I’m married and have four children, two of whom live in Australia. One runs an engineering consultancy, and the other works as a researcher and clinical psychologist. My youngest daughter lives in Auckland and works as a proofreader. My fourth child died at age nine in a road accident.

I’m a trained Lifeline Volunteer Counsellor, and work with men and women of all ages, mostly between ages fourteen and ninety. As part of my ongoing professional development I’m currently studying for a NZ Graduate Certificate in Professional Coaching.

I was previously manager of the Ashton Warner Nanny Academy and provided pastoral care and support to our students.

Earlier, I worked as a probation officer and manager at Community Corrections and received very comprehensive training including Managing Change, Dynamics of Whanaungatanga, Substance Abuse, Improving Relationships, Te Iho Psychological Training, Motivational Interviewing and Conflict Management.