Maree
Registered Social Worker/Director
With almost 23 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to Social Work. As a lover of family, I make it a priority to provide a healthy work-life balance while supporting an incredible team of Social Workers. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside individuals with addiction and mental health issues, specializing in chronic pain as well. For one year, I facilitated group work and chronic pain assessments with the Burwood Pain Team, and for almost 10 years, I worked in the Burwood Spinal Unit. Additionally, I have gained experience in field work tutoring and supervising other social workers as they begin their careers.
Currently, I am passionate about a variety of areas in social work, specifically social justice and equality for clients facing adversity within various systems. My focus is on empowering individuals and their families to reduce social isolation and create harmonious communities that support one another during challenging times. I approach my work with a humanist and inclusive perspective, embracing people without judgement and helping to foster lasting and healing change.
Julia
Operations Manager and Wellness Coach
Julia is a qualified nanny with previous work experience in the CDHB medical supply department. As a mother of three children, one of whom has Asperger’s and an anxiety disorder, I have acquired various resources and skills in these areas. I have been a part of Social Work Wellness from its inception and also worked as a Rehabilitation Coach for the past three years. As the Operation Manager, my responsibilities involve overseeing the daily operations of Social Work Wellness, which encompasses managing contracts and processing new referrals. In addition to these duties, I provide IT support and train staff when necessary. This is a constantly evolving role that requires adaptability in a dynamic environment. My exceptional people skills and ability to adapt and build rapport make me a valuable team member and support person for our social workers and client families
Iris
Registered Social Worker
Social Work Wellness is also pleased to welcome Iris to our team Iris
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou
My name is Iris and I am privileged to be working on the Social Work Wellness team.
Highly values driven and passionate about advocacy, I have dedicated my career to contributing to social services and have worked across several fields including mental health and addictions, the disability sector, and community housing.
I love to learn, with the purpose of being able to use my knowledge as an instrument to improve outcomes for individuals, families/whānau, institutions, and communities. Over the past 10 years I have completed qualifications in Psychology, Career development, and a Masters in Social Work. My current interest is in the integration of Trauma Informed Care in social systems.
Practicing social work in diverse residential and community settings, and within highly skilled multidisciplinary teams has invaluably enriched my knowledge base and I feel blessed that I am able to contribute with the meaningful and rewarding mahi that is Social Work.
Jackson
Registered Social Worker
My name is Jackson, and I am very privileged to be a part of the Social Work Wellness team as a Registered Social Worker.
Before transitioning into my role as a Social Worker, I practiced as Rehab Coach with Social Work Wellness for 6 months. Previously, I had 4 years’ experience as a youth worker and I perform my role with emphasis on trauma-informed practice and a strengths-based approach. I have some AOD practice experience and plan to further my experience in that field in the future. I am particularly interested in social justice outcomes and see a long career working towards equity for all. At the core of my practice is empathy and great respect for all people regardless of their current situation.
I live with an invisible disability after suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury in the past, this impacts me daily and has given me greater perspective and appreciation for the challenges faced by our clients. I look forward to continuing my development and career walking alongside our clients to achieve the best outcomes possible
Susan
Wellness Coach
With over 30 years of dedicated service in social care, primarily withing the disabilities sector in Scotland, I bring a wealth of experience in supporting individuals with diverse needs, ranging from moderate to profound. My focus is on empowering individuals to attain independence and wellness. Throughout my career, I have facilitated their involvement in various activities such a college enrollment, horticultural pursuits, horseback riding, hydrotherapy, and household management.
Having relocate to New Zealand in 2020, I Have seamlessly transitioned into the role of a support worker with Manawanui, embracing the opportunity to forge connections with new individuals and extend compassionate assistance where it is required. My unwavering commitment to effecting positive change in the lives of others remains the driving force behind my work every day.
I embrace the change in focus to Rehabilitation coach with Social Work Wellness and look forward to bringing my experience, whilst learning new skills within an inter disciplinary team environment.
Social Work Wellness 