Andy Umbers

Title: Therapist, Trainer & Supervisor (Melbourne, Victoria)
In a Nutshell: Offering low-cost counselling to young people and families; training and professional supervision for Evolve staff and other agencies and youth workers.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, Graduate Certificate (Narrative Therapy), Medicare/AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
In A Past Life: Evolve's Young Men's and Bushfire Recovery Programs, working on health research and promotion programs in India.
Why Evolve? “Dedicated staff, long-term programs that promote sustainable change and growth, a collaborative and caring approach that looks for possibilities not problems, Typo Station, and the baked goodies that pop up in the office most days...”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Dampier Peninsula, North West Australia and South West National Park in Tasmania - the sea and the mountains.
Place I grew up: In Melbourne, with my family.
Furry support crew: Just the Station dogs at this stage, but I'm (still) in the market for a puppy.
Two things I can’t live without: My guitar, bike, good Indian food, cuppa, good music... umm, that's not two... 
Two things I can live without: Broken strings & flat tyres.
 

Email Andy: andy@evolve.org.au *

Andy Hamilton

Title: Adventure Therapy Coordinator (Norther New South Wales & Southern Queensland)
In a Nutshell: Running the Recre8 Program in Northern NSW and helping to establish Evolve's Young Men's & Women's Programs in Queensland.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Political Science), Honours Degree in Psychology, Registered Psychologist.
In A Past Life: Mental health & drug/alcohol work in the community services sector, conflict resolution in East Timor, social justice activism.
Why Evolve? “The positive and collaborative approach to changing lives for the better - not just picking up the pieces but making the change through inspiring adventure. Can't beat it!”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: My backyard - forest and sub-tropical rainforest - and the wilderness within.
Place I grew up: Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria.
Furry support crew: The family of wallabies that hop around outside my bathroom window in the mornings.
Two things I can’t live without: My partner and family. 
Two things I can live without: Mosquitoes and ticks. 

Not many people know this, but: I once had the obscure honour of winning an Australian junior boomerang throwing championship event...
 

Email Andy: andyh@evolve.org.au *

Tavale Ilalio

Title: Bushfire Response Program Coordinator (Melbourne and on-campus)
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: Diploma of Social Work; Certificate in Supervision; Finger Painter Extraordinaire.
In A Past Life: Social work in California, Wellington (NZ) and Melbourne; Captain of the All Blacks...
Why Evolve? “It fits with my style and passion for creativity. I like the idea that Evolve will go that extra mile to ensure that the work we do really sticks with our clients. Physical activity, people and stories are right up my alley. Smith Street and the outdoors are not a bad combo for bases either!”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: The rugby league field, the Warrandyte River or the beach in Nelson, N.
Place I grew up: Born in American Samoa, grew up in New Zealand, matured slightly in California and became a self-proclaimed wise man in Melbourne...
Furry support crew: My sons, they make it real for me...
Two things I can’t live without: My kids, family, friends, music and sport... (that's five, but really... only two?)
Two things I can live without: 40 degree days (what a tease) and a carob (what's all that about?).
 

Email Tavale: tavale@evolve.org.au *

Jerry Kupfer

Title: Bushfire Response Program Coordinator (Victoria)
In a Nutshell: Working with program participants in school and out in the bush.

Tools of the trade: Diploma (Community Services Youth Work), Certificate IV (Juvenile Justice & Statutory Supervision), Certificate IV (AOD Work) Certificate IV (Training & Assessment), Advanced Certificate (Physical Recreation).
In A Past Life: Youth worker, recreation instructor, builder's labourer and handyman, delivery driver, kitchen hand, factory worker, you name and I may have done it...
Why Evolve? “Wonderful experiential and philosophical approach of providing opportunities and space for young people to embark or continue on a journey of self-exploration and self-discovery.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Tasmania.
Place I grew up: Melbourne, born-and-bred city slicker.
Furry support crew: My gorgeous nephew, and his dog Kiara.
Two things I can’t live without: Chocolate, and getting out of the city.
Two things I can live without: Facebook and Twitter (what's a twitter?).

