General Manager

I've spent most of my life in Hamilton and am now very happy to be living in Lower Hutt. My background is in Government and NGO work, including experience as a primary school teacher, a Probation Officer, and a number of years in support roles within NGOs.

I'm particularly interested in trauma and trauma recovery, and I strongly believe in the power of peer support. I've seen first-hand how it can break down barriers and provide unique support within the community. In my spare time for fun, I run and collect vintage Monopoly board games from the 1930s and 1940s.

Hutt Valley Office:
Level 1, 119 Queens Drive Lower Hutt.
021 118 1043 | royce@theroadforward.org.nz

Peer Worker, group facilitator
Kapiti Office

I’ve lived on the Kapiti Coast for almost 10 years now, so I think I can now call myself a Coaster. Living there with my family, two cats and a few chickens; I find a simple joy in collecting eggs every morning.

I was born in Whanganui, then spent my formative years in Wellington. I have worked, studied, and parented for a good part of my life. I have a degree in Social Science, and I am trained in Supervision, Addiction Studies, Creative Studies, and Creative Writing.

It’s an honour to work in a sector that acknowledges and accepts you as a person: The you who struggled, lost a voice, then gained one. I have experience of sexual harm that spanned years, and took many more to make sense of. I have examined it through the eyes of a writer, a poet and an artist.

My life’s work is now as a peer worker, writer and group facilitator. I welcome the opportunity to bring support and inspiration to others. It’s Never too Late!

Kapiti Office:
1 Coastlands Parade, Paraparaumu
022 495 9080 | Lesley@theroadforward.org.nz

Peer Worker
Hutt Valley Office

Kia ora, I’m Natalie. I am a trauma-informed Counselor and Addictions Practitioner, and a provisional member of NZAC. I am also an empathetic communicator with life experience. I have a strong interest in Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, and Non-Violent Communication.

I engage in regular cultural awareness training, as a commitment to Te Tiriti and multicultural practice. I am an LGBTQA+ advocate.

In a previous life I was a journalist, graphic designer, and communications advisor advocating for drug law reform and harm reduction. But at my heart I’m a solo mum, friend and advocate. I’m all about people and connections. Everyone has a back story, something that brought them where they are now. I want to help empower them to choose where they go from here.

I look forward to meeting you!

Hutt Valley Office:
Level 1, 119 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
natalie@theroadforward.org.nz

Peer Worker, group facilitator
Porirua | Wellington Offices

Kia ora e hoa.

I was born and raised in Porirua, I spent 18 years of my life in Lower Hutt, and lived in Perth for a decade as well.

From my own experience as a survivor, I have developed skills and insight, which have helped me become the person I am today. 

I am NZQA Level 4 Certified in Mental Health and Wellbeing, Peer Support.  I am also a certified Trauma-Informed Coach, trained in Family Violence Awareness and Cultural Safety.

Although I am primarily based in Porirua, I work with peer clients face-to-face and via Zoom

I live my life as an example of life after trauma and feel honoured to be working with other survivors as they progress with their healing journey.

Although healing can be daunting, it is worth it.

YOU are worth it!!!

Porirua Office: Pember House, Level 4, 16 Hagley Street, Porirua

Wellington Office: Level 3, 50 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington

022 129 9698
juanita@theroadforward.org.nz

Office Administrator

Hi everyone, I’m Cathie. I’m a mum of four and Granny of 11.

I’ve lived and worked in the local Hutt Valley community all my life. Most recently I managed a local community house, but before that I worked for a number of different businesses and organisations, such as retirement villages and daycare centres - all in admin roles.

I’ve also had a long involvement with the local cubs and scouting movement.

I’m very happy to be here at The Road Forward - it’s great to be a survivor working for and alongside other survivors.

Peer Worker, group facilitator
Wellington | Hutt Offices

Coming soon!

Wellington Office:
Level 3, 50 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington
022 509 9532
georgina@theroadforward.org.nz