Educational Qualifications

• Master of Counselling
• Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology, with honours)

Professional affiliation

• Registered Counsellor, CMSAC, Singapore Association for Counselling
• Full Member, MSPS, Singapore Psychological Society
• Member, Parnell Institute

Professional Trainings:

• EMDR, Completed Approved Basic Training
• Certified Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Emotion-focused Therapy
• Eriksonian Approaches to Hypnosis
• Sandtray Therapy
• Expressive Arts Therapy

Jo-an is a counsellor with 15 years of experience in the mental health field, having supported individuals managing chronic illness and mental health diagnoses across hospitals, community agencies, and private practices. Additionally, Jo-an serves as a clinical supervisor, guiding case managers in local hospitals and healthcare settings. She has also published research in the field of mental health, contributing to the development of healthcare practices and advancing mental health care in Singapore.

Jo-an views each client as a whole person, recognising the uniqueness of their journey. Her approach is centred around creating a safe space for deep exploration, fostering self-awareness, and helping clients integrate new insights for lasting growth. As a certified yoga instructor with a polyvagal-informed approach to trauma recovery, Jo-an fosters healing and wisdom within both the mind and body.

Recognizing the complexity of the human mind, Jo-an integrates EMDR with body-oriented psychotherapy to support holistic mind-body healing, honouring the vital connection between the two. With deep respect for the diverse ways people express their thoughts and emotions, she also brings in sandtray therapy and expressive arts modalities. These integrative approaches create a safe space for clients to access and strengthen their inner resources, express what may be difficult to verbalize, and ultimately find balance and healing.

As a locum counsellor with Trybe, Jo-an is dedicated to journeying alongside young individuals facing mental health challenges, life stressors, or crises. She supports them in building resilience, empowering them to navigate challenges and evolve into confident individuals who can thrive through important developmental milestones.

Outside of therapy, Jo-an finds joy in caring for her rescue dog and savouring a nice cup of coffee. These moments of connection and mindfulness bring balance to her life, reminding her of the importance of self-care and simple pleasures.

Academic Qualifications

• Master of Guidance and Counselling
• Bachelor of Social Sciences in Social Work

Professional Affiliation

• Registered Social Worker – Singapore Association of Social Workers

Professional Training

• Gestalt Play Therapy (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) | Ongoing
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Introduction to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Theraplay & MIM with Group (Level 1)

With over two decades of experience in the non-profit and social service sectors, Kyla is passionate about journeying with children, youth and families through life’s challenges. Her career spans diverse settings including child welfare, healthcare and homelessness services, giving her deep insight into the unique struggles faced by young people today.

Kyla is known for her warm, compassionate and client-centred approach. Her counselling style is integrative and tailored, drawing on evidence-based modalities. Whether addressing emotional regulation, family dynamics, relationship difficulties, school-related stress or trauma, she walks alongside young clients to support their healing and development. She believes deeply in each individual’s capacity for resilience, growth and positive change. Through every interaction, she is guided by a commitment to ethical practice, strengths-based engagement and genuine care for the well-being of every person she serves.

Kyla holds a Master of Guidance and Counselling and a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Social Work. She is a Registered Social Worker with the Singapore Association of Social Workers. She is trained in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Theraplay. Currently, she is pursuing a certification in Gestalt Play Therapy with the West Coast Institute for Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents.

Senior Social Worker & Head, Casework & Community Engagement Department

Justin leads the Casework & Community Engagement department, overseeing a dedicated team of professionals responsible for case management and programme engagement with residents of the hostel.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). His social work journey includes meaningful stints at a Family Service Centre and a Special Education School, where he developed a deep understanding of working with diverse communities.

Outside of work, Justin finds joy and renewal in the wonders of nature. He is especially moved by the awe-inspiring beauty of mountain alps—landscapes so breath-taking they serve as humbling reminders of our place in the world.

