Meet the People Behind First Steps Count

Our team is made up of passionate, skilled individuals who care deeply about the wellbeing of children, families and the wider community. Whether we’re welcoming you at the front desk, supporting service delivery, or shaping strategy behind the scenes, we’re here to make First Steps Count a place that feels safe, warm and truly for you.

Our Team

Featured
Clare Brennan
Centre Director
Clare Brennan
Centre Director

Clare is the driving force behind First Steps Count, bringing deep expertise in health and community services and a lifelong passion for creating better outcomes for children and families.

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Centre Director
Toni Carson
Centre Leader
Toni Carson
Centre Leader

Toni is a proud Darug woman and experienced social worker with over 30 years of dedicated service in the community sector. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles across a range of non-government organisations (NGOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), including Awabakal and key services in the Northern Territory.

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Centre Leader
Victoria Schumann
Centre Navigator (Karitane)
Victoria Schumann
Centre Navigator (Karitane)
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Centre Navigator (Karitane)
Nuscha Van Nieuwkerk
Volunteer Coordinator
Nuscha Van Nieuwkerk
Volunteer Coordinator

Nuscha plays a key role at First Steps Count building a team of volunteers to support the work that we do.

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Volunteer Coordinator
Stacie Morrison
Office Manager
Stacie Morrison
Office Manager

Stacie holds the place together as our Office Manager and is often the first friendly face you will see when you arrive. Stacie manages room bookings and supports the operations of the hub.

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Office Manager

Our Board

Featured
Clare Rogers
Chair
Clare Rogers
Chair

Clare Rogers leverages her extensive background in NSW State Government Human Services and her connection to the MidCoast region to drive the First Steps Count's mission. Having retired and built a home on Biripi land, she is committed to creating an accessible, nurturing environment where families feel valued and supported.

Chair
Vice Chair
Barbara Campany
Vice Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer
Ashley Redman
Treasurer
Treasurer
Gemma Death
Secretary
Gemma Death
Secretary

Gemma Death, a primary school teacher, moved to Taree in 2021, finding a deep connection to the MidCoast region. Currently at Taree Universities Campus, she champions education and community support.

First Steps Count is her passion, offering early intervention and a welcoming space for families. Success, for her, is a warm, joyful environment where families thrive.

Secretary
Margaret Gardner
Public Officer
Margaret Gardner
Public Officer

With 30 years experience in education at TAFE, Marg has strong connections with the local community and a passion for better outcomes for families in the Manning Valley.

Public Officer
Board Member
Leigh King
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Lynette Syron
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Karen Freeman
Board Member
Board Member