Our Team
WE ARE YOUNG AND UNIQUE! All our team members have extensive experience in various sports. Each of us has been or currently is a competitive sports player or part of a regular sports team in the community. We love Fun, Healthier, and Active Lifestyle, just like you!
ESSA (Exercise & Sports Science Australia) Members
Kirk
ESSA Team Leader
Kirk is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and team leader. Kirk has an extensive experience in delivering exercise prescription for people with disability. In addition, he has gained more experience in disability care, exercise, fitness training and leadership from his involvement in basketball and Church youth groups.
Ramza
Exercise and Sports Scientist
Ramza is a Sports and Exercise Scientist who has also completed a Diploma of Children Services. With a deep love for children, she is dedicated to improving the lives of future generations by promoting an active lifestyle. She finds joy in witnessing participants derive enjoyment and build self-esteem through their progress and improvements.
Holly
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Holly is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. She is passionate in exercise prescription and motivating individuals towards a healthier and active lifestyle. She excels in engaging with young participants and finds fulfilment in working within the disability sector. She is known for supportive and caring demeanour towards all her participants.
Riley
Exercise and Sports Scientist
Riley is a Sports and Exercise Scientist. He believes that sport is the best way of bringing happiness to young kids and people together. His overarching goal is to change the lives of our participants by helping them learning and enjoying any sport they desire. His compassionate nature enables him to understand individuals’ needs and limitations, allowing him to work collaboratively.
David Fanfoni
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Management Team
David
Managing Director
Program Manager
David has completed a Bachelor of Adapted Physical Education with a Major in Disability with 16 years of experience assisting individuals with special needs. His specialisation lies in autism, developmental delay, and managing challenging behaviours. He possesses exceptional leadership and teaching skills, enabling him to effectively guide groups of participants and team.
Amy
Operations Manager
Amy has completed a Post Graduate in Business and has 13 years of experience in the health industry before joining Step Up. She brings extensive expertise in corporate management, customer service, training, administration and accounting to our team. Her passion for helping those in need drives our team’s primary focus on finding the best support and meeting the needs of every participant.
Ben
Quality and Safety Officer
Ben has completed a Bachelor of Medical and Health Science and boasts a background in competitive sports, lending him valuable knowledge and skills for instructing participants. With a calm and consultative approach, he adeptly manages all participants, ensuring their needs are met. Ben's profound understanding of individuals ensures our team is effectively working towards each individual's goals.
Justin
Physical Activity Team Leader
Justin has completed a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science with a Major in Education. With experience as a basketball coach for primary to high school students, he brings valuable teaching skills to our team. Justin's caring and supportive nature drives his passion for helping both participants and our team develop and grow. He values feedback to enhance our understanding of individuals' needs and improve our support system.
Physical Activity Mentors
Brendon
Exercise and Sports Scientist
Brendon has completed a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science and plans to undertake further study to become a Dietician. His passion is to shape better and healthier lives, especially in the disability and fitness space. Being a father himself, Brendon has a particular level of empathy for families in-need.
Khenn
Educator and Trainer
Khenn has completed a Bachelor of Education (Major in Disability) and has completed a course in Child Protection Training. He has years of experience as a teacher and sports coach for children and teenagers, hence why he is passionate in helping and developing the future generations.
Liam
Mentor
Liam is currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology. He is loyal to his community and wants to help those who are in need so that he can pick up some lifelong memories and skills. In addition, he has played a multitude of sport and coach, ranging between basketball, rugby league and union, swimming, soccer, touch, oz-tag, mixed netball.
John P
PE Teacher and Fitness Trainer
John has completed a Bachelor of Physical Education and Cert 3 and 4 in Fitness. John has more than 10 years of experience in the sports and fitness industry. Furthermore, he is always focused and seeking to learn as he has a great passion for improving the health of the community.
Anna
Mentor
Anna is currently studying a bachelor of Exercise Physiology. She has played netball at a competitive level for many years and also has experience with umpiring and coaching. She loves working with children and helping them achieve their potential.
Bree
Mentor
Bree is currently studying a bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and plans to undertake postgraduate study to become a physiotherapist. She is very passionate about improving the lives of others to the best of her ability
Rachel
Mentor
Rachel is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and has experience working and volunteering in the community. She loves helping others reach their full potential through sport and exploring the outdoors.
John T
Mentor
John is currently studying a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science. He is passionate about sports and physical activity and hopes to share that same enthusiasm with everyone. He offers a fun and creative experience for all participants while also ensuring that it’s productive to their needs.
Daniel
Mentor
Daniel is currently studying Bachelor of Health Science(Sports and Exercise Science) with previous experience of coaching volleyball with high-school students, also with experience of high level of competitive volleyball. He really enjoys variety of other sports and exercises.
Abbey
Mentor
Abbey is currently studying for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and is passionate about helping participants better engage in physical activity. She has experience in a wide variety of sports and loves teaching participants new skills, also helping them achieve their goals.
