Four Stride clinicians recognised among nation’s best at the inaugural headspace Early Career Awards

On 11 February 2026, headspace and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, recognised emerging leaders in youth mental health at the inaugural National headspace Early Career Awards in Canberra.

Of the nine award recipients nationally, we’re proud to share that four work within our Stride led headspace centres. These awards recognise the exceptional clinicians and educators shaping the future of youth mental health across Australia.

Daniel Krynauw, award recipient and Senior Mental Health Clinician at headspace Ipswich, was recognised for his outstanding contribution as a graduate alumni. Having started his journey with stride as a student on placement, Daniel now supports young people with complex needs while mentoring new clinicians entering the workforce.

Stride’s impact in clinical education was also recognised through Helen Quinn, Katie Crompton and Maria Padilla Luque, who were awarded for their outstanding contribution in cross centre collaboration. Together, they have supported graduate clinicians and delivered more than 70 student placements across multiple centres. Their work in this space continues to strengthen our headspace centres capability and consistency across services.

Assistant Minister Emma McBride reflected on the program’s importance, saying:

This recognition reflects the collective effort behind building a strong and sustainable mental health workforce, and Stride’s commitment to supporting clinicians to grow and thrive.

Reflecting on the nomination, Katie Crompton, our Clinical Educator Team Lead shared: “This is an unexpected but incredible achievement. I am very proud to share this honour with, and work alongside, Helen Quinn and Maria Padilla Luque, both outstanding Clinical Educators. I feel privileged to support early career clinicians and students to develop capability that positively influences the experience of young people accessing care.”

Congratulations to all recipients on this well-deserved recognition. To learn more about the program and the other recipients across the country, you read the full article shared by headspace National here.