Our People
Our People
Management
Fundraising Staff
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Sarah Jamieson
FUNDRAISING & EVENTS SUPPORT
Kia ora, I’m Sarah, part of the fundraising team here at Cholmondeley. I support with events, marketing and engaging the Canterbury community to showcase the important mahi we are a part of.
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With extensive experience in the retail sector, I bring my sales knowledge and networks to the team. I also hold a Bachelor of Applied Management from Te Pukenga/Ara Institute of Canterbury.
In my spare time I love spending time with my friends, family and ice cream!
I love the work we do at Cholmondeley because we get to see the difference we make in the tamariki's lives every day.
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Ryan Astle
FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR
Hi, I'm Ryan, the new guy around here.My role covers communications, leading our grant applications, supporting events, and generally helping the fundraising team raise the nearly $3 million needed each year to keep the lights on at Cholmondeley.
##Read more##I bring over twenty years of experience in the corporate sector, but after co-founding the charity BetterMan in 2023 with my brother Todd and our friend Ged, I've found my calling in helping raise awareness and fundraising for causes that matter.
Having two young children myself, I'm so passionate about the work Cholmondeley does and how it's making a difference for Canterbury children and families who are in need of care.
Practice Team Leads
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MJ
OUTDOOR EDUCATOR
Kia ora koutou! He uri ahau nō tawhiti, kei Ōtautahi ahau e noho ana, I tipu ake ahau ki Rānana. E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o te waipounamu e noho nei au, nō reirā, tēnā koutou katoa. He Pākehā ahau, ko Mj tōku ingoa.
##Read more##I am the Outdoor Educator/Kaiako Awhi here at Cholmondeley. I live in Lyttelton with my guinea pig Trousers, however I spend much of my spare time either in the backcountry or the ocean. I love to be around the mountains tramping and snowboarding, in rivers or oceans kayaking, scaling crags climbing, and trying to master my steeze on my longboard surfing.
I am passionate about nurturing the adventurous spirit of tamariki to explore, learn, and grow in many ways through the outdoors.
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Evie
CHILD & YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONER TEAM LEADER
Kia ora koutou- my name is Evie and I’m a Child and Youth Care Practitioner here at Cholmondeley. I joined the team in 2020 and have the privilege of working with the incredible tamariki that come to Cholmondeley every day. I’m really passionate about the mahi we do here in helping tamariki to build resilience and achieve their own personal goals. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time outdoors, camping or practicing yoga. Ngā Manaakitanga Evie
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Nat
LEARNING FACILITATOR
Hi! My name is Nat and I have been a Learning Facilitator in Kura at Cholmondeley since 2019. I have been a teacher for over 20 years and have taught in New Zealand, the UK, and The Cook Islands. I moved to NZ from the UK in 2010 and live in Lyttelton/Ōketeupoko with my wife Julia, our 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 3 chickens! When I’m not at Cholmondeley you will find me skateboarding, playing records on my radio show in Lyttelton, driving around in my old VW, making notebooks, or drawing on things.
Support Staff
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Melanie
CARE COORDINATOR
Kia ora- My name is Melanie but most people call me Mel. I am the Care Coordinator here at Cholmondeley. My role mainly involves booking stays for tamariki and administration for new whānau.
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Before Cholmondeley I worked for many years with children on the spectrum, supporting their whānau with respite.
I am from England originally but moved to New Zealand in January 2010. I live with my hubby Steve (who is the caretaker here at Cholmondeley) and our Son. Our Daughter is currently travelling around the world at the moment. In my spare time, I enjoy walking around the Port Hills, exploring the beautiful South Island, reading, and watching movies.
I absolutely love being part of the Cholmondeley whānau and all that it is doing. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.
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Steve Gresty
CARETAKER
Hello- If you see anything that needs fixing, just let me know. I am from the UK but moved to New Zealand in January 2010. I am married to Mel, who also works at Cholmondeley and have a son & daughter.
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I am a very passionate Manchester City and England fan but I enjoy watching most sports. I also like tramping, exploring New Zealand with my family and secretly am a Star Wars geek.
Awhi Team
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Whenua Patuwai
AWHI WHĀNAU KAIMAHI
Kia Ora e te iwi. Ko Whenua tōku ingoa. I was privileged enough to join the Cholmondeley Whānau in 2023 and have been enjoying this journey that I am on.
