Equip  |  Unite  |  Build

Working at SUSA is so much more than just a job – it’s a calling.
SUSA currently employs 10 staff across a range of positions and each staff member brings a variety of skills and qualifications from diverse backgrounds. They are dedicated, passionate individuals, united in the belief that together, under the guiding of the Holy Spirit, they combine their experience and knowledge to make a positive difference for Christ in South Australia.

We are blessed to have the following gifted and talented individuals on staff, serving The Church of South Australia in their roles with SUSA. While some staff are full-time, the majority are part-time. Each are active members in their church community and are practising Christians. Below you can find out a bit more about them.

Executive Director
Chris Battistuzzi

Chris has been passionate about helping young people discover Jesus for themselves ever since he was a teenager. He has ministered in schools for over 25 years as a youth and children’s pastor, a school Chaplain and a denominational State Children’s Coordinator. He has held several other roles in his career, each directly involved with ministry to children.

“My greatest desire is to help churches connect with local schools, local kids and local families, bringing the message of life, love & hope of Jesus”

Chris is an ordained pastor with Churches of Christ and Baptist Churches. He is a gifted speaker and leader, and continues his passion for children’s ministry as the Primary Projects coordinator.

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Missions Coordinator
Les Dennis

Les Dennis came to faith through a Scripture Union Beach Mission back in the day when he had shoulder length hair, and wearing a brown suit was the only colour to be seen in. He has always had a connection with SU since then, and in July 2014 (following a brief period as the Interim Executive Director), Les took on the role of Missions Coordinator for SU SA. He is also the Special Projects Manager submitting grant applications for our many programs.

“Beach Missions is a flagship of Scripture Union tracing back to the origins of SU in Wales. I am keen to see Family Beach Missions grow in SA and I have a high regard for the hundreds of volunteers who give up their leisure time for this valued ministry”

Les has held positions in Youth Work, Community Centres Management and senior positions in Local Government covering Recreation, Community Development and Special Events. He is accredited in Business, Youth Work, Recreation Planning and Management and many years ago did the Sydney Preliminary Theological Course (SPTC) out of Moore Theological College. 

He is the liaison between Second Chances SA and Scripture Union for the Prisoners Kids at Risk Camps (PK Mentoring Camps) and is also State Secretary for Second Chances. He is also a Director for Christian Business and Marketplace Connections (CBMC) who conduct the SA Prayer Breakfast – a significant event for South Australia, and is a member of Trinity City (Holy Trinity, Adelaide).

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Youth Projects
Hamilton McNicol

Hamilton has been a teacher since 2001 and has taught in England, Romania, and Australia. He has also run youth groups and worked with youth at-risk. Hamilton began his role as the State Youth Coordinator for Wired Youth in January 2010.

Hamilton is married to Rebecca and together they have three wonderful children, Zoe, Hannah and Jude.

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At-Risk Ministry
Cherith Harvey

Yes, her name is unusual, and yes, Cherith did endure her ‘fair share’ of teasing for it at school.

Cherith began woking at SUSA ‘on placement’ in July 2015 as a Masters of Social Work student, and now heads our At-Risk Ministry Department. It was after a few years of teaching when she realised she cared more for the welfare and wellbeing of her students than their ‘a.b.c’s.’ Her compassionate nature and drive to help others is what prompted her to study Social Work. She also has degrees in design/illustration and education.

“My life experience has given me a deep compassion for young people who haven’t got it easy, or who find themselves on the wrong side of the tracks”. 

Cherith’s own life struggles have only deepened, not weakened, her desire to communicate Christ to children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Cherith has three kids, 5, 15 and 75 (her Dad lives with her). She admits that is a daily challenge, and refers to her house as an ‘organised hurricane’.

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Ministry Apprentice
Cherie Jaeschke

Please welcome another  additions to the SUSA Staff. Not to be confused with our At-Risk co-ordinator Cherith, ‘Cherie’ is undertaking a joint Ministry Apprenticeship with both SUSA and her church where she oversees the Youth Ministry.  

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Administration
Leanne Wissell

Leanne is the office assistant at Scripture Union. She joined the SUSA team in August 2013 after having worked in administrative roles for many years. She supports the administration coordinator with the general duties of a vibrant office.

“I can help you with Scripture Union resources, general enquiries and give you advice regarding your donations and automatic deductions towards the work of SUSA”

She is married to Stewart, have 3 adult children, and attend Seeds Uniting Church at Aberfoyle Park. When not in the office, you may find her relaxing with a good book or bushwalking in the beautiful countryside.

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I.T. Services
Samuel Jaeschke

During his high-school years, Sam attended Scripture Union Easter Camps in the Flinders Ranges which played a key role in growing his Christian faith. Since moving to Adelaide, he has been a passionate SUSA volunteer on Easter Camps and Family Missions (Beach Missions).

Sam has 4 years experience as a network administrator in education and business environments, and has completed an honours degree in computer science with a research focus on systems security. He currently also works as a software engineer in building automation and usability. At SUSA, Sam keeps the computers, network and website in sound working order, and is always on the lookout for technology that can better serve God’s people. He is glad to fuss over obtuse technicalities so that others can more easily tell young people about Jesus.

Sam is married to the lovely Cherie. They look forward to building a family who loves and serves Jesus.

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