Academic Qualification:

• Master of Counselling
• Master of Arts in Art Therapy
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Professional Affiliation:

• Registered Counsellor (CMSAC) – Singapore Association for Counselling
• Registered Art Therapist, AThR, Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association
• Member, Parnell Institute

Professional Trainings:

• Sandplay Therapy, by International Society for Sandplay Therapy
• EMDR, Completed Approved Basic Training, by Parnell Institute & EMDRIA
• Expressive Therapies, by Taiwanese Society for Sandplay Therapy
• Expressive Therapy with Children and Adolescent, by Expressive Therapies Institute of Australia
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Beck Institute

Kar Heng is a dedicated therapist who believes in supporting children, youths and adults to build meaningful connections with themselves and their life experiences. He has provided support in various settings, including social services, mental health, probation, child protection, and private practices. With experience in various fields, Kar Heng’s journey began with volunteering for those affected by HIV & AIDS, which sparked a lifelong interest in mental health and helping others. He has gained extensive experience in working with various challenges, such as complex trauma, abuse, self-harm, suicide, sexual behaviour issues, LGBTQIA2S+ concerns, and parent-child relationships.

At Trybe, Kar Heng treasures the opportunity to join young people on their journey and is committed to supporting them through challenges related to relationships, self-esteem, family, and personal growth. Using expressive arts approaches like play, music, poetry, and body movement, Kar Heng helps young individuals express and communicate deep emotions and memories that may be hard to put into words. He appreciates a playful and art-related approach to assist young people in discovering more about themselves.

Kar Heng is trained in Sandplay Therapy, Expressive Therapies, Art Therapy, and is an EMDR practitioner. He holds a Master of Counselling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He is continuously expanding his clinical knowledge and skills in trauma and mental health through ongoing training in Somatic Experiencing. Currently, he is working towards becoming a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.

Academic Qualification

• Master of Arts in Counselling and Guidance, NTU
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Hons), NTU

Professional Affiliation

• Clinical Member, Singapore Association for Counselling
• Full Member, EMDR Singapore

Professional Trainings

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), EMDR Institute Basic Training
• Certified Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) Expert within HCSA Dayspring Therapeutic Group Home, by New York University

Chrystella has over 17 years of experience working with youth. Starting from a personal mentorship role, Chrystella has also led small groups, outreach events and overseas mission trips. She has also taken on supervisory roles and been part of executive committees leading youth.

She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Hons) and Master of Arts in Counselling and Guidance from Nanyang Technological University. Her dissertation on Positive Psychology titled “Effects of the Best Possible Self Activity on Subjective Well-Being and Depressive Symptoms” was published in the Asia-Pacific Education Researcher.

Chrystella is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is a certified Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) expert at New York University. Chrystella has worked with clients facing various challenges. These include acute and complex traumatic experiences, self-harm, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues.

Chrystella has worked in a Voluntary Children’s Home and Therapeutic Group Home for more than 7 years, where she provided therapeutic services for children and young persons who experienced trauma and abuse as well as boys who are under probation for criminal offenses.

In addition, she has worked as a counsellor in the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Counselling Centre for 2.5 years. This provided her the opportunity to be involved in overseas critical incidents, hotline management of suicidal callers and training of commanders, on top of providing individual counselling for SAF staff.

Aside from seeing clients directly for therapy, Chrystella has also been heavily involved in providing training and is certified in the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA).

Driven by her passion to help individuals reach their full potential, Chrystella embodies the quote by Benjamin Disraeli: “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own”.

Academic Qualification:

• Master of Social Work (SUSS)

Professional Affiliation:

• Registered Social Worker (RSW) – Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW)

Professional Trainings:

• Certification in Choice Theory Reality Therapy by William Glasser Institute International
• Professional Certification in Mental Health by National University of Singapore

Since joining the social service in 2005, Amos has been doing direct work with youth through programmes, mentoring, overseas projects, casework and counselling. Upon joining Trybe in 2010, Amos worked closely with young probationers in Singapore Boys’ Hostel and supported their families in rehabilitative work for the youth. Amos was the Head of Home from 2014 to 2017. During his time in the hostel, Amos led the team to integrate discipline approaches, and operational processes with restorative practices to enhance the rehabilitative outcomes.

Following his leadership at the hostel, Amos shifted his focus to upstream work, serving youth in the community. His experience with institutionalised youth provided valuable insights in supporting young individuals with at-risk behaviours and reducing the risk of escalation into severe circumstances. As part of the Outreach & Intervention Department, Amos oversees various programmes that address motivational issues, relationship challenges, school problems, mental health, and career support for youth.

