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Home / About / Our People

Guiding STEPS Towards Success

Meet the dedicated team and board members driving STEPS.  United in our passion, we’re committed to empowering individuals to live, learn, work, and flourish, propelling positive change in every life we touch. 

Our Board

Board Chair & Managing Director

Carmel Crouch

Carmel Crouch was appointed as Board Chair more than 30 years ago when STEPS was just a small organisation trying to provide young people with a disability with opportunities for workplace participation and independence. Since then, STEPS has grown into a large organisation which helps many individuals all over Australia strive for a brighter future.

As Managing Director, Carmel facilitates STEPS Group of Companies strategic planning and major decision making processes. Her in-depth knowledge of not-for-profit corporate governance, coupled with service delivery expertise and determination of social equality has been instrumental in the ongoing growth and success of the organisation.

Director

Shelton Wabersinke

Shelton graduated from The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1985 and has been a Family General Practitioner on the Sunshine Coast since 1990.

Shelton is one of the founding Principals of Lake Kawana General Practice and practices in all areas of medicine with a special interest in Mental Health. She is a Local Area Group (LAG) Coordinator for the Primary Health Network (PHN) and a member of their GP Reference Group. For many years she has held the position of Honorary Medical Officer at Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club. Shelton is happy to be welcomed back to Steps Group Australia, after serving on the board previously from 1994-2007.

Leadership Team

Board Chair & Managing Director

Carmel Crouch

Carmel Crouch was appointed as Board Chair more than 30 years ago when STEPS was just a small organisation trying to provide young people with a disability with opportunities for workplace participation and independence. Since then, STEPS has grown into a large organisation which helps many individuals all over Australia strive for a brighter future.
Executive Manager, Human Resources

Mellesa Lee-Smith

Mellesa has over 30 years’ human resources experience gained within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Chief Administrative Officer

Samantha Geeson

Samantha Geeson has worked in commercial recruitment and employment services industries for 25 years.
Chief Financial Officer

Renee Wooster

Renee is a finance executive and CPA, with 18 years experience in the not-for-profit sector both in Australia and the UK.
Chief Operations Officer

Tendai Dawkins

Tendai is a dedicated leader with extensive experience leading and managing the delivery of mental health, NDIS, employment and training projects and programs for not-for-profit organisations.

Start Your Career With STEPS

We’re always on the lookout for great people who are passionate about making a difference in our communities.  If that sounds like you get in touch! We’d love to hear from you.

Our Commitment: To make a difference by providing opportunity

At STEPS we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Australia.  

By providing opportunities that empower and provide a hand-up, we strive to open doors to new possibilities and foster a sense of accomplishment that can change lives for the better.

Integrity

Our actions match our words.

Courage

Together we have the courage to find innovative solutions.

Respect

We treat everyone equally and fairly.

Understanding

We prioritise understanding the needs of our customers and our community.