Karen Vercoe, Director
Karen Vercoe commenced The HR People in 2009.
Prior to that, she worked in large law firms, working her way through the food chain until ultimately achieving national roles.
In 2009 prior to commencing The HR People, she spent a year in the United Arab Emirates, working for an international law firm, which gave her a broader understanding of the beast that is Human Resources.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Strategic Human Resources and Management Accounting and in holds her Certifications for Workplace Health & Safety.
Karen is a published author and has many articles published in magazines.
Personally Karen is married to a Police Officer, with two grown daughters, who are married, and two grandchildren. Her spare time is spent writing fictional books.
Meet the Team
Karen HoweHR & Payroll Consultant
Karen Howe has in excess of 15 year’s commercial experience, with the last 10 years in a Human Resource generalist capacity. Karen has enjoyed a successful career in a number of industries such as manufacturing, advertising, printing, communications, IT and retail. Karen has extensive knowledge in the OH&S and Payroll across all industries which is where her career began.
In recent years Karen has come on board with The HR People in a HR and Staff Efficiency Consulting capacity consulting to businesses that either cannot afford a full time HR person, or prefer to use external services to remove the legal issues, and be kept up to date with best practices.
Karen believes that businesses need to have peace of mind in regards to their people and know that all legal requirements are met. This enables senior management to get on with the strategic and operational business.
Taryn AshtonHR Consultant
Taryn Ashton is a Toowoomba local and joined the team in September 2014 to provide our services to our Toowoomba clients. Taryn has generalist experience in Human Resources, starting her career within Organisational Development and Training. Taryn enjoys all aspects of HR, with particular expertise in implementing HR systems to improve business operations, end to end recruitment, induction development and delivery, resume development and formatting and training.
Taryn has worked across a number of industries including Oil and Gas, Higher Education, Government and Aerospace. Taryn has a particular interest and flair for developing client relationships, an important aspect in working together to achieve a successful outcome for our clients.
Taryn holds a Bachelor of Education and is close to completing a Master of Business Administration (majoring in Strategic Human Resource Management).
Helen StevensonHR Generalist and Workforce Planning Consultant
Helen Stevenson brings with her over 10 years experience working as a HR Professional with a passion for recruitment and conflict resolution.Helen’s career began initially working for a large Group Training Organisation as a State Recruitment Officer and has since worked for a number of diverse organisations, specialising in the development, improvement and implementation of human resource practices and procedures.
Her portfolio includes a strong background in Accounting, Aged Care and Security Industries. Helen has in depth experience in major Company acquisition projects and uses a consultative and problem solving approach to facilitate successful outcomes that meets organisational and Fair Work requirements.
Helen brings a wide and varied experience to the Team and looks forward to supporting and assisting businesses with their HR needs. Helen has completed Diplomas in Human Resources, Business and Management.
Carla ThurgateHuman Resources consultant
Carla Thurgate started her career in Education and has since become a small business specialist. She particularly enjoys assisting small to medium size businesses with all their HR needs and has extensive experience in systems and processes that improve people and business operations, day to day and strategic people management, coaching/mentoring and facilitating training/education.
Carla has strong HR experience working across a number of industries, including Energy, Not-for profits, Fashion and Hospitality and builds lasting relationships with clients to help them achieve successful outcomes for their people and business. She is known for her calming nature and empathetic listening ear.
Carla holds a Bachelor of General Studies with a major in Education, Dip of Business Administration/Business Analyst and has graduated from the Dale Carnegie School of Leadership.