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Practitioners

Due to the highly sensitive nature of working alongside vulnerable young people Teens Take Control Inc. along with it’s practitioners pride themselves on practising in an effective and confidential manner. Engaging with this demographic effectively requires a focus on both the individual and the ever-changing environment that surrounds young people. Our staff are highly skilled practitioners from various background with a vested interest in the future of our community.

Darren Clark

President

Darren has been working with young people for over ten years, starting out with Connect Kids. That early experience sparked a passion for mentoring youth and helping them find direction, especially those who don’t feel seen in traditional systems. in 2021, he completed his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, which gave him the tools to design and deliver hands-on, real-world learning.

Before joining Teens Take Control as Program Facilitator, Darren worked with some of the program’s tougher cases, which led to a strong connection with Brenden. Once Brenden learned that Darren had qualified as a trainer, he invited him to join the team formally. Darren has now been part of Teens Take Control for over three years and says it’s the most rewarding work he’s done.

He’s passionate about his role because he sees so much of himself in the students he works with. Having experienced disengagement and uncertainty firsthand, Darren focuses on creating alternative learning approaches that sit outside traditional guidelines—but actually work. For him, nothing beats the moment when a student’s light switches on and their creativity and ambition start to shine. That’s when he knows they’re ready to succeed.

Outside of Teens Take Control, Darren enjoys surfing, wakeboarding, and restoring old cars. He also runs surf lessons for at-risk youth, combining his love of the ocean with his drive to mentor. He’s especially excited about the Food Harvest program, which he sees as a powerful way to open up new career pathways and teach students the value of giving back through growing and sharing produce with the community.

Darren Clark

President

Darren has been working with young people for over ten years, starting out with Connect Kids. That early experience sparked a passion for mentoring youth and helping them find direction, especially those who don’t feel seen in traditional systems. in 2021, he completed his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, which gave him the tools to design and deliver hands-on, real-world learning.

Before joining Teens Take Control as Program Facilitator, Darren worked with some of the program’s tougher cases, which led to a strong connection with Brenden. Once Brenden learned that Darren had qualified as a trainer, he invited him to join the team formally. Darren has now been part of Teens Take Control for over three years and says it’s the most rewarding work he’s done.

He’s passionate about his role because he sees so much of himself in the students he works with. Having experienced disengagement and uncertainty firsthand, Darren focuses on creating alternative learning approaches that sit outside traditional guidelines—but actually work. For him, nothing beats the moment when a student’s light switches on and their creativity and ambition start to shine. That’s when he knows they’re ready to succeed.

Outside of Teens Take Control, Darren enjoys surfing, wakeboarding, and restoring old cars. He also runs surf lessons for at-risk youth, combining his love of the ocean with his drive to mentor. He’s especially excited about the Food Harvest program, which he sees as a powerful way to open up new career pathways and teach students the value of giving back through growing and sharing produce with the community.

Brenden Wilkins

Co-Founder

Brenden has been involved in competitive sports since the age of 6 competing in sports from Rugby league, Gymnastics, Springboard diving and acrobatics to Muay Thai and obstacle racing. Brenden had his first fitness business at the age of 22 after finishing the season with the Penrith Panthers in 2001 Brenden opened the first Core Strength Fitness based in Sydney. 9 years later Brenden completed the move to Maroochydore in 2010 accommodating fitness and martial arts training for children from 5 years all the way to complimentary memberships and training programs to returning veterans. Brenden is very community focused and will often go above and beyond for everyone who walks through the door.

Teens Take control was established in 2012 after Meridan High school required a training session for a group of students at risk of disengagement. Brenden became aware of the need for a program developed and delivered by someone who related to and understood the students. This led to Brenden, alongside a board of invested individuals to create what is now Teens Take Control Inc. Since then TTC has worked alongside and run programs for Nambour High, Maroochydore High, Coolum High and Burnside Primary. TTC also works closely with organisations and departments such as Youth Justice, Child Safety, IFYS, United Synergies, Vinnies, Sunnykids and Life Without Barriers delivering programs and individual support for various young people and their families. TTC provides education, family and individual support, employment assistance, fitness and nutrition education, clothing, food and at times accommodation.

Brenden embodies what it means to make a positive change and exemplifies a positive male role model readily available to a broad and diverse demographic.