Chair & Founder

“I have walked a life of darkness and chaos; from a broken home, state-care, prisons, rehabs and other institutions I have purchased a wealth of worldly experience and the compassion required to make a difference. I have undertaken studies to provide me with a better understanding of the causes of mental illness, addictions and criminal behaviours. My desire is to utilize my combination of past experiences and training to help others in similar places to; grow, change and become successful.

I founded The Broken Movement Trust and gathered like-minded passionate individuals to help me realise my life’s dream; to help youth, young adults, their whanau and their communities they live within; cease to struggle with impoverished barrier-filled lives and begin to do more than ‘survive and strive,’ but to regain their hope and thrive; it is to this endeavour I devote my life to achieving.”

Treasurer

“I discovered a passion for youth work while in my thirties tutoring animal-care students. I found many youth; through no fault of their own; were slipping through a broken system. I found my upbringing provided me tools that allowed me understanding and compassion for youth facing barriers in their lives; an ability to provide advocacy and mentorship to assist them to navigate the troubled waters they rode. This is now my main focus in life; working alongside youth and spending time with my whānau, particularly my granddaughter. I have lived experience of mental health issues from both my own mental wellbeing journey; and through whānau members and friends who have also experienced struggles; this has led to my current direction of work in the youth mental health sector.”

Board member

“My life experiences have led me to work in the social services field. I grew up in a broken home; I couldn’t read or write; I had low self-esteem and very little support. My life took me on a journey of self-discovery with a lot of obstacles to overcome. Along the way I met people who genuinely cared and encouraged me to do better. These people inspired me and gave me the belief that no matter where you come from, with the right encouragement you can achieve anything.

 In 2001 I started my educational journey studying Youth Work; where I attained in 2013 a degree in Social Services, specializing in mental health. I have worked in a range of services; with the elderly, children, at-risk youth, AOD, mental health and education; I currently work in community development. I have a passion for walking alongside people; providing encouragement and support, to assist them in achieving their goals and discovering their place in the world.”