Introducing our team of talented women and our founder leading our vision
A special team of women, full of exceptional skill, heart and passion, are working together to help make Head Start Homes’ vision of a safe and stable home for everyone a reality.
The purpose-driven thread connecting these five women is to spread hope by empowering community housing families to have equal access to home ownership.
Caroline Dunlop - Chief of Staff and Company Secretary, manages the HR and governance processes, client management, systems and oversees all communications for Head Start Homes.
A highly skilled finance specialist, Caroline has more than 19 years experience in the financial sector working in various roles across wealth management, consumer bank, legal, risk and governance at Westpac.
Caroline joined the cause in 2017 when Head Start Homes was only an idea, because she was immediately inspired by the initiative and felt she wanted to give back to the community. She is passionate about creating a more inclusive Australia, where everybody has equal access to opportunity.
One of 10 children, Caroline lived in rental housing in New Zealand as a child, her parents struggled to make ends meet and were forced to pay market rent until migrating to Australia and finally achieving their home ownership dreams with financial support from herself and two other siblings.
“Back then I was a single mum for 11 years before meeting my husband, and the struggle of saving for a house deposit was something that really resonated with me. As a single parent, the struggle of one income is very real and I think there is a disconnection in society about this,” she said.
“Seeing our applicants learn how to manage their savings, reach their ultimate goal of getting into a property and realise the dream of owning their own home is wonderful. For me, knowing that feeling of having your own home, to build your own memories and provide that security for your family - especially your children - is so rewarding and when I see someone else experience the same thing, it’s priceless - this is what I love about working at Head Start Homes,” said Caroline.
Liz Clements - Community Engagement and Operations Officer, has more than 20 years of experience working on major projects within the financial and government sectors.
Along with handling funding applications, Liz is managing key enterprise activities including the “Phones for Homes” initiative, which enables people to recycle or rehome their old mobile phone or tablet free of charge.
“Our Phones for Homes initiative is really leading edge because it reduces electronic waste and also provides us with funding so we can help provide more safe and stable homes,” Liz explained.
Working on meaningful, community-oriented projects has been a positive change for Liz, who has spent most of her career in the corporate sector and is now studying for a diploma in financial counselling.
“My role is varied but the thing I love most about Head Start is that other people are so eager to help because they realise it’s such a worthwhile cause and can see the positive impact on people’s lives.
When we house one family, there’s a multiplier effect - this frees up community housing for another family. I’m looking forward to seeing Head Start Homes grow over the next few years and want to help it succeed in any way I possibly can,” said Liz.
Shan Watts - Social Media Manager, said she is thrilled to work for a company that is truly changing peoples’ lives for the better.
“I enjoy telling the stories about the difference Head Start Homes is making and spreading the word,” Shan said.
Shan hopes to see the company become known throughout Australia as a not-for-profit that really cares and does the very best by their clients, not only the people who they help with finance, but also in opening up housing for people who would otherwise be experiencing homelessness.
Having raised a daughter on her own, Shan said she would never have been able to afford her own home if her family hadn’t banded together to help with the finances.
Dee Conway - Systems Administrator, is based in The Philippines who has been with Head Start Homes since 2019. She said working for a good cause attracted her to the role and as a single mother to a 17 and 12 year old, she understands the importance of owning your own home.
“I feel good helping people - it brings joy to my heart - and I also love working with the team,” said Dee.
Leslie Annear - Marketing and Fundraising Officer, said Head Start Homes provided an innovative solution in a complicated area, with a double benefit, which is very exciting in the social housing space.
“Seeing the journey of our very first home starter and knowing how transformative it has been for her and her children, not just for one year but for every year following is just wonderful,” said Leslie.
Stephen Woodlands - Head Start Homes’ Founder and Managing Director, is proud to be working within a team of empowered women with such exceptional skills and knowledge.
“The expertise and lived experience of our team means that we are able to solve really complex problems by using not only our brains but also importantly our hearts.
The empathy we bring to each new challenge means that our clients’ interests always come first.
I remember how inspiring it was to watch my mum battle and succeed against all the odds to get us a safe and stable home, while bringing us kids up alone and working full time and studying. Mum’s strength and love has had a lasting impact on the person I am today and is the inspiration behind the creation of Head Start Homes,” Stephen said.
