For many of our young people, their interaction with our team is often their first experience of feeling supported. Our qualified and experienced psychologists, social workers and therapeutic mentors are their guiding light. They are backed by a dedicated administrative team who believe all young people should have access to mental health support that meets their individual needs.

That feeling you get when a client reaches out for help and you know you have a deep, connected, genuine and wonderful bond with them is all the more special given most of our clients’ (understandable) deep attachment issues and mistrust of adults.–  Azriel Reshel, Adventure Therapist (Social Worker)

Our CEO

Sharyn White

CEO

In March 2021, we welcomed our first CEO, Sharyn White. Clinically trained with over 30 years working in the health sector, Sharyn is an experienced executive, passionate about delivering innovative programs that improve the health and well-being of individuals and the community. She has an extensive track record of providing strategic…

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Sharyn White CEO of Human Nature smiles facing camera

Our Senior Leadership Team

Andy Hamilton

Founder

Andy Hamilton is a Psychologist with over 20 years experience of working in the youth mental health, drug and alcohol and justice fields. Together with Graham Pringle Phd, a specialist in Adventure Therapy, he created our signature Recre8 Program in 2008 – combining the best aspects of outdoor education, experiential…

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Andy Hamilton stands smiling in a field

Jen Parke

Head of Operations

Jen Parke has worked alongside young people and as a senior manager in a wide range of settings including Juvenile Justice, youth homelessness, counseling, and youth development and leadership. She has a Social Science degree and graduate diplomas in Counselling and Mediation. Jen has facilitated youth reference and advisory groups…

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Jen Parke standing by a tree

Joy Barber Hua

Head of Marketing & Engagement

Originally from the UK, Joy has over 20 years experience in marketing and brand engagement in both the not-for-profit and private sectors, working for large charities like the NSPCC and Terrence Higgins Trust and on major brands such as BMW, Disney and Philips. At the NSPCC she established a team…

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Joy Barber Hua

Sarah Rainbird

Head of Philanthropy

Originally trained as a corporate lawyer, Sarah has over 20 year’s experience working to lead transformational change in notable not for profit organisations in higher education and research, the arts, international aid and development and medical research. She has an extensive track record of developing and implementing effective strategies to…

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Sarah Rainbird, Head of Philanthropy

Our Board

Human Nature Adventure Therapy Ltd is governed by a highly-skilled Board of volunteer Directors hailing from the Northern Rivers NSW region, Sydney, Newcastle and the ACT. They provide governance, leadership and financial expertise to strengthen and steer the organisation.

John Akehurst

Deputy Board Chair

Former-Non Executive Director, Origin Energy (Retired) Born in London, John studied engineering at Oxford before working and living in Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, and Holland, eventually settling in Australia. He has vast corporate and governance experience, including his role of CEO of Woodside Petroleum and membership on the Board of…

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John Akehurst Deputy Board Chair

Hugo Hayes

Provisional Psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner Having spent over a decade in the music industry, Hugo decided to turn his creative mind to understanding people and difficulties they’re having. In 2021, Hugo graduated from his Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Griffith University and immediately started working as a provisional psychologist…

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Board Member Hugo Hayes

Joe Boyd

Treasurer

Originally from Ireland, Joe arrived in Australia in 2000 via London, Dubai and Johannesburg (S.Africa). An Australian citizen since 2008, he now resides on the northern beaches part of Sydney. He has traveled extensively across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia whilst performing regional Finance Director roles for Thomson Reuters.

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Stephen Grant

Board Chair

Originally from the UK, Stephen has lived in Australia since 1995 and in the Northern Rivers since 2016. Stephen has extensive experience as a CEO, Board Director and Management Consultant in the for- profit and not-for-profit sectors. Leadership roles include Managing Director, Laura Ashley PLC (a UK based global fashion…

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Stephen Grant Human Nature Board

Sarah Metcalf

Sarah Metcalf has over two decades in the for-purpose sector including leading the Ernst & Young Foundation, establishing a medical research charity, and most recently working with families and organisations to help them give better and with more impact. She establised Collective Manifesto in 2023 and now works with high-net-worth individuals and…

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Sarah Metcalf - Board Member

Jane Sheehy

Jane is a technology leader with decades of experience in innovation and change, technology, and transformational leadership in the C-suite and as a management consultant and business owner. Her consultancy Ethical Systems provides strategic technology advice for CEOs and boards of scaling businesses to implement practical governance for complex…

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Melea Hibbins

Melea’s background in sociology, politics, and law makes her a passionate advocate for social justice. After working in immigration law and with an international children’s NGO, her path led her to the beautiful Northern Rivers. Here, she saw firsthand the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and mental health complexities.

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Melea Hibbins

Our Ambassadors

Mandy Nolan

Ambassador

Mandy is a proud Northern Rivers NSW resident and is an accomplished Comedian, Author, Journalist, MC, Keynote Speaker, Humour Therapist and Comedy Instructor. This is a program that changes lives. Actually, it does more than that it saves lives.Mandy Nolan…

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Mandy Nolan Patron of Human Nature sits facing the camera with her hand on her face showing a large orange ring

Work with us

Human Nature provides a workplace where you can thrive. As we expand, we will be looking for talented people whose values match our own.

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