Meet the Team

Rachel Prater is the visionary Founder and Director of the First Step Forward Program, bringing more than a decade of experience across social justice, mental health advocacy, and community service delivery.

Her leadership is grounded in compassion, integrity, and innovation, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed and inclusive service design across South Australia. Rachel’s work focuses on creating pathways that promote stability, dignity, and independence for individuals experiencing vulnerability or housing instability.

Under her direction, First Step Forward delivers holistic, evidence-based programs that empower clients to rebuild their lives and reintegrate safely into the community.

Meet Grace Wu — Specialist in Therapeutic Reintegration

Grace Wu is a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner and Accredited Social Worker with advanced qualifications in forensic mental health and trauma-informed practice. She brings extensive experience in delivering structured, evidence-based interventions for individuals transitioning from custodial or high-risk environments.

In her role at First Step Forward, Grace leads the development and implementation of behaviour support frameworks that prioritise safety, stability, and rehabilitation. Her practice combines clinical insight with person-centred planning, promoting behavioural change through dignity, autonomy, and therapeutic engagement.

Grace’s leadership ensures that every support plan aligns with best-practice standards, measurable outcomes, and the long-term goal of sustainable reintegration into the community.

Stuart Langley — Psychologist, Forensic Mental Health Specialist

Stuart Langley is a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience in forensic mental health across both international and community-based settings.

His practice is grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches that promote rehabilitation, stability, and safe reintegration for individuals transitioning from incarceration.

Stuart’s work reflects a deep commitment to empowerment, empathy, and restorative care, informed by his understanding of the complex intersection between mental health and the justice system.

Jon Kirkbride brings extensive experience in the mental health sector, complemented by a strong background in clinical pharmacy. His multidisciplinary expertise allows him to deliver holistic support and informed decision-making in complex care environments.

Holding a Diploma of Counselling, Jon combines clinical knowledge with empathetic communication to foster trust and positive outcomes for clients. He is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces that prioritise wellbeing and stability.

In addition to his clinical and counselling skills, Jon has a proven track record in managing teams and leading through change. His leadership style focuses on collaboration, resilience, and achieving the best possible results for both staff and clients.

Mahmuda Rahman brings a wealth of experience from both the education and mental health sectors, underpinned by her Bachelor and Master of Education and Cert IV in Mental Health. Her strong academic foundation has shaped her commitment to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice, enabling her to support individuals with diverse needs across a range of settings.

With extensive years of experience, Mahmuda is dedicated to fostering environments where individuals feel understood, empowered, and able to thrive. Her ability to build rapport, communicate with empathy and tailor interventions to the unique needs of each person has contributed to consistently positive outcomes throughout her career. As a Team Leader, Mahmuda is recognised for her collaborative, steady, and supportive management style.

Mahmuda is caring, compassionate and actively participates in various community-based volunteering activities to promote and support underprivileged people within the community. She is a true leader, educator, nurturer, and a philanthropist.