People Are Our Focus
Meet The Team
Management
Johnathan Thurston
Managing Director
Johnathan Thurston
Johnathan Thurston is a strong positive influence and role model, as demonstrated by his long list of accolades, including 2018 Australian Humanitarian of the Year.
It is critical to note that Johnathan’s well-published messages are spoken directly from his sincere passion of our nation’s youth and his Indigenous culture. In doing so, this organically creates an experience that fosters group cohesion, community, shared responsibility, and a greater sense of self-belief and identity.
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Carley Maher
General ManagerCarley Maher
Carley is an experienced and purpose-driven General Manager with a strong background in operations, education program delivery, and community impact. With over 25 years’ experience across the education, youth development, and sectors, she is known for leading high-performing teams and building systems that drive measurable outcomes for young people.
Throughout her career, Carley has successfully overseen the design, implementation, and scale of education and wellbeing programs, particularly for at-risk and disengaged youth. Her operational expertise ensures that programs are not only impactful, but also efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
Carley brings a collaborative leadership style, a deep understanding of trauma-informed and culturally safe practice, and a passion for strengthening partnerships across government, education, and community sectors. She is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where young people can succeed.
With a proven track record in governance, workforce development, and organisational strategy, Carley plays a key role in aligning vision with operational excellence to drive long-term impact.
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Cairns
Uleta Miller
Regional ManagerUleta Miller
My name is Uleta Miller; I am from the Yarrabah Community located 40kms South East of Cairns. I’ve been with the JT Academy since the end of 2022, I have recently rejoined the Cairns team.
When I’m not working I love to play rugby league, hanging with family and friends and fishing.
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Kayla Frazer
JT Program Support OfficerKayla Frazer
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Madelene Rogers-Vanden Bos
JT Program Support OfficerMadelene Rogers-Vanden Bos
Born and bred in Gordonvale a small country town 20km south of Cairns. Spent most of my childhood fishing, riding my bike through cane fields, playing with kids in the neighbourhood and watching my brothers football team on Saturdays.
I am a proud Papua New Guinea woman with Dutch and Australian roots, I come from a huge family and put my family above all.
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Townsville
Antonio Winterstein
Operations ManagerAntonio Winterstein
Since completing a proud and accomplished career in the NRL spanning 10 years
Antonio is JT Academy’s dedicated and purpose-driven Operations Manager with a strong commitment to supporting young people to thrive. With experience in the youth and community sector, he brings a calm, solutions-focused approach to leading teams, managing services, and ensuring programs run smoothly and effectively.
At the heart of Antonio’s work is a belief in the potential of every young person with a strong commitment to social impact. He is passionate about creating safe, empowering environments where youth feel heard, respected, and supported to build brighter futures.
Antonio oversees the day-to-day operations of our programs, ensuring we deliver high-quality, culturally safe, and responsive services. From coordinating logistics and managing teams to maintaining compliance and strengthening partnerships, he plays a key role in ensuring our organisation runs with purpose and care.
Antonio is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people across our communities.
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Gabrielle Little
Regional ManagerGabrielle Little
My Name is Gabriel I am very passionate in empowering our youth & mob to build their identity to become leaders in their own communities. I really enjoy working in the community in building relationships with services within our community to achieve young people’s goals and also families.
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Carissa Miller
Lead Program FacilitatorCarissa Miller
I’m a proud indigenous south sea islander woman who’s all about family. Helping children reach their goals is my passion!
When I’m not cooking up a storm, you’ll find me fishing, crabbing, swimming and cheering for my favorite rugby league team.
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Keu Pa
JT Program Support OfficerKeu Pa
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Zaleia Lammon
JT Program Support OfficerZaleia Lammon
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Tabitha Humphreys
JT Program Support OfficerTabitha Humphreys
I love working with young people, helping them realise they have the power to make good choices and create positive changes in their lives. By guiding them to achieve their goals and encouraging them to become role models within the community, I aim to make a meaningful impact.
