up there, I did most of my maturing after moving to Albury...
Furry support crew: None as yet.
Two things I can’t live without: A bicycle and time to myself.
Two things I can live without: Television and television commercials.
Not many people know this, but: I absolutely love having long, lazy breakfasts out somewhere.

Email Kate: katee@evolve.org.au *

Stephen Plummer

Title: Benalla Educational Program Coordinator (Benalla)
In a Nutshell: Work with staff and students in Benalla state schools to develop a positive and confident culture within the schools and the community as a whole.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Education (Physical Education), Diploma of Teaching (Primary), Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment & Training.
In A Past Life: Phys Ed teacher in various schools, owner of a chain of bakeries in the Eastern suburbs (but please don't ask me to bake a loaf of bread because I only know how to do hundreds at a time!), ran a hydroponic tomato farm, a vibrant cafe in Mansfield's town centre, as well as a takeaway food store and an event management company – phew!
Why Evolve? “I love working with kids and I need a challenge away from food!”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Give me mountain slopes covered with fresh snow anywhere in the world.
Place I grew up: Waverley, in Melbourne's Eastern suburbs.
Furry support crew: A Border Collie named Jamaica who seems to be settling down (at last) and a cat (we don't get along).
Two things I can’t live without: My family and my bike.
Two things I can live without: Lazy people and coffee.
Not many people know this, but: No one has ever come close to me in a wheelbarrow race; if wheelbarrow racing was an Olympic event, I would have won a gold medal by now!

Email Stephen: stephen@evolve.org.au *

Jeanette Hartley

Title: Benalla Educational Program Assistant (Benalla)
In a Nutshell: Supporting the work with staff and students in Benalla state schools.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Arts (Humanities), Diploma of Vocational Education & Training Practice, Certificate IV in Youth Work, Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment & Training.
In A Past Life:  Teaching, coordination, student support and program development in both TAFE and Adult Education settings.
Why Evolve? “What can I say... this place rocks! There are so many great programs for so many great young people, with so many great staff and volunteers."
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Anywhere outside is good.
Place I grew up: What was then a little country town, called Marong, just outside of Bendigo; it's more of a suburb now.
Furry support crew: A cat called Beans, which I seem to have adopted from its orginal owner. This cat actually thinks it's some sort of dog, or ninja! It frequently leaps from secret positions and leaps sideways to attach onto unsuspecting and usually unprotected legs!
Two things I can’t live without: Mmm, I do like my morning coffee (some say I'm grumpy without it) and spontaneity.
Two things I can live without: I discovered over a year ago that I can live without cigarettes, after being a 50-a-day person for a very long time - that counts for way more than two things! Makes me way happier and healthier than I ever was.
Not many people know this, but: I was reasonably happy the first day of high school until recess and then I found out there were no monkey bars...

Email Jeanette: jeanette@evolve.org.au *