OUR SERVICE TEAM
PAUL PAPADATOS He/Him
Director
A strong believer in positive measurable social change to empower the community and young people. I have been a youth worker for over 20 years working on and leading school-based programs, managing street-based outreach programs, youth support and counselling, drop-in programs, personal development programs, youth committee programs, building youth centres and running service models.
Paul holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor in Youth Studies, Diploma in Community Development, Diploma in Youth Work, Cert IV in Training and Assessment and a Cert III in Sport Coaching in Martial Arts. Paul believes young people are experts in their own lives and their voice needs to be advocated for and heard. Father to three awesome kids and a husky dog named Achilles and married to an awesome wife.
Email: paul.papadatos@iyc.org.au
GEORGIA TRAPALIS She/Her
Coordinator Youth Development
Georgia has been a Youth Worker for 25 years in both local government and the community sector. I have led a Youth Resource Centre, Georgia has supported and helped develop young people from diverse backgrounds, Georgia has run a broad range of personal development programs, and coordinated many large youth participation events such as Youth Summits for local youth.
Georgia is energised by empowering young people to grow in confidence and skills and believes the best way of doing this is by giving them loads of opportunities to be actively engaged. On a personal level, she has a young son who’s full of beans, a great partner and friends/family. Georgia also loves music and dancing, craft, gardening, reading, and keeping fit and active.
Email: georgia.trapalis@iyc.org.au
CHIARA MESSINA She/Her Grant Writer
Chiara is a writer and a social work student with a strong belief in the possibility of a better world. I have spent the last three years refining my writing skills at university and, in my professional life, supporting people with disability to live in accordance with their personal values and goals. I am committed to creating opportunities for young people to grow and thrive, and it is with this passion that I work as a grant writer on the IYC team.
Email: Chiara.Messina@iyc.org.au
BIANCA NASH She/Her
Manager Youth Support
Bianca Nash is a passionate social worker with 20 years of experience in the community services industry. Bianca holds a double degree in Sociology and Social work and a Masters in Counselling. Bianca has worked in counselling and case management roles throughout the course of her career and has extensive experience in the provision of counselling support, case management, and the development and facilitation of therapeutic groups. In her career, Bianca has supported vulnerable young people with experiences of physical and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, school refusal, strained family relationships, family violence, homelessness, mental health and drug abuse.
Bianca's areas of interest are trauma-based practice with children and young people, service provision for LGBTIQ+ young people and support for refugee and asylum seeker communities. As a board member of the IYC, Bianca's aspiration is to assist young people to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to realise their potential.
Email: bianca.nash@iyc.org.au
MICHAEL JAKUBOWSKI (MJ) He/Him
Coordinator Youth Programs
MJ has worked with young people in a range of capacities, beginning with coordinating before and after school as well as holiday programs for primary school-aged children. MJ worked with VCAL students in both educational and well-being roles, empowering young people to feel confident about achieving their career and educational goals. MJ has spent the last few years working on the Reconnect program, assisting participants with wrap-around supports to help them reengage in education or employment.
MJ has a background in wellbeing and psychology, consistently upskilling mental health support and studying psychological sciences. MJ is passionate about empowering young people to break through perceived limitations and become confident and successful members of society and creating a positive change in their lives. He enjoys sports and gaming, as well as spending time with my partner, my dog, Toby and my cat, Logan.
MARIA PAPADATOS She/Her Adiministration Support
Maria is committed to supporting young people and the community and is passionate to be part of IYC. She has qualifications and experience in retail management and personal training. Maria has managed many retail stores and supported clients in gaining their best personal fitness goals, through being a personal trainer. In her previous roles, Maria has done front desk administration roles to support the workplace she served. Maria is very kind and sociable to make people feel part of IYC.
Email: Maria.Papadatos@iyc.org.au