Our Team

Our CEO Naomi Paterson has been working with the homeless and marginalised community in Greater Dandenong for many years. She is passionate about seeing people grow in confidence, purpose and skills, and is actively involved in advocating for the disadvantaged in many ways. Naomi previously spent a few years working with the homeless community in Melbourne’s CBD, where she ran a weekly creative writing group alongside helping to run meal programs. With a BCA and Graduate Diploma in Theology, Naomi is also the Pastor for Community Engagement at Dandenong Baptist Church.

Our Kitchen Manager Juwita (JJ) has a long history in hospitality, helping out in a family restaurant in her early days. She recently completed a Bachelor of Community Services and has worked with the marginalised in Dandenong for the past four years. JJ’s friendly smile and bubbly personality make her popular with Cornerstone guests, volunteers and staff alike. Her spare time is spent camping, hiking and scrapbooking. Pop into the kitchen and say ‘hi’ next time you visit Cornerstone!

Janik works as the cross-cultural worker at Cornerstone Contact Centre. His focus is on engaging migrant and multi-ethnic people with the programs and resources we provide at Cornerstone. This includes connecting clients to local partners to ensure they are aware and connected with the correct pathways to suit their needs. There is also a focus on fostering a community at Cornerstone where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and a part of the community. On his off time Janik enjoys bouldering and playing boardgames with his friends.