Jacqui – General Manager
Jacqui originates from Auckland and has been living and working in Queenstown for over a decade. She has raised two children, now both adults. Her passion for young people grew through training and volunteering for Youthline and during the course of completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Following these experiences and through her own personal understanding of raising a child with Aspergers, Jacqui worked in both Intermediate and Primary schools with children who had both behavioural and learning difficulties. This led her to complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching prior to moving to Queenstown. Jacqui loves working in the community as both a Manager and a Senior Youth Support Worker and continues to enjoy mentoring and advocating for the youth of the Whakatipu area and celebrating all that they contribute to our community.
Kirsty – Administrator
Kirsty originates from Northampton, England but has called Queenstown home for the past 8 years!
Drawn in by the mountains and adventure, Kirsty is grateful to call New Zealand home. You will find Kirsty paddling around the lake in the Summer, or walking on one of our beautiful trails and snowboarding on the mountains in Winter, although not as much as she’d like these days, since having her first child last year!
Kirsty is passionate about youth and our community and is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work, with the hopes to become a Social Worker in the future.
Youth Wellness Team
Liz – Social Worker
Liz is a long term (20+ years) Arrowtown local, with a few years spent living overseas.
Liz is mum to two young boys and has a passion for helping young people foster a strong sense of self. Liz is neurodivergent, has a strong sense of social justice and is passionate about supporting and advocating for families.
Liz is in the final year of a Bachelor of Social Work with Hons degree and in her spare time should be writing her dissertation. Liz states its more likely you will find her fuelling her interest based nervous system with coffee and riding mountain bikes with her boys.
Sam (she/her) – Counsellor
Kia ora! Ko Sam ahau.
I grew up just out of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), playing on the black sands of Muriwai beach in Te Ika a Māui (North Island). I recently spent 10 years living in Te Anau before moving to Tāhuna a few years ago.
I love exploring the amazing mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and beaches in the South with my two dogs; whether that be through hiking, climbing, camping, biking or surfing. I enjoy challenging myself and playing with what is possible – last year I did 100 hikes in 365 days and earlier this year I walked the Kepler (all 61kms) in a day. At the moment I’m having fun with giving mountaineering a go and would love to climb a peak over 3000m one day!
I’m excited to be a part of the whanau at Whakatipu Youth Trust. I absolutely love being a counsellor and feel honoured to hear people’s stories!
Grace – Youth Development Team Lead
Grace moved over to Queenstown from the UK at the beginning of 2023. She came to New Zealand looking for adventure and fell in love with the landscape and the wonderful people. Grace has a Bachelor in Psychology (Honours) and has worked in various therapeutic youth hubs back in the UK. She loves the creative freedom in youth work and has a passion for exploring different channels to help young people build their self-esteem. Grace is super excited to connect with the youth of Whakatipu and support them in finding their voice. On her days off, you can find her on a paddleboard, with a paintbrush or rummaging through pre-loved treasures the op-shops.
Richie – Youth Support Worker
Self claimed upgraded version 2.0!
Some of you might remember Richie as a blast from the past having been with us as a youth worker a few years ago. He is a long time Queenstown local and recently returned home after a couple years in the North Island. Richie is a super passionate individual and always ready for a challenge. He’s very excited to get stuck back in and connect with the rangatahi of the Whakatipu.
Caitlin – Youth Support Worker
Meet Caitlin, a true local of Queenstown with a love for the mountains, lakes, and the wonderful community here. Without making her feel way older… she actually went through Kindy- High School here back in the day. She has lived in various parts of New Zealand, pursued her studies, and travelled, but ultimately found her way back to Queenstown with her partner and adorable dog, Lottie. With a degree in Visual Communication Design and a strong passion for creativity, Caitlin worked as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator for eight years before embarking on a new journey. Caitlin loves connecting with people from all walks of life and is motivated to help them become the best version of themselves. She is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in counselling and spends her free time creating art, hiking, skiing, and adventuring with Lottie. You’ll easily spot Caitlin with her big smile, chatting away – most likely with a cup of tea in hand.