Joanne Biszak

I am a Masterton kid, born and bred, I went on the big OE (overseas experience) for a year, returning some twelve years later with a Hungarian husband. I am in the midst of compiling my last assignment for my Diploma in Supported Employment. I love my job which is finding opportunities for people with a mental health condition or a disability to participate in education, sport and social organisations and/or voluntary and paid employment. For example, my week could be talking to the proprietor of a timber yard, a restaurant owner, to someone about a position in a motel and later taking them for an interview, going to line-dancing and badminton then talking to the tutors at secondary schools with regard to the classes (day and night school) they run during the year. I also make regular visits to UCOL to ensure that I am receiving up-dated copies of the courses they run or will be running. I also keep in regular contact with people that we have recently placed into employment to ensure that all is running smoothly.

Peggy Duncan

Peggy Duncan is the social researcher and also carries out a number of other duties. She has lived in the Wairarapa for a short period after years in various health organizations both in New Zealand and overseas. Peggy has qualifications as a social researcher, a trainer and a facilitator. She is on the board of Wairarapa Organics and the Wairarapa Community Primary Health Organisation.

Vanessa Mexted

Kia ora my name is Vanessa and I am the receptionist. I was born and raised in Wellington and I moved to Rotorua for a few years before moving to Masterton in 2005. I began doing volunteer work for SF for a few months before applying for and getting the job as receptionist. My role is to meet and greet all visitors when they arrive at the Resource and Information Centre and direct them to the appropriate resources held in the Centre. Some resources can be taken home; others stay in the Centre for use on the premises.

I administer the work of the volunteers who work at the Centre every day. I enjoy getting to know people and talking, so please do call in or telephone. I look forward to meeting you.

Jill Renata

Kia ora koutou katoa,

My name is Jill Renata and I am the Fieldworker for SF Wairarapa. I hail from Takapau and Otane in Central Hawkes Bay. As a youngster I was brought up in a family with 7 siblings. My family name was Minto who originate from Scotland. My Great Grandfather, Grandfather and father were all blacksmith/farriers and all lived in Otane. My mother was a Ward from Norsewood who originated from Norway. I went on to marry a Ngati Kahungunu man from Pukehau and we have one boy and two girls. I am currently studying for my diploma in Social Work. I enjoy singing, reading, playing with clay and flax work.

Lynette Stutz

Lynette Stutz is presently team leader with Supporting Families Wairarapa. A social worker by trade/profession, she holds registration and is a full member of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers. Lynette has worked with SF Wairarapa for the past five years. Currently a Sedgley Family Trust board member and a community representative on the Wairarapa Community Primary Health Organisation. Lynette is a Wellingtonian who has lived and worked in the Wairarapa for the past 18 years.

Leigh Warburton

Kia ora,

My name is Leigh. I am the Resource and Information Centre Assistant.I was born in Masterton in 1960 and I am a New Zealand Maori. I have two precious sons.

I have done two papers towards a counselling diploma at Weltech, Wellington. My aim at Supporting Families in Mental health is to listen and learn. I enjoy walking, writing poetry, and I have a deep passion for people. I want to broaden that in constructive ways as I am a really enjoy working with, and meeting people.

Copyright © 2006 SF Wairarapa
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