As a Social Worker, Amos sees the systemic impact of issues that a young person faces. He believes in working closely with families, schools and helping systems to enhance intervention outcomes. In 2021, he initiated mental health work at Trybe through Project ANCHOR, providing counselling support to youth struggling with mental health issues.

Amos finds great fulfillment in journeying alongside youth, helping them discover their true selves, understand the impact of relationships, and navigate the realities of life. He firmly believes that every young person possesses the potential to overcome adversities, requiring only the necessary support to unlock that potential.

Thank you for your application! Should you be shortlisted for the role, our HR team will reach out to you.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $15,491

Platform: Giving.sg

Summary:

Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future

Not everyone gets it right on their first try.

Despite falling down, everyone deserves a second chance in getting up and flying high. Every bird, however small, should spread their wings and fly. Every diamond, however unpolished, should be molded to shine.

Dream Builders comprises a group of 31 individuals who are guided by our vision to inspire and create a loving world where everyone, regardless of their background, can live their dream.

In collaboration with Trybe, an organization which works alongside youths to craft and build their success stories, Dream Builders aims to raise funds to support initiatives that enable these youths to rebuild their lives. We also are supporting Trybe’s mentorship program to support the youths in their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration.

The mentorship program is built on the basis of forming a close-knitted relationship between the mentor and the youth. The mentor draws on his or her own field of experience, to be a source of inspiration for the youths to reach toward their personal goals and work towards restoring their relationship with their loved ones.

With your help, these youths will see their potential to live, love and inspire.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $21,440

Platform: Giving.sg and Fundraising Letters

Summary:

To commemorate Trybe’s 25th Anniversary, we have launched #Trybe112 Campaign. This online campaign, aims to raise awareness about our cause and to help extend the scope of our support to youths who face adversities through fundraising. In addition, we have reached out to our supporters and donors through fundraising letters.

All contributions will support our programmes and services that provide intervention, rehabilitation, and reintegration work for the youth.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $5,060

Platform: Staff Canvassing Card

Summary:

In celebration of Trybe’s 25th Anniversary, we have launched our first canvassing card. To encourage staff engagement during this milestone, we have asked our colleagues to participate by reaching out to their own friends and family in seeking contributions for our cause. All proceeds will go to our programmes and services that provide intervention, rehabilitation, and reintegration support for our youth.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $662.51

Platform: Giving.sg and Global Giving

Summary:

Gift A Hope: Small Steps, Big Impact (by Trybe Limited) is a call for us as a community to empower youths facing adversities. By guiding them and celebrating their small accomplishments, we are encouraging young people to push through their struggles and aim for a better future.

Your donation to this project will help us continue our services that improve personal, social, educational, and employment outcomes for underserved youths in Singapore.

Most of the youths that we serve come from low-income families and have little to no support in addressing their issues. As a result, they get into trouble and develop at-risk behaviours.

To prevent this, we help young people develop resilience and realise their full potential by setting and working towards realistic and practical goals; ONE STEP AT A TIME.

We provide educational, career, and psycho-emotional support, keeping them off the streets. Our work also extends to their families, ensuring that they are also supported and better equipped to help their children excel.

By believing in them and supporting them every step of the way, we are giving them hope… that no matter what their circumstances are, they can be a success story. Inspiring them to take the small steps that can make a big impact in their lives.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $582.12

Platform: Giving.sg and Global Giving

Summary:

At-risk behaviours among youths are caused by external factors and internal conflicts. While external factors such as financial concerns, family issues, education and employment problems are relatively easier to detect, the youths’ internal conflicts must also be addressed. And to be able to tackle these less visible issues, we must encourage them to share their stories and let them know that it is OK2Talk.

OK2Talk is an initiative that primarily champions the overall wellness of the underserved youth. By donating to this campaign, you are supporting Trybe’s services and programmes that look after our clients’ emotional and mental well-being. Furthermore, your contribution will be doubled with the Bicentennial Community Fund.

Success Story
Tim (not his real name), lived in a challenging family environment. Tim’s divorced parents (who still stayed together) argued frequently, and he found himself turning to substances as a way to escape his circumstances.

Over several counselling sessions, Trybe’s Counsellor helped Tim process his emotions, eventually asking if he was open to clinical help. Tim agreed and was referred to a psychologist who diagnosed Tim with General Anxiety Disorder, allowing him to receive the proper treatment he needed.