I have a strong passion for working with Rangatahi and creating a space that is safe and where they can be themselves. My hopes of being in this role are to inspire our Whānau to dream big and to see our Whānau reach their aspirations.
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Jess
REFOCUS YOUTH KAIMAHI
Kia ora, my name is Jess. I am one of the Youth Worker’s at Cholmondeley. I come from a construction background, and I am now fulfilling my dream of working with tamariki!
##Read more##Providing support and care for our tamariki in a fun and safe environment is amazing. I love my job every single day as each day is a different experience.
I feel blessed to be part of this organisation, in a team of such caring people.
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Jo Ryder
AWHI WHĀNAU KAIMAHI
As part of the Awhi Whānau team at Cholmondeley, I support tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau to strengthen wellbeing, connection, and confidence.
##Read more##I draw on my background in community and youth-focused policing, school-based education roles, and years of trauma-informed youth development work, including leading the Trailblazers programme.
As a parent of children with disabilities, I also bring lived experience of navigating services and advocating for inclusion. These experiences shape my warm, strengths-based approach, meeting whānau where they’re at and working alongside them to build practical, sustainable plans. I’m passionate about creating environments where every young person feels safe, understood, and able to thrive.
Board of Governance
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Nettles Lamont
CHAIR
Nettles is the Managing Director of Conquest Training NZ, a training company that works across New Zealand specialising in up-skilling the workforce.
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Nettles is also involved in the Philanthropic sector in New Zealand and is CEO of the Dublin Street Charitable Trust (DSCT). The DSCT concentrates on causes based specifically in Canterbury and surrounding areas.
Nettles is the current Chair on the Board of the NZ Adult Literacy Practitioners Association and she is actively involved in advocacy for adult education. Nettles is a current Board Member of CYDP (Canterbury Youth Development Programme) and has been part of the Cholmondeley Board since 2014.
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Janine Morrell-Gunn
TRUSTEE
Janine is one of New Zealand's leading children's television producers. She trained as a producer and director with TVNZ before spending seven years as Executive Producer of TVNZ's Children's Unit.
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In 1998 Janine and husband, Jason Gunn, formed Christchurch based production company, WhitebaitMedia, which has actively supported Cholmondeley for over a decade.
During the Canterbury earthquakes, she established the charity Adopt a Christchurch Family which raised over $1million for Canterbury families in need. She is also a current Board Member of St Margaret's College.
In 2009, Janine was recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year by WIFT (Women in Film and TV) and was a finalist in Next Magazine's 2012 Woman of the Year.
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Claire Sparks
TRUSTEE
A dynamic and results-driven sales and marketing leader with 25 years of experience across Australia and New Zealand. A proven track record in strategic business planning, marketing execution, and relationship management.
##Read more##Claire brings a wealth of expertise and experience, having run her own marketing consultancy and worked in notable companies across New Zealand and Australia, including Christ’s College, Yellow Pages, Thrifty Car Rental, BOC Gas, and Ansett New Zealand.
Claire is also committed to the broader education community as the President of the Rangi Ruru Girls' School PTA since 2020. This role underscores her dedication to fostering connections and supporting educational initiatives beyond her primary professional responsibilities.
Claire's appointment to the Cholmondeley’s Board reflects her enthusiasm for contributing to the wider community. By joining the board, Claire aims to leverage her skills and experience to make a positive impact within the Cholmondeley community, further demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and service.
Patron
TUTEHOUNUKU ‘NUK’ KORAKO
Waitaha, Kati Mamoe, Te Rakiamo, Ngāi Tahu – Ngāti Wheke, Rapaki, Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri
I am honoured to be patron of Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, following in the footsteps of Marion Judge and Lady Barbara Stewart who worked tirelessly to support Cholmondeley over many years.
I have had a long association with Cholmondeley, having spent time here as a child and in more recent years as a board member. With first-hand experience, I understand the difference Cholmondeley can make in the life of a child.
As a Cholmondeley alumni, I see the opportunity to contribute to the iconic organisation that helped my family all those years ago, and also to continue the work I have done with Cholmondeley as a board member. I look forward to working with the Chair, Cholmondeley Board and Foundation.
