Chief Executive

I’m an Irishman who’s been living in New Zealand for 20 years. My partner Anna and I have been together for over 27 years, having lived in England for nearly 10 years before moving to New Zealand.
I’m the oldest of seven siblings and love getting back to Ireland on a regular basis to visit family.
I feel really blessed with a career of over 30 years working in the social
services/health sectors; my first role was as a residential support worker!
I left WALSH 7 years ago, having worked here for 11 years previously as General Manager. I remained a ‘friend’ of the organisation and kept in regular contact.
My most recent role was National Manager Leadership and System Change with Te Pou; a role I really enjoyed and an organisation I greatly respect. When the
opportunity to return to WALSH as CEO became available, I jumped at it.
The role of an organisation like WALSH as it serves its local community is critical
within a wider community development infrastructure. We have the opportunity to work with individuals and their whānau everyday with the absolute clear intention of supporting their potential; the unlimited possibilities available to use all. The privilege of this is something I am very mindful of.
My vision is so important to me… it shaped my return to WALSH and drives mygovernance career.
Our mindset is our superpower in this work. I am optimistic about what we can all achieve together.

HR, Quality & Organisational Development Manager

In 2001, I arrived in New Zealand from Argentina where I had trained as a psychologist. For the past 18 years, I have worked in mental health within community organisations. I also completed a Master’s in Applied Social Work from Massey University during this time. As a registered Social Worker and Addiction Practitioner with the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association (DAPAANZ), I work in organisational development and quality improvement.

I am proud to be able to support the teams at WALSH Trust and witness their great work supporting the well-being of people in our West Auckland communities.

Service Manager Integrated Practice Team Te Moana

Born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, I moved to Aotearoa to complete my Social Work Degree. After completing my degree, I decided to stay. Aotearoa has been my home now for nearly 10 years. I have held professional roles within the mental health sector for 7 years and I joined WALSH Trust in 2017.

Being one of the Service Managers of our Integrated Practice Team is a privilege, and I’m passionate about improving the well-being of our community.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family and going for long walks on the beach.

Service Manager Integrated Practice Team Te Rangi

Fakaalofa lahi atu, my name is April.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Auckland and am now a registered social worker. In 2017, I started working at WALSH Trust as a mental health community support worker. I now sit on the Senior Leadership Team as a Service Manager.

Our core focus is supporting Tangata whai ora using the Te Whare Tapa whā model.

It is an ongoing learning and rewarding experience to work in the mental health sector.