Our Leadership
Jason Paag
Like many in the community sector, Jason found his calling after working his way up in a different industry. Through his personal journey of having three sons on the autism spectrum, Jason felt driven to improve the lives of young people and decided he needed a change where he could truly make a difference.
Possessing over twenty years of management experience, Jason joined the HYPAR Group in 2014 working directly with our young people, before taking the role of General Manager in 2015, and CEO in 2019.
He holds a Bachelor of Psychology, a Bachelor of Science, and a Graduate Certificate in Business/Entrepreneurship.
Kylie Wilson
With over 10 years working with the Department of Child Safety, Kylie transitioned into the Residential Care sector in 2020, joining HYPAR Group in 2021.
For Kylie, being able to work with children and young people (even behind the scenes) is a real privilege. Helping to keep a child safe by giving them a better chance of a happy, healthy and thriving future is in essence the most fulfilling career choice.
Kylie’s qualifications include Bachelors of Human Services, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Graduate certificates in Community Services Practice (Statutory) and in Child Protection, Client Assessment and Case Management, and a Diploma of Justice Administration.
Shaun O'Dea
Originally working in telecommunications, Shaun was inspired to join HYPAR to become part of a bigger movement, one where he could help others and inspire a positive change.
Equipped with the knowledge of his own experience growing up and the obstacles many Young People face, Shaun joined HYPAR Residential Care in 2017. He has since occupied many roles within the organisation, from Mentor to Manager, Shaun now oversees operations across the group, as Operations Manager of HYPAR group.
Shaun’s qualifications include Diploma in Community Services and Case Management and is currently completing an MBA
Emily Gehrke
With over 15 years of experience in human resources and a background in 5-star hospitality, Emily is passionate about building positive, people-focused workplace cultures. Drawn to HYPAR Group’s mission, she joined the organisation in 2021 to help create positive change for young people, a value that resonates deeply with her as a mother of two.
Emily is committed to fostering strong relationships, supporting employee wellbeing, and creating environments where teams feel engaged and empowered. She believes that when staff are supported, they deliver their best, leading to meaningful outcomes for young people, participants, and stakeholders alike.
Renee Weeks
Renee joined the HYPAR Group in 2021, bringing experience from high-risk industries to the organisation, including the Royal Australian Airforce and Traffic Management & Road Safety.
Renee now brings her wealth of experience and steely determination to the Social and Youth Care Services Industry, coupled with her qualifications in Compliance,
Lead Auditing, Quality and Systems.
Being the mum of an amazing young son, Renee feels she has the opportunity to “pay it
forward” by being part of an organisation that has a positive impact on the lives of young people and contributes to the betterment of their futures.
Nicola Phillips
Joining HYPAR Group in 2022, Nicola brings 20 years of finance experience, having worked across health care, construction, and logistics industries.
As a mum of three teenagers and having a passion for helping people, Nicola gravitated to the community sector where she found HYPAR. HYPAR Groups vision and mission mirrored Nicola’s values and gave Nicola the opportunity to contribute to a movement that advocates and supports the betterment of the community.
She holds a BA Honours Degree in Business and Graduate Diploma in Business with a specialisation in accounting and is currently working towards an MBA.
Annette Pravidur
Annette brings over 10 years of experience in the human services sector, with a strong background in residential care and family intervention support. She has worked in both frontline and leadership roles, including working with the Department of Child Safety. Annette holds a Bachelor of Human Services (Children and Families) and is passionate about creating positive change in the lives of others.
Inspired by HYPAR Group’s mission and values, she joined the organisation to continue growing personally and professionally, while contributing to meaningful outcomes for young people. Annette is committed to ongoing learning, development, and empowering those she supports to thrive.
Chris Szymanski
Chris’s journey into the support sector began after a life changing event that led him to re-evaluate his purpose and seek meaning in his work. Drawn to HYPAR Group’s values, he joined the organisation and has spent the past 9 years supporting individuals across both the Child Safety and NDIS space.
Chris is passionate about building meaningful relationships and driving positive change in the lives of others. Now in a leadership role, he focuses on empowering staff to uphold HYPAR Groups values and deliver impactful support. Chris holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Biology), and brings a wealth of life experience to his work.
Our Board
Julia Zivanovich
Inspired by supportive adults and organisations in her youth, Julia found herself drawn to HYPAR Group and our mission to better the lives of others by embodying our key values throughout our services.
Julia brings extensive experience in company secretary and executive roles, serving organisations like Sea Turtle Foundation, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Market Research Society. In addition to this, Julia has worked in executive/managerial roles for larger corporations such as Colonial First State and CBA across Australia and the UK.
As a member of the AICD and Governance Institute of Australia, Julia holds an Advanced Masters in Business Administration, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies, and a IAP2 Certificate of Engagement.
Ross Barns
Brisbane native, Ross Barns founded HYPAR in 2008 after working as a Youth Worker for Youth Justice Queensland and in youth crisis housing. Recognising the need for additional support for young people in the Youth Justice system, he started a mentoring program, which led to the creation of HYPAR.
Over the years the organisation gained a reputation for positive outcomes, leading to the establishment of HYPAR Residential Care after being invited to become a licenced care organisation by Child Safety in 2015.
Ross established the latest addition to the HYPAR Group in 2017, an adventure therapy and outdoor education program known as HYPAR Wild.
Passionate about helping Young People and the community, Ross continues to strive for positive change.
John Saines
John is a Chartered Accountant (CA) who has worked in Finance, Management Consultancy and Accounting sectors across the Asia Pacific region for over 10 years. Holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA), he has worked in senior roles within global consulting firms and organisations of all sizes, ranging from not-for-profit to government and ASX listed entities.
Throughout this time, John has developed a passion for the Youth sector, holding several board positions dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk and disadvantaged youth.
John joined HYPAR Group’s Board of Directors to continue his passions and contribute to the betterment of the lives of others.
Kelly Cavallaro
Driven by a strong belief that every person deserves access to supportive relationships, Kelly was inspired to join HYPAR Group, aligning with its mission to uplift and empower those who need it most.
With extensive experience in governance and community engagement, Kelly has served as Company Secretary and held executive board roles with Mission Beach Community Enterprises Limited. She also runs her own accounting and advisory practice and have contributed to numerous community organisation committees across Far North Queensland.
Academically accomplished, Kelly holds a Master of Business Administration, is a Fellow of both the Institute of Public Accountants and the Institute of Financial Professionals, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a qualified Justice of the Peace.
