Acting General Manager

Profile to come

Hutt Valley Office:
Level 1, 119 Queens Drive Lower Hutt.
021 118 1043 | james@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.

As Pākehā and Tangata Tiriti, I uphold the principles of Tiriti o Waitangi in my work and advocacy. I am committed to advocating for neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion through my own lived experience, and though affirming, strengths-based practice. 

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 to 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
Hutt Valley Office

Kia ora, I’m Chris

I was born in Upper Hutt and have lived in the Greater Wellington region most of my life. My background includes roles in social services, business development and relationship management in both the private and public sectors.

Now, as a Peer Worker, and survivor of multiple events of sexual harm across my own lifetime, I’m drawn to working with survivors to help make a difference that really matters.

I’m here to listen to you with complete acceptance, see you, be here for you; and to walk beside you at your pace as you begin your own journey towards recovery and healing.

It was not your fault. You are not alone. Silence helps no one.

Lower Hut Office: Level 1, 119 Queens Drive Lower Hutt.

022 615 4798
chris@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

Hi, I’m Georgina. I’m based in Wellington and have a background in criminology, with both a degree and a postgraduate diploma in the field. I’ve worked across private and non-profit sectors in a range of roles, including as an intelligence analyst, teacher/tutor, and most recently as a sexual violence coordinator.

My lifelong goal has been to work in the sexual violence sector and support survivors of sexual harm. This work is deeply personal to me, and I am grateful to continue this goal through The Road Forward.

I grew up in Tawa and now live in Newtown with my partner and our two cats, Ellie and Tofu. Outside of work, I enjoy playing computer games, watching films (particularly a good horror or thriller), and expressing creativity through art and music.

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