Meet the Team

Joelle has a background in Education and Disability Support. Since beginning her time at Autism New Zealand in 2014 as the Waikato Holiday Programme Coordinator, Joelle has moved into roles such as a Regional Outreach Coordinator, and is currently the Autism Connect Outreach Coordinator. She is passionate about her role and providing opportunities for connection.

Sarah joined Autism NZ in 2022 and is an autistic individual, and parent of neurodivergent children. With prior experience supporting Autistic teens and late-diagnosed adults, she finds immense fulfilment in giving back to the autistic community, offering vital support to individuals and families on their autism journey.

Danielle has lived in the Canterbury/West Coast region for her whole life. Alongside working with Autism New Zealand, She is a primary school teacher aide supporting children with variety of different needs. Danielle has experience in the mental health and non-profit sectors, and is passionate about supporting the autistic community.

Nicole grew up in Gisborne and is the mother of three teenage sons, the eldest of which is autistic. She has two-part time positions: Outreach Coordinator for Autism New Zealand and Coordinator for Growing Through Grief Eastland. Nicole loves gardening and yoga.

Kathryn was born and raised in Hawkes Bay, and is now raising her own family there. Kathryn has been working, and studying, in the education sector, earning a Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology. Kathryn is excited by working with individuals, families, and organisations within the autism community.

Rebecca is passionate about empowering people through support and information, having enjoyed roles in education, libraries, and community organisations. She loves learning about neurodiversity and particularly autism, which is also part of her parenting journey.

Felicity is passionate about education around Autism as a mother of neurodivergent children (Autism and ADHD), and believes education creates awareness and acceptance. Felicity is here to guide and support individuals of any age, whanau, Kaiako and the wider community, including employers, in the beautiful Nelson, Marlborough region.

Alice started with Autism NZ in 2023, bringing a background in children's counselling with her. Alice has a passion for mental health and is looking forward to using the networks already set up to support the Autism community in the Otago area. Alice still works as a children's counsellor in a part time capacity.

Janine has worked for Autism NZ since 2019. She has a background of personal and professional experience and is passionate about supporting individuals, whanau and organisations in the community.

Julianne has lived experience with autism and a background in Education. She has worked at Autism NZ since January 2024. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Equity and Inclusion) and is passionate about ensuring the autistic community is understood, accepted and valued.

Kia Ora e hoa – Ko Ashleigh toku ingoa. Ashleigh jumped at the opportunity to join the Autism New Zealand team in 2023, with a passion for supporting the Autism community. She has lived experience, being diagnosed later in life, and having two Autistic children; so, her whanau celebrates neurodivergence on the daily. Ashleigh would love to support you and your whanau however she can – Get in touch!

Samatha has been working for Autism NZ since the start of 2016 as LEGO Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator in the Waikato region. Before this, Samantha volunteered in our LEGO Groups.

Dayna started at Autism New Zealand in July 2022. Dayna looks forward to meeting new families, individuals, and organisation’s to support them on their autistic journey. Her 20 years of experience as a Hairdresser has taught her about building relationships, and having a good listening ear. Dayna has two daughters, the eldest of whom is autistic.

Jen has a Masters in Psychology and is currently completing her registration as a psychologist, working in the outreach and diagnostic teams in 2024. Jen is passionate about learning about neurodiversity and supporting whānau to thrive.

Bronwyn have been an Employment Facilitator for 15 years and began working with Autism NZ in 2019. This is a role that she loves and although challenging at times, she finds it very heartening to see the faces of people she it working with getting a ‘yes’ from an employer.

Denise had worked in education for 16 years prior to joining Autism New Zealand, and has family members who are neurodiverse. Denise is responsible for Transition Services in Schools and the Employment Services in Schools pilot programmes in Auckland.