My journey began at Massey University, where I pursued a BSW (Hons) out of a genuine care for people and a desire to work alongside them to improve their situations.

After graduation, I gained valuable experience working with adults with mental health issues, intellectual impairments, and physical disabilities in supported independent living. I expanded my knowledge in the UK, where I served as a case manager for a social care team. There, I assessed the needs of adults and teens with mental health and/or physical disabilities, as well as the elderly, ensuring their needs were funded and supported.

During my time in the UK, I furthered my expertise by completing the Master Practitioner Programme in Eating Disorders & Obesity through the National Centre for Eating Disorders. This specialisation equipped me with invaluable insights into complex health challenges.

Upon returning to New Zealand, I have spent over a decade working privately as a registered social worker, alongside government and non-government organisations in the area of family breakdowns. However, it was my own family situation that truly deepened my understanding of neurodiversity.

Navigating the challenges of accessing services and funding gave me a firsthand perspective of the difficulties many people face. This realisation, coupled with numerous requests for assistance from struggling caregivers, inspired me to establish Side By Side Solutions.

I am uniquely positioned to guide parents of children with neurodiversity, people with disabilities and the elderly through the complexities of accessing the help, services and funding they need. My goal is to provide the support and guidance I wished I had earlier in my journey, empowering people to navigate the systems with confidence and clarity. At Side By Side Solutions, you're not alone - I'm here to walk this journey with you, side by side.