Harrison
Mentor
Harry is dedicated coach and inspiring individual who is making a profound impact on the lives on people with disabilities. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. Harry also has passion for kick-boxing and extensive experience in various sports are the driving force behind his commitment to helping his participants reach their full potential.
Elisha
Mentor
Elisha is currently studying a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science. She has a strong passion for sports and physical activity and love to share her enthusiasm with others. She was a competitive gymnast for many years and have had years of experience coaching sports. She loves to help others reach their full potential and achieve their goal, especially through physical activity, and assist them in leading a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Romeo
Fitness Trainer
Romeo completed his Certificate 3 & 4 In fitness, and he is currently undertaking Certificate 3 Individual Support In Disability. His passion for fitness & helping clients achieve their goals have lead him to this amazing opportunity to make even more meaningful change with the participants through Step Up. He enjoys playing basketball, fishing and deeply value family time on his days off.
Zac
Mentor
Zac is currently undergoing his Bachelor of Exercise Physiology at university where he is expanding on his love and passion for both exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. A fan of basketball and rugby Zac is always striving to help his participants to engage in sports in a way that is both constructive and fun.
Kristina
Mentor
Kristina has completed a Certificate 4 ‘Individual Support’ in disability and currently studying a Bachelor of Phycological and Social Science. As a competitive netball player growing up, she has a passion for being active and supporting others in doing so to have the best quality of life. She also loves helping participants be happy and make them improving their fitness.
Issac
Mentor
Issac is a basketball referee and coach. He grew up playing competitive basketball and is passionate about exercise and sports, and he hopes to motivate and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. He knows that each participant is unique and provides a fresh way to guarantee everyone is productive and having fun.
Jayden
Mentor
Jayden is currently studying a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science. His past and present experiences in competitive sports including soccer and fencing have allowed him to develop a greater understanding of. the benefits of exercise and social engagement in personal development. Hence, he aims to improve the quality of life of participants through an empathetic approach to coaching and upholding a positive attitude.
Kon
Mentor
Kon holds a Bachelor's degree in Business with a specialization in Golf Management and is currently studying for a Certificate III in Individual Support. With a background in competitive golf and various sports, Kon is passionate about helping participants achieve their goals, enhance their happiness, and improve their quality of life.
Aiden
Mentor
Alisa
Mentor
Alisa is currently pursuing a bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport), having spent a year studying sports medicine in the US. With a background in tennis and netball, she strives to share her passion for sport by supporting others. She is also dedicated to promoting the value of exercise in living a healthy and happy life.
Carl
Mentor
Carl is currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science with the goal of undertaking further study to become a Physiotherapist. His passion and commitment to Football and Mixed Martial Arts has helped him understand the importance of encouraging and supporting individuals during physical activity. Carl aims to motivate, engage and support participants during activities to help them achieve their goals
Corentin
Mentor
Corentin (Coco) holds certificate in Sports Healthcare and Mental Preparedness for Athletes, complemented by a solid background in sports education. Recognised for his adaptability, excellent communication skills, and expertise in creating personalised programs. Coco excels at fostering the well-being and growth of his clients
Emma
Mentor
Emma is currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, with plans to further her studies at university. She is an empathetic person who is passionate about promoting the benefits and enjoyments of sport. Emma has been involved in individual and team sports ranging from social teams to competing at national level. She would love to share her experience and knowledge with others to play a role in promoting healthy and happy lifestyles for individuals.
Krupa
Mentor
Alicia
Mentor
Assistant Mentors
Jack
Assistant Mentor
Jack was originally a participant in our Adult Day Program. He decided to join Step Up as an assistant mentor to further his social development and engagement skills. Since joining the team, Jack has used his unique perspective as a person with disability to assist others in-need.
Anna
Assistant Mentor
Anna is currently studying Library and Information Services. She originally started in the Step Up Exercise Physiology and Young Adults Day Program to increase her ability to work in teams, socialise and operate independently. Her interest in furthering herself and our programs is invaluable.
John K
Assistant Mentor
John originally started in the Step Up Teenagers’ Program and recently joined Young Adults’ Day Program after graduating from high school. With his experience playing basketball and swimming, he is competent in teaching sports and body coordination skills.
About our mentors
Safety and Quality Support are our #1 Priority for our participants, which is why our mentors are carefully chosen and have obtained:
National Police Check
Working with Children Check
NDIS Worker Orientation Certificate
NDIS Effective Communication Certificate
Introduction to Autism Certificate
Positive Behaviour Support Certificate
Sensory Processing Certificate
Visual Supports Certificate
Infection Control Training Certificate
First Aid Certificate
In addition, our mentors have the right qualifications by studying or completing University Degrees and/or Certificates that are related to our roles, such as:
Special Education
Sports & Exercise Science
Exercise Physiology
Physiotherapy
Health Science
Fitness Training
We GUARANTEE that our mentors are trustworthy and passionate about helping participants, ensuring continuous support for our participants at every minute.