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Mount Isa
Jess Kelso
Lead Program FacilitatorJess Kelso
HI I’m Jess a proud First Nations woman from NSW, I have over 20 years’ experience in Community services and am passionate about program delivery, Youth support and Supporting Mob In Mt Isa, being able to walk alongside people in their Journeys to success is rewarding and drives me in my career.
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Siupeli Vaipulu
JT Program Support OfficerSiupeli Vaipulu
I spend my days off training, playing football and spending time with my family
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Candice Page
JT Program Support OfficerCandice Page
My name is Candice Page and I’m currently working for the Mt Isa JTA site as a Project Support Officer. I was born on Kalkatunga country but I have deep ties to my Great Grandmothers and Grandfathers country in the Gulf Carpentier Gangalidda/ Pitta Pitta and down south towards Dajarra/Georgina River.
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Tevita Masima
JT Program Support OfficerTevita Masima
I enjoy working with the at-risk-youth, helping where I can in supporting individual growths and promoting cultural safe practice. Still many things yet to learn and experience, however I’m keen for the journey ahead and the challenges yet to be
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Hervey Bay
Natalia Unsworth
Regional ManagerNatalia Unsworth
Hi! I’m Tali, I’ve been working in the community services sector for just over two years. I have a passion for programs and working with at-risk young people, helping them to achieve goals for a better future.
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Bernie Williams
JT Program Support OfficerBernie Williams
Bernie is a proud South Sea Islander and Aboriginal man. He lives local in the Hervey Bay Area and works in the disability field.
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Gold Coast
Carley Maher
General ManagerCarley Maher
Carley is an experienced and purpose-driven General Manager with a strong background in operations, education program delivery, and community impact. With over 25 years’ experience across the education, youth development, and sectors, she is known for leading high-performing teams and building systems that drive measurable outcomes for young people.
Throughout her career, Carley has successfully overseen the design, implementation, and scale of education and wellbeing programs, particularly for at-risk and disengaged youth. Her operational expertise ensures that programs are not only impactful, but also efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
Carley brings a collaborative leadership style, a deep understanding of trauma-informed and culturally safe practice, and a passion for strengthening partnerships across government, education, and community sectors. She is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where young people can succeed.
With a proven track record in governance, workforce development, and organisational strategy, Carley plays a key role in aligning vision with operational excellence to drive long-term impact.
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Alana Taylor
Operations CoordinatorAlana Taylor
Alana Taylor, based on the Gold Coast, Yugambeh Country has worked in Events, Marketing and Sponsorship. Alana is an all-rounder and brings her organisational skills to the team and has supported many of our programs on the ground.
Alana is passionate about our culture and learning more about the land we live on and prides herself on the JT Academy values: Confidence, Courage and Self-Belief!
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Natalia Unsworth
Regional ManagerNatalia Unsworth
Hi! I’m Tali, I’ve been working in the community services sector for just over two years. I have a passion for programs and working with at-risk young people, helping them to achieve goals for a better future.
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Jordy McIntosh
Jordy McIntosh
I am an experienced educator with a passion for creating relevant, engaging, and meaningful curriculum. I believe it’s essential that students are not only actively involved in their learning, but also find joy and challenge in the process. I am committed to the belief that every student can succeed with the right support, guidance, and encouragement to reach their full potential.
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Consultants in the Academy
Tim Pritchard
Finance ConsultantTim Pritchard
Tim is passionate about supporting the JT Academy by providing financial and operational knowledge and expertise.
He is seen as a “safe pair of hands” when managing the complications of complex financial transactions and has spent the last 8 years working in the Social Impact sector. He loves supporting the team as we help to change lives.
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Nexus Human Resource
Connecting Your Business With Your PeopleNexus Human Resource
Connecting Your Business With Your People
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Mark Egan
Complete Telco Account ManagementMark Egan
Superior Solutions
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We’re Hiring Great People
We are always looking for great people. Contact with our team to know more about the job opportunity.