Email Jerry: jerry@evolve.org.au *

Isabelle Andrasevic

Title: Flood Response Program Coordinator (Lockyer Valley)
In a Nutshell: Coordinating the Flood Response Program in the Lockyer Valley, designed to keep young people and their communities on track who have been affected by the Queensland floods.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Science (Business Administration), Master of Counselling.
In A Past Life: PADI Scuba Diving Instructor.
Why Evolve? “When I was searcing for a job that would encapsulate fun, adventure and self-actualisation, I stumbled over Evolve. It is an organisation that has a vibrant and passionate team, who, in a similar spirit to mine, strives for a stronger future for the world, starting where our future begines - young people.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Any place with warm ocean beaches.
Place I grew up: Vienna, Austria and Cairo, Egypt.
Furry support crew: Franzi, our Miniature Schnauzer..
Two things I can’t live without: Skyping my family & friends, and lip balm.
Two things I can live without: Cold, grey, wet weather; and I must concur with my fellow co-workers: definitely mozzies..
 Not many people know this, but: I once stood in downtown Vienna, in a Mozart costume (wig and all) in -10C (minus!) to sell a dodgy time-sharing plan, only to have the 'fly-by-night' company disappear with my unpaid commission... I was left destitute, but sold my costume for $40 at the local op-shop!

Email Isabelle: isabelle@evolve.org.au *

Ben Knowles

Title: Young Men's Program Coordinator (Victoria)
In a Nutshell: Supporting the young blokes at the Station, on hike and back at home in their own communities, overseeing the Young Men's Program.

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 *

Clare Easton

Title: Therapeutic Outdoor Practitioner (Victoria)
In a Nutshell: Working with Young Women's Program, based in the King Valley.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Arts (Outdoor Environmental Education & Nature Tourism).
In A Past Life: Outdoor educator, park ranger, environmental campaigner, gypsy folk-singing nomad.
Why Evolve? “The inspiring young people, team, envrionment and program.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Under the shade of a Coolibah tree.
Place I grew up: My roots are in the Grampians in Western Victoria, however I have branched out to other places during my ongoing fruition.
Furry support crew: None of my own, but I love to share!
Two things I can’t live without: Nature and people.
Two things I can live without: Mosquitoes and peanuts
Not many people know this, but: There are times when I'm lost for words...

Email Clare: clare@evolve.org.au *

Aroha Yates

Title: Therapeutic Outdoor Practitioner (Victoria)
In a Nutshell: Hanging out with young people!

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Adventure Recreation & Outdoor Education; Diploma of Outdoor Recreation & Leadership.
In A Past Life: Outdoor recretation & education instructor, office assistant.
Why Evolve? “The team is passionate about program effectiveness and I love working outdoors.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Moana, the ocean & Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Place I grew up: Waiheke Island, just off the Auckland coast.
Three things I can’t live without: Inspiring environments, good people and water.
Two things I can live without: Crystallised fruit and traffic.
Not many people know this, but: My friends and I made a video clip to Ricky Martin's 'Livin' la vida loca'. We sung and danced, and entered it into a film making competition.

Email Aroha: aroha@evolve.org.au *

Suz McKay

Title:  Therapeutic Outdoor Practitioner (Victoria) 
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 *

Francesca Sanders

Title:  Therapeutic Outdoor Practitioner (Victoria) 
In a Nutshell: Supporting young women on both hikes and in their communities.

Tools of the trade: Diploma of Education (Outdoor Education); volunteering with young people in the Scottish mountains. 
A Past Life: Lecturer in sport sociology, traveller, passionate climber, Scottish dweller, UK resident (mostly in that order and some of them continuing...) 

 Why Evolve? “How many times in your life are you offered a job in a country you love, in an outdoor envrionment you feel passionately about, working with a supporting team and inspirational young people?”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Anywhere in the mountains hiking, or climbing in beautiful places - mainly Arapiles and the Grampians.
Place I grew up: In Cardiff, the capital of Wales, with some lovely mountains close by, drinking tea and eating Welsh cakes.
 Furry support crew: Everyone else's furry friends. 
Two things I can’t live without: Outdoor experiences and my friends and family (is that technically three?).
Two things I can live without: Television and fast food.
Not many people know this, but: I had lots of hamsters as a child.  

Email Fran: fran@evolve.org.au *

Stephen Wanko

Title: Therapeutic Outdoor Practitioner (Victoria)

Tools of the trade: Diploma in outdoor recreation, Graduate Diploma Adolescent Health & Welfare, Graduate Diploma Counselling, Cert IV Alcohol and other Drug Counselling.

