FAN’s dedicated staff are at the heart of everything we do. United by a shared commitment to supporting young people and their children, our team brings compassion, expertise, and innovation to every aspect of our work. From case managers and youth workers to program coordinators and support staff, each person plays a vital role in helping young people find safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive.
Michelle Thompson (She/Her)
CEO
Michelle Thompson is the CEO of Family Access Network (FAN), where she has held leadership roles for over 11 years. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the community sector, primarily supporting young people and their families. Her background spans youth homelessness, alcohol and other drugs, mental health, family services, and community health. Michelle holds a Bachelor in Youth Work, and Graduate Diplomas in Substance Abuse and Counselling.
She is a current Board member of the Gateway LLEN, participated in Leadership Victoria’s inaugural LGBTIQ Leadership program, and teaches at RMIT in the Diploma of Youth Work and Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence short course.
Oriana Phutully (She/Her)
Team Leader Client Services
Oriana is the Team Leader of Client Services. She started with FAN in 2011 in the Private Rental Brokerage Program. Prior to FAN, Oriana worked in various homelessness services in Victoria. Her educational background is a Master of Social Work and an honours degree in Social Science (Policy & Research) from RMIT.
Michael Woollard (He/Him)
Financial Administrator
Michael is a qualified accountant (CPA) with more than 30 years of experience in finance and accounting. Over his career, he has held a wide range of financial roles across both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors. Recently, Michael has been working in the Community Services sector, where he applies his extensive expertise to support organisations in managing their financial operations effectively.
Kim East (She/Her)
Media and Communications Officer
Kim joined FAN in 2025 and has over 20 years of experience in communications and design. She holds a Communications and Advertising Bachelor degree from RMIT and also has a Diploma in Counselling. For the last 15 years, Kim has worked with not-for-profit groups, helping with advocacy, education, and fundraising campaigns.
She focuses on clear messaging, working with different groups to create content that resonates with her target audience. Kim is passionate about turning complicated ideas into simple stories that connect with people and make a difference.
Chris Lulich (She/Her)
Executive Assistant/Administration Officer
Chris is a skilled Executive Assistant with significant experience supporting CEOs and Executive Management. She has held Executive Assistant roles in avariety of industries including manufacturing, not for profit (RSPCA Victoria), telecommunications and legal.
In her role, Chris provides high level administrative and business support to the Executive, Management, Administrative and Corporate systems at FAN.
Zi Ye (She/Her)
Senior Youth Support Worker
Zi is a passionate social worker with experience in youth mental health, refugee and asylum seeker support, and family violence services prior to joining FAN in 2025. She brings a trauma-informed, intersectional approach to working with young people, with a strong commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion and community care. Zi holds a Master of Social Work degree from Monash University. Outside of work, she enjoys hosting queer book clubs, connecting over tea and crafts, and finding joy in collective storytelling.
Aaron Ong (He/Him)
Youth Support Worker
Aaron joined FAN in 2019 in his first role in the community service sector. Prior to this he worked in residential construction. He has an educational background with a Bachelor in Social Science (Youth Work) and a Diploma in Community Services (Case Management). Aaron works in the Homeless Support Services (HSS) program providing case management support to young people in transitional housing. He also operates the newly established Peer Leadership Program; which is a skill and personal development program for young people who have successfully transitioned through the HSS program.
Michelle Kiriama (She/Her)
LGBTIQA+ Specialist Youth Worker
Michelle K joined FAN as an LGBTIQA+ Specialist Youth Worker in 2022. In her role she provides case management support to young people in transitional housing. Prior to joining FAN Michelle worked as a settlement caseworker, and a youth health and well-being project officer. Michelle’s educational background is a degree in Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from Deakin University. Michelle is excited to be a part of the FAN team.
Owen Vickery (He/They)
Pride in Place Service Navigator
Owen has 5 years’ experience in housing and homelessness, previously working as a Case Manager supporting people to access and maintain transitional housing. They have worked with clients at all stages—from rough sleeping to permanent housing—providing support across legal, mental health, AOD, and disability needs.
Owen is passionate about inclusion and service for the Queer community, with experience at Drummond Street, Queerspace, and Latrobe’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society. They hold a Social Work (Honours) degree and a Diploma in Community Services and focus on holistic, client-centered support. Owen is committed to building strong connections with the Queer community and support services.
Cody Fisher (He/Him)
Creative Arts Therapist (LGBTQIA+ Youth & Family Violence)
Cody is a queer Creative Arts Therapist with experience supporting young people navigating trauma and family violence. His work centres around holding safe, inclusive, and creative spaces for people to explore, express, and connect. Through a collaborative, person-centred approach, Cody supports people to move through life’s complexities and transitions with authenticity, agency, and care. He uses therapeutic evidence and arts-based processes to help individuals give shape to what’s hard to put into words.
Emily Yates (She/Her)
Creative Arts Therapist
Ripley Breheny (They/Them)
Therapeutic Practitioner/Counsellor
Ripley has built their career working alongside LGBTIQA+ communities and their families as they navigate experiences of family violence and mental health. As a Therapeutic Practitioner and Counsellor at FAN, they support LGBTIQA+ young people with experiences of family violence through individual counselling and by facilitating the Talking with Pride group. Currently completing their Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Ripley’s practice is grounded in queer-affirming, trauma-informed and intersectional principles. They are passionate about integrating person-centred, strength-based, and narrative therapy approaches to their work. Ripley spends their time outside of work playing D&D, Fortnite, and hanging out with their 35kg rescue dog Chilli.