CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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With a background in banking and leadership, I bring strong financial expertise and strategic insight to Cholmondeley Children's Centre. My career has given me a deep understanding of financial systems and what it takes to guide organisations towards sustainable, long-term success.

I have also dedicated significant time to community service, supporting initiatives that strengthen families and local connections.

My experience in the health sector has provided me with a well-rounded perspective on wellbeing, care, and the importance of nurturing environments for children.

I am proud to combine leadership, financial acumen, and a genuine commitment to community to support Cholmondeley's mission of providing safe, supportive, and enriching spaces for children and their families.

libby@cholmondeley.org.nz

PRACTICE MANAGER
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Kia ora,

I'm Lisa a Practice Manager here at Cholmondeley. I work directly with the tamariki, supporting them to make the most of their stay and the opportunities presented. I'm passionate about making sure each child has the opportunity to "shine" in whatever form that may be.

Before joining Cholmondeley, I worked in an education setting for many years supporting tamariki in all areas of their education from reading writing and maths, through to cooking, gardening and wellbeing. I have a strong belief in children being able to follow their own passions and curiosities, through these allowing them to build self-confidence and pride.

When I'm not at Cholmondeley I enjoy sharing time with my family and friends, walking my two dogs, being in my vegetable garden, drawing and reading.

FUNDRAISING & MARKETING MANAGER
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I'm the Fundraising & Marketing Manager at Cholmondeley, where I see the impact of our work every day through the eyes of the children who stay here. I truly believe in what we do and the difference it makes for Canterbury families.

Connecting with our community is at the heart of everything, they're the reason Cholmondeley exists and continues to thrive.

With 25 years in television production, I built a strong foundation in storytelling and delivering large-scale projects. Since 2020, I've brought those skills into the not-for-profit world, leading marketing and fundraising initiatives that engage, inspire, and drive support.

I'm passionate about building genuine relationships, bringing people together, and doing work with purpose, creating real, lasting change for the families we serve.

ingrid@cholmondeley.org.nz

021 353 626

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS SUPPORT
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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.

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. 

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR
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Hi, I'm Ryan. 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.

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.

OUTDOOR EDUCATOR
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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.

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.

RESPITE CARE SERVICES LEAD
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Kia ora koutou - my name is Evie and I’m the Respite Care Services Lead 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

LEARNING FACILITATOR
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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.

SOCIAL WORKER
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Kia ora koutou – my name is Sara and I’m the Social Worker here at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre.

I have loved supporting and caring for children since I was a teenager, and I feel privileged to work alongside the incredible tamariki and whānau who come to Cholmondeley.

I’m passionate about helping children and families build on their strengths, navigate challenges, and achieve positive outcomes. Being part of a team that provides care, support, and opportunities for growth is something I value deeply.

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me outdoors swimming, hiking, or spending time in my garden.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Sara

CHILD & YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONER TEAM LEADER
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Kia ora,

My name is Ruby, and I’m a Child and Youth Care Practitioner Team Leader at Cholmondeley. I have been working here since 2023, beginning my journey as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner before recently stepping into the role of Team Leader.

Most days, I work face-to-face with the tamariki, whether that’s going for walks through Orton Bradley Park, finding crabs at Governors Bay beach, doing arts and crafts, or reading stories at bedtime. I find so much joy in my role, supporting both tamariki and the amazing team of Child and Youth Care Practitioners here at Cholmondeley.

If I were to choose one thing I cherish most about working at Cholmondeley, it would be the strong sense of community we have all played a part in creating.

When I’m not at Cholmondeley, you’ll usually find me studying towards my Master’s in Social Work, reading, spending time with friends, trying my hardest to get into the ngahere, and climb up some mountains.

CHILD & YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONER TEAM LEADER
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Kia ora tātaou.

My name is Katie, I am one of the Team Leaders at Cholmondeley and have been part of the team for the past two years.

Before Cholmondeley, I worked one-on-one with tamariki in their homes and kura settings, and also worked as a stylist and qualified beautician. No matter the role, my passion has always been helping people feel their best and supporting them to thrive.

When I'm not at Cholmondeley, you'll find me fussing over my plants or wandering through Spotlight looking for “just one more” craft supply.

CHILD & YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONER TEAM LEADER
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Kia ora koutou!

I’m Kate, and I’m a team leader and resource coordinator at Cholmondeley. I have the pleasure of working directly with the vibrant tamariki who stay here, and putting together exciting arts, crafts, and activity kits for our tamariki to enjoy.

I joined the Cholmondeley team in 2024 and I’ve never looked back. I’m incredibly passionate about embracing my own neurodivergence and empowering many of our tamariki to do the same. I love seeing the growth in tamariki who stay with us, and encouraging them (and myself) to just be a kid!

When I’m not at Cholmondeley you will find me gardening alongside my cat, riding horses, playing video games, and crafting my life away!

REFOCUS YOUTH KAIMAHI
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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!

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.

REFOCUS YOUTH KAIMAHI
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As part of the Awhi Whānau team at Cholmondeley, I support tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau to strengthen wellbeing, connection, and confidence.

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.

CARE COORDINATOR
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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.

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.

CARETAKER
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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 and daughter.

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.

CHAIR
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Nettles is the Managing Director of Conquest Training NZ, a training company that works across New Zealand specialising in up-skilling the workforce.

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.

TRUSTEE
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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.

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.

TRUSTEE
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Rebecca joined the Cholmondeley Board of Trustees in May 2026.

A qualified lawyer, Rebecca has more than 15 years' experience advising individuals, families and businesses on a wide range of legal and commercial matters. She also has significant experience in operations management, business development and finance for one of New Zealand's largest high-country stations.

Rebecca has served on several educational and community boards and is currently Vice President of the Rangi Ruru Old Girls' Association and an Honorary Governor of the Rangi Ruru Board of Governors.

Rebecca has a strong interest in purpose-driven organisations that deliver meaningful social impact and create opportunities for young people and families to flourish. She is delighted to support Cholmondeley's vital work providing care, stability and opportunity for Canterbury tamariki and whānau.

TRUSTEE
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Bruce has been involved in not-for-profit governance since 2013 in areas of community health, sport and arts. Bruce joined the Cholmondeley Board in 2024 and chairs the Finance committee. He is also a National Trustee and Finance Committee Chair of Dementia New Zealand.

A Chartered Accountant by training, since 2023 Bruce has been Chief Executive of an Energy and Resources company and has considerable experience in finance, commercial issues and strategy.

Bruce is also a Chartered member of the Institute of Directors.