If we are able to guide and convince the youths that it is okay to talk, half the battle would be won.

Why mental wellness? Read more: https://trybe.org/ok2talk/

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $14,447.30

Platform: Giving.sg, Global Giving and Benevity

Summary:

We are deeply touched by the generosity of those who donated, as well those who shared about this campaign. Your response is empowering; you inspire us to do more and push further. We assure you that we’ll always be committed to serve the youth better especially those who are financially and mentally burdened by COVID-19.

The fight against the coronavirus is far from over. As we see the rapidly increasing number of cases and overwhelming impact of the outbreak here and overseas, we continue to seek your help in reaching out to affected youths and their families. We have extended this campaign to accommodate those who would still want to contribute.

THANK YOU, to all of you.
—
For most of Trybe’s youth-clients, the virus is an additional worry and expense on top of their basic needs. Coming from low-income families, most of them have already been struggling to make ends meet and to cope with their inner battles even prior to the outbreak.

Everyday Hero is a call for us as a community to step up and find our own little ways to help the vulnerable youth during this difficult time. The virus may have caused some setbacks to our daily interaction with others, but it should not limit our ability to reach out to those we serve.

Your donation will help us provide care kits with essential needs, financial assistance for youths and their loved ones, and support our services for them. It will also help us continue our psycho-emotional support for them during this crisis.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $21,200

Platform: Donation Appeal Letter

Summary:

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $27,500

Platform: Giving.sg

Summary:

What is the first thing that comes to mind when we say ‘hero’? A hero is not just that character in movies who saves the damsel in distress. To us, a hero is in among the ordinary who chose to give that bit of time and money to the underserved. It could be ordinary people who choose to use their passion to reach out to those in need. Fight alongside us as we champion “every youth a success story”. Do let us know if you would like your gift to go towards a certain cause.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $5,350

Platform: Giving.sg

Summary:

For a lot of us, work and busyness in our lives often takes time away from our family. Meal times together has shown to strengthen family togetherness and help grow good family values in children and youths.

But for many of Trybe’s disadvantaged and at-risk youth clients, who may come from complex family backgrounds, having a meal together with their family may be a first step in restoring relationships between them and their families. Support building of stronger family bonds by gifting our youths with a special family time together today. This Christmas Giving season, be an advocate for restoration through giving.

All proceeds will go towards family-client related programmes in Trybe that actively carve family time for our youth clients and their families to spend time together. These family events involve meals and activities together.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $210

Platform: Giving.sg

Summary:

In support of the Giving Week movement and the giving season, Project Jumpstart is a fundraising initiative by Trybe which aims to raise awareness for disadvantaged youth and fund our strategic programmes as well as our youth outreach services. With YOUR contribution, we can continue to steer away the youth from crime, improve their family relationships, and keep them meaningfully engaged in the community.

Behavioural risks among the disadvantaged youth are commonly caused by an underlying problem such as mental health issues, domestic abuse, and lack of interest in school. More often than not, their negative behaviour is a cry for help and a call for guidance. Through our ongoing intervention, rehabilitation, and reintegration support, Trybe is committed to giving at-risk youths a chance to start over, turn a new leaf, and jump start their journey towards a more meaningful life.

We welcome your generous donation and support as they are crucial to ensure that we can continue delivering our programmes and services not only to our youths but also their families. We hope that you can join us make “Every Youth A Success Story” a reality in Singapore.

All proceeds will automatically be matched dollar-for-dollar by the government via the Bicentennial Community Fund. Donations of $100 and above are 2.5 times tax deductible.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $5,870

Platform: Giving.sg and Global Giving

Summary:

For a lot of us, work and busyness in our lives often takes time away from our family. Taking it slow and having family meals together strengthen our ties, keep us connected, and help cultivate values.

But for many of Trybe’s disadvantaged and at-risk youth clients, having a meal together with their family not only means physical nourishment, but psychological and emotional as well. For these youth, who may come from complex backgrounds, shared mealtimes may be a first step in restoring relationships between them and their families.

This Chinese New Year season, be an advocate for restoration through giving. Support building stronger family bonds by gifting at-risk youth with a special family time together today.

