Family-Whānau
liaisons

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.

Sheridan has worked for more than 25 years supporting people with intellectual disabilities to have a voice in their community and to tell their stories, with a particular focus on supporting people to develop strategies for reaching their goals.

Sheridan brings a diverse range of skills to the Family Whānau Liaison role including experience teaching sign-language, and has worked in partnership with numerous community organisations to provide people with the support they need to succeed.

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.