What is a YABI?
KIDS Young Advisory Board Influencers (YABI’s) is a young group of future leaders that bring fresh ideas to KIDS Advisors and Board to influence change, make a real difference and build awareness.
The purpose of the YABI’s is to inform, create a profile, and understanding of the KIDS Foundation that is relevant to the next generation and their evolving world.
We do this through reverse mentoring, active engagement in KIDS activities and sharing of information through new social channels, media and networks.
James Johnstone
Snowboardcross Athlete - Australian Team
James is a Junior World Champion and European Cup Winner in Snowboardcross. He loves to compete and is passionate in sport in general. He prides himself on his commitment and dedication to becoming the best in the world in Snowboardcross. James’ passions outside of snowboarding include travelling, public speaking and anything outdoors.
Keeley Skepper
Carlton AFLW player
Originally from Wodonga, Keeley moved to Melbourne in 2022 to play AFLW. Keeley is still playing with the Carlton Football Club and has a big passion for football starting when she first began Auskick. Keeley also is currently completing a massage course and coaching AFL. Outside of work she loves anything sport and connecting with a wide range of people. She also absolutely loves animals and she herself has 4 cats and a dog.
Claudia Higgins
Accounts Manager - Marketing
After studying a Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne University, Claudia is now working as an Account Manager at Bursty, a creative company based in South Yarra. Some passions of hers include sport, writing, hiking and cooking! Her hope to make a positive impact on young lives has led her to join the Kids Foundation as a Young Board Member. Claudia is excited to bring her energy, creativity, and expertise to the team, contributing to the foundation's mission of empowering and inspiring children through various programs and initiatives.
Bella Houlahan
HR Administrator
Bella is all about the people, blending her skills in Psychology, support work, and Human Resources to foster environments where everyone can thrive. As an HR Administrator at an organisation managing some of Australia’s most beloved consumer brands, Bella supports a dynamic team of over 3,000 employees. With a rich background in various support roles, Bella understands the vital importance of empathy and effective communication. Her keen insights into human behaviour enable her to build strong, positive relationships with stakeholders, ensuring no that everyone feels heard and valued. Bella is also passionate about cooking and the Melbourne food/restaurant scene and loves dancing and playing tennis with friends.
Amelia Velardo
AFLW player at Carlton Football Club
Student- Bachelor of Laws (honours)/Bachelor of Media and Communications (Marketing)
Amelia is 22 years old, juggling both studying a Bachelor of Laws (honours)/Bachelor of Media and Communications (Marketing) whilst competing in the AFLW for Carlton FC. She also coaches with the Adam Saad Academy at Carlton. She has a passion for helping kids who are going through tough times, involving herself in the Good Friday Appeal with the Royal Children’s Hospital over the past 3 years. Amelia also loves cooking, golf and music.
Harvey Jaques Mitchell
Social Ventures Australia Consulting - Analyst
Harvey is 24 years old from Fremantle, WA. He is proud of his Whadjuk Noongar and English roots. He has been living in Melbourne for the past 5 years completing his degree at Melbourne University and now acting as an analyst for a not-for-profit organisation, Social Ventures Australia. He has always been interested in creating change and loves trying to make a real difference.
Mimi Hill
AFLW Player at Carlton Football Club
Student- Bachelor of Science
Mimi is a 21 year old, enjoying the balancing act of being an AFLW player for Carlton whilst studying a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne Uni. She also participates in sports coaching within the community. She loves being social, especially if it involves some kind of activity/exercise and believes she brings great energy to anything she participates in. Mimi has a passion for kids being active and engaged in sport and generally just enjoys being in the company of people.
Charlie Hocking
Talent Coordinator and Accredited Agent - More Than Management
Charlie works as a Talent Coordinator and is an accredited AFL Agent for More Than Management, a female and gender diverse talent agency with clients across a range of sports and media. Having completed a commerce degree at the University of Melbourne, Charlie now combines a tertiary education specialising in both finance and management with a passion for sport! Outside of work, Charlie loves the beach, spending time in the surf and down the coast with family and friends. Charlie is connected to the KIDS foundation through his mum Kate, who is a board member. He hopes to bring an enthusiastic attitude to the KIDS Foundation and positively impact those involved at the KIDS Foundation
Emily Gough
Essendon AFLW Player
Emily is currently playing AFLW for the Essendon Football Club. In 2023 she finished year 12 and went straight into studying a Bachelor of Business at Deakin University, majoring in sports management. In her spare time, Emily loves all things sport and the anything outdoors. She has a passion for mentoring and supporting others who have been less fortunate than her and looks forward to making a difference with her involvement with KIDS.
Emily Stuckey
Disability Support Worker
Em is an adventurous soul who loves connecting with nature. She enjoys being creative and exploring new things. She finds connecting with new people really fascinating as everyone has their own individual story that has led them to this present moment. Em is a disability support worker and outside of work you might find her surrounding herself with all thing’s nature, drones, photography, animals, yoga and painting.
Brooke Walker
Essendon AFLW Player and Teacher
Brooke is currently enjoying being an AFLW Player for Essendon Football Club while also being a Secondary School Educator specialising is Health and Physical Education. Brooke loves to be involved in the community and helps to bring happiness to people living with a disability with WhatAbility and also coaches youth female AFL and Rugby teams. In her spare time Brooke enjoys travelling and outdoor activities. Brooke is passionate about youth development and supporting disengaged and disadvantaged people in achieving quality and happiness in their lives.