All proceeds will go towards family-client related programmes and activities in Trybe that actively carve quality time for the youth and their loved ones.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $400

Platform: Giving.sg

Summary:

This season of giving, we seek your generosity in bringing our youths one step closer to their success stories. Most of our youths come from lower-income and complex family background, putting them at a disadvantage. But that shouldn’t stop them from getting a better chance in life.

Your gift to this campaign will help us continue our services and programmes that provide educational, career, and psycho-emotional support for youths.

YOUR IMPACT

Adli came from a low-income family and had to depend on himself to make ends meet. At a very young age, he started committing crimes and was exposed to substance abuse. Eventually, he became addicted and was soon caught.

Through extensive treatment and support, our Trybe staff worked with him to overcome addiction and helped him to reintegrate back into society. Today, we are happy to share that Adli’s life has changed completely. Apart from having goals to further his studies, he now advices his friends who are facing substance addiction on ways to overcome withdrawal symptoms.

Help us give youths like Adli, the gift of a brighter future.

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $60

Platform: Giving.sg

Summary:

This Lunar New Year, help our youths reconnect with their families by donating to Trybe. Your gift will support our services that carve out quality time and intentional activities for our clients and their loved ones.
—
Rebuilding relationships

Sentenced to probation at the age of 16, Gene* decided to turn over a new leaf as soon as he realised how his past mistakes deeply affected his mother. She didn’t say much but he knew he caused her too much pain. Keen to make things right for his family, Gene sought help from Trybe to understand and control his aggressive behaviour.

Making better choices for the family

Kurt* found the motivation to change because of his family. It was during his rehabilitation programme with Trybe when he realised his father’s difficulties in supporting their family and his grandmother–who was recently diagnosed with cancer. With the encouragement and support from the Trybe staff, Kurt started to make better decisions to fulfill his dream of becoming a dependable man in the future.

Having a strong family support empowers youths like Gene and Kurt to pursue their success stories. Help more disadvantaged youths transform their lives and rebuild their relationships with their families this new year.

*Names have been changed for client’s protection

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $1070

Platform: Giving.sg

Summary:

Many of us enter the enhanced measures of Phase 2 with heightened uncertainties. For the young population, it is even greater.

Prior to the pandemic, countless youths have been facing different difficulties in life that may not be obvious to the eyes. From financial instability, to trauma and abandonment issues, many of the youths we serve developed behaviour that puts them and others at risk.

In Trybe, we journey with every youth identifying their needs–we care, we communicate, and we connect with them. With such empowerment, our youths can learn to be responsible for themselves, their families, and the community at large. Our services, comprehensive and intensive, include intervention, rehabilitation and reintegration.

As we countdown the days leading to our National Day, we invite our community to come together as one, giving our best and care for the future generation.

With your generous giving, the youths will receive the most urgent support and assistance they may need. We believe that together with your contribution, we will all emerge from this pandemic even stronger. #NDP2021

Campaign Details

Funds raised: $8,140

Platform: Giving.sg

Summary:

Paul* was discharged from the hostel two months earlier because of his good behaviour. Now, he is taking up some courses in art and design. “One day, I hope to provide creative solutions to many brands that companies will be proud of,” he said.

Before Paul was sentenced to the hostel, he was living in anxiety, moving from house to house often. He never had a day’s rest and there wasn’t a place he would call home. His divorced mother was working hard, but was rarely around. At 14, he started feeding his curiosity for drugs and to earn quick cash, he started to sell the same substances he was abusing. Eventually the law caught up and he was sentenced to probation at the Singapore Boys’ Hostel, an institution managed by Trybe.

Stepping into the hostel marked his first change. He knew if he didn’t take a good chance, he could end up in jail. While he knew there would always be external influences, Paul had to fight them all to save himself. He knows life has its ups and downs. What matters is, to do his best and keep learning.

Join us as we celebrate youths like Paul this #YouthRising month. By donating $10 or more, masks will be given to the youths and their families, as a symbol of encouragement. In addition, your donation will contribute to Trybe’s services that provide utmost support for youths facing adversities. Each contribution will show them a ray of hope that they are remembered, cared for and they are part of a compassionate community.

*not his real name

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Trybe. Your enquiry has been sent. Due to the limited slots, we will get in touch as soon as we have found a suitable volunteering opportunity for you.

In the meantime, you might want to add impact to your inbox. Subscribe to Trybe’s Newsletter.

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