Chief Executive Officer

Tammy-Rae has been involved with YAL for as long as she can remember in one way or another. It wasn’t until 2013 when Tammy-Rae officially joined the YAL family, working at first as an office assistant.

In 2015 she built and pioneered the scholarship program YAL Connect in taking on the project after being promoted to the CEO. 10 years later she is the backbone of the organisation growing from a team of one to now a bustling bunch of 10 employees across 2 states building a community from all walks of life.

Before coming to YAL Tammy-Rae has been involved in numerous management roles, from small businesses to a chain of timber flooring stores. With a background in Education and business and a Bachelor's in Youth Work Tammy-Rae bring specialised values and skills to the YAL family and we wouldn’t be the organisation we are today without her.

Chief Finance Officer

Amanda didn’t follow a traditional path into her CFO role, the experience and insights gleaned from working with numerous businesses in multiple industries and building her own business from the ground up lean into the unique CFO role required at YAL. But it was her investment in the purpose and values of the organisation that made her the best fit for the team.

With a Bachelor’s in Commerce (Entrepreneurship) and is a registered BAS agent with the Tax Practitioners Board with many years of consulting with SMEs under her belt. She is an intelligent and fundamental member of the YAL team.

Amanda is passionate about development and opportunity for young people and is honoured to be able to engage wholeheartedly in the future of YAL.

Regional Manager

After many years working in the sports and recreation industry, David and his family headed to the red sands of Uluru in 2019 for a truly unique experience. Known for his hands-on approach and very bad dad jokes, David joined the YAL family in 2021 as the YAL Cairns Manager.

Working closely with key stakeholders and the programs delivered through YAL Cairns, Dave is excited about the opportunity to be part of YAL and looks forward to what the future holds for everyone involved.

Building on the success of his time with YAL, 2026 will see Dave expand his role as Regional Manager for Queensland. In this expanded position, he will increase the visibility and growth of Castle Cleaning and YAL’s youth programs and initiatives, while continuing to oversee operations in Cairns.

Still not one to give up his sporting ways, in his spare time David enjoys indoor cricket umpiring at the Cairns Indoor Sports Centre and assisting with junior indoor cricket training.

Business Operations Manager

With over 15 years of experience in cleaning services management, Sarah Gutierrez is a dedicated leader known for growing and managing successful businesses with care and precision. Holding a Diploma in Leadership and Management, she combines strategic thinking with hands-on knowledge to deliver results that matter.

Sarah’s professional journey reflects a passion for building strong teams, maintaining high standards, and fostering growth in every aspect of business. 

Beyond her professional work, Sarah is deeply committed to making a difference in her community and supporting young people. She actively volunteers her time at junior netball, where she helps guide and inspire the next generation both on and off the court.

Sarah is now looking forward to bringing her skills, experience, and heart for service to YAL’s Social Enterprise, Castle Cleaning, where she is focused on driving continued growth and excellence within the cleaning industry.

In addition to this she also serves YAL as the Business Operations Manager which oversees the YALs various programs and initiatives.

Youth Program Coordinator

Travis comes from an extensive background of people empowerment & development.

An at risk young person himself, he has risen from an environment rife with poverty, gangs and violence to become a mentor who focuses on equality.

His passion in life is ensuring that each and every person he meets has the chance to discover their potential.

Travis has enjoyed a career in sport and recreation, travelling far and wide through his professions. As a founder and pioneer of a number of charities, businesses and social movements, he has a network that stretches across the globe.

A dreamer and most importantly a doer, he focuses on providing opportunities for young people to explore their visions through our programs and mentorship.

Youth Worker

Liz joined the YAL team in October 2025, bringing many years of experience working with children, young people, and families facing disadvantage across a range of community and support roles.

She has extensive experience supporting young people in education and community settings and is skilled in trauma-informed, strengths-based practice, case management, crisis support, and delivering practical wellbeing programs.

Liz believes every child and young person has the potential to thrive, and is committed to advocating for their right to feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their goals. Outside of work, Liz is also a foster carer, providing a stable and nurturing home for children and young people who need extra support.

Co-Supervisor

Joining the team is Cairns in October 2021; Deanna showed her can-do attitude and very strong work ethic straight away.

Dee Dee’s bright attitude and willingness to help others is a joy for all of us at YAL. Having already worked at the premises before when it was known as the Tropicana, Deanna is enjoying her time back; you can always see her singing and dancing while she works.

As a fitness enthusiast, you will often find Deanna walking all over Cairns in her free time, as she says if my legs are not hurting then I have not walked enough.

Co-Supervisor

Cairns born and raised, Raelene has a strong connection to the town, after spending a few years in Townsville, Raelene decided to move back to Cairns to be closer to family.

A loving wife, mother and Grandmother Raelene always wears her heart on her sleeve and continues to show her caring nature while at work with her bright smile to make anyone feel welcome.

Her North Queensland blood always comes out with the support of her Cowboys and knowledge of secret fishing spots in the area with her family during her free time.

Youth Worker

Ronin is passionate about creating equal opportunities for young people, particularly those who have come to Australia seeking a fresh start. Through community volunteering and his studies in Youth Work at TAFE, he has developed strong interpersonal skills, along with experience in trauma-informed care and crisis response.

Drawing on his own experience of disengagement from education, Ronin understands that every young person’s journey looks different. A self-described nerd at heart, he enjoys helping young people recognise their unique strengths and apply skills gained through their interests to reach their full potential.

New to the industry, Ronin is excited to bring a fresh perspective to YAL and grow alongside the organisation to create meaningful change.