My Story
I was born in Northumberland England, with Scottish heritage on my father’s side and English on my mothers. Our family of 5 (I have two older brothers) came to NZ in the early 1970’s.
Schooled on the North Shore of Auckland, I moved to Dunedin to pursue a Physical Education degree at Otago University. Following this my working life began as a PE teacher and transitioned through Salvation Army Youthworker; Mother; Regional Sports Trust Adviser; study at Laidlaw College; graduating as a Counsellor and counselling for 10 years; Tertiary teaching assistant; Church worker; Charity co-ordinator; Spiritual Director. (phew – that’s over 50 years covered in 63 words !!!)
My time is spent spiritually directing and volunteering with Servants to Asia’s Urban Poor as the NZ Co-ordinator and at the international level. We support our teams who live with the urban poor in Indonesia, India, Philippines, and soon Cambodia.
My two gorgeous children are spreading their wings as they navigate flatting, working and pursuing creative endeavours. I live in a tiny house in community at Peacemakers Retreat Centre in Helensville Auckland.
It is from Peacemakers that I run workshops and offer Learning Sessions (individual or small groups) and Spiritual Direction.
Having fun is a value I have embraced in the last few years and my repertoire so far has grown to include….
Taking photos, writing, dancing, swimming, playing games, sharing time with family and friends over good food, gin and red wine, painting, enjoying nature, gardening, walking the beach… and I will have forgotten some too.