In a past life: Outdoor Education and before that Exhibition and Display labourer.

Why evolve: A community that believes in solutions and the client is the expert and I can work in the outdoors and indoors sometimes.

Where I go for my wilderness therapy: Gippsland Lakes.

Place where I grew up: Melbourne with family.

Furry support crew: Typo’s chickens.

Two things I can’t live without: My garden where ever I live, family and friends.

Two things I can live without: Noisy metropolitan life and Mosquitos. 

 Email Stephen: stephenw@evolve.org.au *

Gus McPherson

Title: Therapeutic Outdoor Practitioner (Victoria)
In a Nutshell: Hanging out at the Station with amazing young people, seeking to help them change their lives.

Tools of the trade: Bachelor of Education, Certificate III in Sport & Outdoor Recretaion.
In A Past Life: Holiday camp counsellor, computer technician, amateur saxophonist and keen kite flyer.
Why Evolve? “I was awestruck by the Young Men's Program during a work placement I undertook in 2010.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: To a special spot on the Gippsland Lakes near Bairnsdale.
Place I grew up: Born in rural South Australia, shifted Eastward to Melbourne for school and finally wound up in Bendigo for University.
Furry support crew: Memories from my childhood of a chicken called Abba Dabba Doo...
Two things I can’t live without: My partner and my toothpaste.
Two things I can live without: A DVD player and an iPod (I don't own either).
Not many people know this, but: I'm an independant person... and I like tying knots in rope...

Email Gus: angus@evolve.org.au *

Toby O'Regan

Title: Trainee Adventure-based Youth Worker (Queensland)
In a Nutshell: Working with young people on programs and help out around the property

Tools of the trade: Certificate IV (Community Services)
In A Past Life: Security officer, car detailer, youth mentor.
Why Evolve? “I love working with young men and women and having the chance to make a real difference in their lives.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Down to the creek, to relax.
Place I grew up: Frankson in Melbourne.
Furry support crew: Sancho the cat.
Two things I can’t live without: Fun and my family.
Two things I can live without: Mosquitos and people who don't 'thank you wave'.
Not many people know this, but: I thought the movie 'The Notebook was going to suck, but I loved it!

Email Toby: toby@evolve.org.au *

Belinda Stuart

Title: Program Coordinator (Queensland)
In a Nutshell: Coordinate the Building Bridges program, provide adventure support to QLD programs, spend time with young people in the bush.

Tools of the trade: Certificate IV (Outdoor Recreation), Certificate IV (Workplace Trainer & Assessor), diverse experiential education experience across Australian and the USA.
In A Past Life: I lived in a tent for 9 months, hosted wine & cheese parties for the social elite in London, and made a cameo appearance in an amateur short film application for a Getaway host.
Why Evolve? “To deliver programs for young people who have voluntarily decided to enact change in their lives, and provide follow up support to help them achieve their goals.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: The coast, anywhere I can, and every opportunity I can, and to my personal 'wilderness' of the city where my family and friends are.
Place I grew up: Northern beaches NSW.
Furry support crew: My ET doll
Two things I can’t live without: My family and the ocean.
Two things I can live without: Tomatoes and snakes.
Not many people know this, but: I'm related to royalty on one side and outlaws on the other... hmmm, maybe that explains a lot!

Email Belinda: belinda@evolve.org.au *

Janelle Pringle

Title: Adventure-based Youth Worker (Queensland)
In a Nutshell: Working with teachers to link family, community with education and the schools at Beaudesert State High School, primarily through project-based school work.

Tools of the trade: Certificate IV (Youth Work), Certificate III (Childrens' Services), Certificate II (Food Safety), ten years as a foster carer, 9 of which specialising in adolescent care.
In A Past Life: Teacher's aide, coffee shop owner, retail.
Why Evolve? “The focus on helping young people develop a sense of worth - of who they are, can be and want to be.”
Where I go for my ‘Wilderness Therapy’: Uluru or Vanuatu.
Place I grew up: South of Brisbane.
Furry support crew: Coco & Dash, mini long-haired Dachshunds, Bundy the Boxer, and Pat the Cat.
Two things I can’t live without: Cup of tea in the morning, and my little family.
Two things I can live without: School yard bullies, and people who don't mind their own business.
Not many people know this, but: I used to drive trucks in the army.

Email Janelle: janelle@evolve.org.au *