Kathryn Ross - CEO | Tumu Whakarae
After more than 30 years in local and central government in a variety of roles. I joined Skylight because of its mission and values.
I love the for-purpose sector and I’m very proud to lead the team. I am committed to improving the lives of tamariki and rangatahi across the motu, empowering our people and the equitable achievement of hauora.
I’m very lucky to have a loving (and patient) husband and two wonderful children.
Away from the office, I enjoy catching up with whānau and friends, spending time in nature, great coffee, pinot and travel.
Amanda Gregan - Director of Operations | Rangatohu Mahi Rangapū
As the newly minted Operations Manager for Skylight, my role is to ensure the business runs smoothly and sustainably, while seeking growth opportunities across both existing and new areas of operation.
I was really drawn to the Mission of Skylight and feel privileged to support the incredible work of this invaluable service, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people.
Outside of work, I volunteer for the local tennis club, our church and the Wellington branch of the Red Cross.
I enjoy walking, yoga, and reading when I'm not playing the role of taxi driver for our two very social teenage children.
Jenny Devine - Clinical Advisor | Kaiwhirinaki Haumanu
Kia ora ko Jenny Devine toku ingoa. I am a registered educational psychologist and the Clinical Advisor for Skylight Trust.
While completing my teaching qualification in 2007, I became interested in the needs of students with behaviour and learning challenges. I have since worked in a variety of roles within the education sector including Teacher Aide, Early Childhood and Primary School Teacher, Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB), and as a Psychologist with the Ministry of Education.
I have also worked as a contractor with ACC and in private practice specialising in learning disability assessments.
Vonnie Marshall - Counselling Team Leader | Kaitaki Kapa Whakamāherehere
I was born in Whanganui-a-Tara and lived in Nelson, where we raised three children.
After being a registered nurse for many years, I moved into social work roles, and it was there that I first heard about Skylight. My role is Counselling Team Leader, and I manage the Awhi Mai Awhi Atu counselling in schools programme.
I am interested in the elements that make a good (empathetic, innovative, trusted, “human”) leader. I have had many opportunities to learn from roles within the Government and Charity sectors as well as voluntary group facilitation roles.
Di Duncan - Finance Officer | Kaitari Pūtea
Di Duncan, Skylight Finance Officer. I am from the UK but relocated to New Zealand a few years ago.
I have had a diverse global background working in both public and private sector. From banking and marketing to education and even as a Coroner's Support Officer.
When I’m not crunching numbers, you might find me in the kitchen whipping up a treat for my colleagues or building the rather impressive Lego collection I have. Colleagues would probably say I am up for a challenge (within reason!) and ready with a laugh.
Benjamin Jensen - Senior Counselling Coordinator | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere Matua
In my role at Skylight, I am a counselling coordinator/counsellor. My roles have changed over the last four years.
Currently my work involves supporting our counsellors in Awhi Mai Whi Atu schools.
I enjoy the various opportunities to support tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau through our programmes, counselling and offering resources. Empowering people to feel equipped to navigate challenging times is the best part of this job.
When I am not working or inside playing board games and Dungeons and Dragons I love getting obsessed with topics including history, philosophy and pop culture.
Bridy Haughey - Senior Programme Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua
Ko Bridy Haughey tōku ingoa. I am an educational psychologist working as Senior Programmes Coordinator.
I chose to work at Skylight because I have always been passionate about helping others and working with young people.
I love working in Programmes because it provides an opportunity to support a wider group of people at once, to help improve different aspects of their mental health and overall wellbeing.
In my spare time, I like to read, travel, watch films, and spend time at the beach. I also enjoy yoga as I find that it is a great way to destress at the end of the day.
Emma Harbour - Programmes Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka
Kia ora, I am Emma. Previously, a travel tour coordinator, flight attendant, foster carer and supervisor at a home for pregnant teens. I have joined Skylight this year as a Programme Coordinator.
Our team oversees networking with other community organisations and schools to promote and deliver a variety of youth wellbeing programmes. I work at Skylight Trust because the values and work align with my personal ethos. I am passionate and motivated to support others, and I want to use my time and energy for meaningful work.
When I am not at work I enjoy knitting & crochet while watching the latest TV series, baking and trying out new recipes, nature walks and campervan adventures with my husband and two chihuahuas, being an active aunty, hosting international students and volunteering with the New Zealand Red Cross in a refugee resettlement.
Elliot Freeman - Programme Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua
Kia ora, my name is Elliot. I am the programme coordinator for Travellers, Skylight's wellbeing programme which supports young people to build resilience and navigate life’s ups and downs.
Maggie Horrell - Creative Arts Therapist
Maggie Horrell (she/her/ia) a Creative Arts Therapist (MACAT) hailing from the south. She has a background in English and Classical Literature and spent seven years as a Seed Analyst which means her obscure knowledge is top notch.
In her clinical work, Maggie is passionate about offering people of all ages the opportunity to express themselves through creativity and cultivates curiosity and wonderment in her therapeutic practice. She has worked with a diverse range of clients – from tamariki to rangatahi in schools, group work with older adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities and facilitating wellbeing sessions for rest home residents with dementia. Maggie is usually seen sporting a handmade or vintage outfit and will easily spend all her spare time in her home sewing studio surrounded by house plants.
Anne Bristol - Office Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Tari
I came to Skylight as a volunteer. This led to becoming the Board Secretary and organising Professional Development workshops across the country.
My roles have changed over the years and have included being part of the fundraising team, to EA and reception.
I enjoy multi-tasking and especially enjoy greeting manuhiri and tamariki and welcoming them to the office.
I organise the Parenting through Separation courses and liaise with the amazing facilitators who deliver this programme.
On the weekends I love walking and riding my electric bike.
Azrul Bibi - Administrator -Kaiwhakataka
Originally from the Fiji Islands I arrived in New Zealand in 2023. I completed a Diploma in Accounting at the University of The South Pacific.
My role at Skylight is as an Administrator entering confidential data for Counselling and Programmes and completing general administration duties.
I enjoy working at Skylight because every day I learn something new and creative, and I work with beautiful people.
Outside of work I enjoy watching cartoons with my daughter, watch rugby and love cooking for my children.
Tina Taylor - Counselling Coordinator | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere
I am a Counselling Coordinator at Skylight. Kia ora koutou! I am a Counselling Coordinator at Skylight.
My role is to take care of client referrals and triage clients to counsellors using the information provided to create a good fit.
It is important to me to work for an organisation that shares my values and makes the world a better place by supporting and empowering people.
I love my job! In my spare time, I read, watch movies and spend time with friends and whānau. On the weekend I'm likely to be found: at the Brewtown Sunday markets or, enjoying the many walks that the Hutt Valley has to offer both sea and river side, and most likely in my egg chair in the garden reading.
Maddie Barrett - Social Media Coordinator | Kaituitui Pae Pāpori
Along with being the social media coordinator, I am also involved in delivering programmes aimed to help tamariki and rangitahi increase their resilience and connect with their identity.
I recently completed my degree in Psychology at Otago, and are currently working on a Masters by thesis in Psychology at Victoria University. In my spare time I like to stay busy by volunteering, visiting op-shops, and enjoying time with friends and whanau.
I work at Skylight because I am passionate about helping young people in evidence-based, positively-affirming ways. My aim is to register as a Psychologist and continue to help tamariki and rangitahi in Aotearoa.