Family-Whānau
Liaisons

Donna has supported people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, neurodiversity and mental health conditions since 2010. She has strong relationships with families, network providers, community organisations, educators, health professionals and businesses in Canterbury and across Aotearoa.

Donna joined the IHC Group in 2021 with Choices NZ and became a Family-Whānau Liaison in 2023.  

Cindy’s passion is helping people and enriching lives, which she’s able to put into action as an IHC Family-Whānau Liaison. With 20 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse, Cindy can support families and whānau in the Northland community to meet their unique goals, which she says is a privilege.

Outside of mahi, Cindy enjoys hiking, swimming and art, and has held solo and collaborative exhibitions.

Anna has worked in the education sector for eight years, supporting children with intellectual disability and autism. She joined IHC in 2017 as a volunteer coordinator, where she recruited and supported volunteers in their friendship with people with intellectual disabilities. During this time, she established numerous community contacts within the sector, and furthered her passion for helping others.

Anna joined the Family-Whānau Liaison team to continue supporting people with intellectual disability and their families by connecting them with information and local services.

With more than 30 years' experience in the education sector, primarily supporting learners with intellectual disability, Suzanne is always inspired by the idea that people supporting people is a powerful platform for creating change on both a small and grand scale.

Suzanne joined IHC in October 2015, holding previous roles within the organisation before taking on the role of Family-Whānau Liaison.

Jim has more than 20 years’ experience working in communities to promote healthy lifestyles, including developing health-related policies and materials.

Over this time Jim has advocated at both local and central government levels around health issues, and worked collaboratively in partnership with all three local Northland councils as well as the local DHB.

Jim’s strength is creating supportive environments and working with service providers to achieve desired outcomes.