Meet the Crew: Tina Yalden

Name: Tina Yalden

Compass Crew Since: 2018

Role: Harvest Kitchen Trainer and now 2IC Compass Farm

What attracted you to this role?

I had not long moved up from Victoria and left my job of 8 years in Product Development (PD) for Campbell’s Soups. Compass needed someone to run the Harvest Kitchen enterprise working with the trainees to make Jams and Chutneys. With my background in PD it seemed like a good opportunity to combine what I used to do with a new adventure in disability support. The role was explained to me as ‘getting to cook with your best mates everyday’. It turned out to be that and so much more.

I have since moved out of HK into the 2IC role this year, and am really enjoying supporting the trainees and staff on the farm more.

What is the favourite part of your day at Compass?

Getting to see the trainees thrive when they learn new things or participate in a program that they enjoy. I love the interactions with the trainees on the Farm. They know how to make everything fun!

What is something you have learned as a result of working in the disability support sector?

That you can never expect two days to be the same (which I love) and that the ability to go with the flow of our trainees is sometimes where the biggest rewards can come from.

What is something you wish people knew about your role or about the disability community?

This is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. I am there as a trainer for our trainees, but I feel like I get so much back in return. Best job ever!

If there was anything you could change, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing about what I do, but I am excited to see the services and facilities grow on the Farm so that we can offer more opportunity.

Any final words / comments / funny anecdotes 

The best game of UNO I have ever played in my life was with some of my trainees. They just know how to make EVERYTHING fun!!!