At 21, I fell into the disability sector in New Zealand, known as the “Land of the Long White Cloud.” Starting out in group homes, I quickly encountered various levels of support needs and faced a few sink-or-swim moments that tested my resilience and adaptability.

Over the past 24 years, I’ve grown from those early experiences into a supervisory and managerial role, where I’ve spent the last 15 years leading teams and making a significant impact in the field. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have exceptional mentors who have guided me in creating supportive and effective approaches for the individuals we serve. Celebrating small victories and working with a dedicated team have been central to my journey, making the challenges both rewarding and deeply fulfilling.