Our Team

Tamatekapua te tupuna
Te Arawa te waka
Te Arawa/Ngati Tuwharetoa nga iwi
I have worked as Manager in the disability sector for 34 years for a variety of organisations across the country and have been with Autism New Zealand since 2010.

I over 20 years experience working with children with autism. I have worked at Autism New Zealand since 2011 developing a large number of education and training programmes.

I am married and have a blended family of five children with one grandbaby. Our youngest son who is 19 has Autism. I love making connections in the community, helping families and individuals and spreading the word about the wonderful world of Autism.

I have two teenage daughters, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum.
I've been jointly involved developing the education programmes and enjoy travelling the country presenting them with unique lived experience and humour since 2011.

I’ve started at Autism New Zealand in 2011, first as an Outreach Coordinator and now as an Educator. I am also a parent of a child with ASD.
I like to bring a practical and humorous approach to presentations from a personal and professional perspective.

I have been an Employment Facilitator for 11.5 years and began working with Autism NZ in June. This is a role I love and although challenging at times it is very heartening to see the faces of people, I am working, with getting a ‘yes’ from an employer.

Ko Nyamarombe tōku maunga
Ko Mwarazi tōku awa
Ko Karanga/Manyika tōku iwi
Since 1992, I have taught in the early years education for 20 years, lectured in the Bachelor of Teaching ECE for four years. I have worked in early intervention since 2015.

I started my role with Autism NZ in 2019. Before that I worked for the Ministry of Education where I worked with many families of children with autism. I have always had a particular interest in ASD. I look forward to working with you and your family.
I have been working for Autism NZ since the start of 2016 as LEGO Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator in the Waikato. Before this, I was a volunteer in our LEGO Groups.

I started at Autism New Zealand as the Holiday Programme Coordinator from 2014 to 2017. For several years I was a High School Teacher of English and Drama and continue to teach Drama to school aged children and youth.

I joined Autism NZ in 2019 and look forward to meeting and working with individuals, families and organisations to support them in their present and future journeys. My 12-year old son is diagnosed with autism and I used to be an early childhood educator.

I have been working with Autism New Zealand since 2015.
I have eight children, two children with ASD – so it’s fair to say that “there is never a dull moment in our lives”.

I grew up in Gisborne and am the mother of three teenage sons. My eldest is on the spectrum. I have two-part time positions: Outreach Coordinator for Autism New Zealand and Coordinator for Growing Through Grief Eastland. I love gardening and yoga.

I have been working for Autism NZ since 2011. I have three children, the eldest of whom has an ASD diagnosis. I also have a teaching diploma, so education is a passion for me.

I started my role in 2014. I give information, advocate for families and individuals and generally support wherever it is needed including school, home, healthcare, workplace and community…Every Step Together.
I have 15 years’ experience in the disability sector, working with adults with ASD. Throughout this work I have been able to build up a range of networks with other service providers and health professionals to provide the best outcomes for my clients

Working for Autism NZ has given me the opportunity to support individuals and families in the Manawatu region. I am married with 3 children and I am also currently in my final year of a psychology degree at Massey University.

I have been working for Autism New Zealand since February 2017. Before that I worked as a primary school teacher, teaching children with special needs.

I have been the Autism New Zealand Chief Executive since 2013. I have an undergraduate in Accounting and Commercial Law and Masters in Management Studies. It is a privilege to work for such an amazing organisation and the community we seek to serve.

I started in this new role in June 2017. My responsibilities include operational and financial management. I am a Chartered Accountant and have almost 10 years experience in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors in New Zealand and overseas.
I joined Autism New Zealand in August 2017 and I work out of the National office in Wellington. I’m responsible for grant applications and accountabilities, office administration and supporting the Central hub branches.

I process registrations as well as managing the schedules, admin, and reporting for our National Educators. My autistic best friend has taught me a lot about the social issues effecting adult autistics and neurodiverse individuals.

I have a PhD specialising in autism. My role includes implementing, evaluating and recommending research to advocate for the autism community.

I started with Autism NZ in October (2019) as the Communications Advisor. I come with a Bachelor of Communications from Massey University, with a major in Marketing Studies and a minor in Media Studies.

I started with Autism NZ in October of 2019. I’m originally from Canada and have a background in administration and IT from various private sectors.

I have been working for Autism New Zealand since February 2017. Before that I worked as a primary school teacher, teaching children with special needs.

I started with Autism NZ in 2001 as a Volunteer/ Chairperson and in 2012 as an Outreach Coordinator. My son was diagnosed with ASD in 2000 at 18 months. I have had the privilege to meet many amazing families, enabling me to learn so much about Autism.

I have both personal and professional experience with disability, and I have recently completed my BA in Psychology and Sociology. I am passionate about disability justice and believe it is important that we all work to create an inclusive society.

I have a Humanities degree and qualifications in Behavioural Analysis and picture exchange communication systems. I have 11 years’ experience working with supports and behavioural strategies for autism in schools, homes and employment.
I have 2 boys on the Autism spectrum.
I have over 15 years’ experience in early childhood, inclusion research and training as well parent to parent advocacy training.
I have completed many training courses for Autism, PECS, Makaton and sensory profiles.

I started with Autism New Zealand in 2002. I like to help parents navigate this path called Autism Spectrum, as I too am on this path. I try to help parents through pathways they need to travel and provide a listening ear from someone who understands.

I've worked for Autism New Zealand since 2012. I have three sons and one is diagnosed with ASD. I am passionate about providing support and advocacy on behalf of all individuals and families with an ASD and knowing that I have made a positive difference.