Our People

Jeremy has worked at ChangeAbility for over 20 years as a manager, counsellor, and specialist family violence practitioner. Alongside his work at ChangeAbility, he maintains a private counselling practice and teaches Insight Meditation retreats throughout New Zealand. He is also a founding member and Chair of Waiwaste Food Rescue.

Hayley has over 11 years’ experience as a social worker, specialist family violence practitioner, and facilitator at ChangeAbility. She works directly with individuals and whānau to enhance safety, strengthen wellbeing, and support lasting positive change. Hayley brings a compassionate, strengths-based approach to her work and is committed to helping people build resilience and healthier futures.

Angela joined ChangeAbility after 12 years as Office Administrator at a busy Manawatū school. As the first point of contact for many people, she is committed to providing a welcoming, helpful, and efficient service. She understands that asking for help can be difficult and aims to ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported from their very first contact with ChangeAbility.

Liat has worked with ChangeAbility since 2005 and is a valued member of the management team. She oversees the agency’s finance and administration, helping to ensure the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently. Liat’s attention to detail, reliability, and steady support make her an integral part of the team.

Kay has worked with ChangeAbility for over 30 years. She is a specialist family violence practitioner who works with individuals and groups, and provides community training and in-house supervision. Kay is passionate about supporting families to build safer, healthier, and more respectful relationships.

Kath has over 20 years’ counselling experience, providing individual counselling and family violence programmes. She draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Set Point Therapy (SPT), tailoring her work to the individual needs of each client.

Paul has over 15 years’ experience as a specialist family violence practitioner, working primarily with men and young people. He facilitates non-violence programmes and supports clients to develop healthier relationships, improve communication, and make positive, lasting changes in their lives.

Margie believes in the positive difference counselling can make for individuals, couples, and families. She offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you explore life’s challenges. Her work is grounded in honesty, kindness, and creativity. Practical and plain-speaking, Margie draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, tailoring her work to each person’s unique needs, circumstances, and goals.

Justine brings warmth, empathy, and a non-judgemental approach to her role as a specialist family violence practitioner and facilitator. She is committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families to build healthy relationships free from violence and abuse.

Rachel is a counsellor and specialist family violence practitioner who facilitates family violence programmes for men and women. She brings a compassionate, non-judgemental, and trauma-informed approach to her work, with a particular interest in supporting children, young people, women, and those experiencing addiction.

Born and raised in the Wairarapa, Amanda joined ChangeAbility after seven years with the Ministry of Justice, including the National Family Violence Team, following 18 years with the Department of Corrections. Amanda is passionate about supporting people to recognise their strengths, achieve their potential, and create positive change in their lives.

Sam is a parent education and family support facilitator with over 30 years’ experience supporting families to achieve positive outcomes. She works alongside whānau to build on their strengths and develop practical solutions that meet their unique needs. Sam has extensive experience delivering family support programmes and is committed to culturally responsive practice.

 

Originally from the UK, Judy first studied counselling in 2003 and has recently completed a Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice. She takes a client-centred approach, drawing on a range of therapies to meet each person’s needs. Judy has a particular interest in supporting adults experiencing low mood, stress, anxiety, and trauma.

Joining us soon, Wendy is a counsellor who works with children, rangatahi, adults, couples, and whānau. She brings a warm, respectful, and strengths-based approach to her work, supporting people through life’s challenges and helping them build resilience and positive change.

Travis is soon to join the ChangeAbility team and training as a family violence facilitator. He brings a strong sense of whanaungatanga to his work and is committed to supporting whānau to build healthy, respectful relationships.

Info coming soon on our new trainee counsellor

Mike has been the Wairarapa Family Violence Network Co-ordinator for the past three years. With a background in teaching, he is committed to bringing people together to strengthen collaboration and support a coordinated response to family violence across the Wairarapa.

Alishea is currently on maternity leave and will return later this year as Administrator for the Family Harm Interagency Response Team. She works alongside the Co-ordinator of Te Tatau Pounamu, supporting whānau affected by family harm. Outside of work, Alishea enjoys raising her young family in the Wairarapa and growing flowers.

Holly is the Administrator for the Family Harm Interagency Response Team, supporting whānau affected by family harm. With a background in government agencies, Holly is passionate about helping others. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her whānau, often at the racetrack on weekends.