Janet - Manager

I enjoy personal coaching and creating opportunities for individual growth and some of that interest comes from one of my previous careers in primary school teaching. I have a paramedical background in biochemistry, an education degree and a post graduate diploma in rehabilitation, all of which have very practical application in the Stewart Centre environment. Working in partnership with people adjusting to changes in their lives after brain injury is very rewarding. I also enjoy the natural environment, beach combing at Waitarere, creating cards and canvas art, walking, and overseas travel.

Alvin - Rehab Coach

My name is Alvin. My background has been cabinet making and making bench tops for kitchens for approx 28 years. I love making things and have a few hobbies including model making, star gazing and seismic activity (earthquakes). I have been involved in brain injury for a few years. I am loving it at the centre.

Brooke - Rehab Coach

Hello I’m Brooke, the newest member of the Manawatu Stewart Centre team. In 2008/ half 2009 I attended Massey University studying towards a Bachelor of Communication with particular interest in the area of Linguistics. I have decided I want to specialise more in the area of Rehabilitation, and after volunteering at the Manawatu Stewart Centre accepted the offer of a full time job. I have a passion for helping clients with Acquired Brain Injury and wish to do further study in this area, including a Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies, commencing next year. I am also very interested in art and the concept of Art Therapy and use my art skills in a number of creative activities at MSCT. I feel lucky to be working on one of the most rewarding jobs around!

Bruce - Workshop Tutor

Having worked with wood for 25 years my passion has been to produce unique and interesting furniture items. By using different timbers and traditional woodworking techniques, I developed an ability to design and create products for specific purposes.

I hope to be able to share these skills with the Manawatu Stewart Centre to help clients find their own level of workshop competence so that they too, can create special craft products.

Claire - Programme Coordinator

Kia Ora. I have held various and varied job positions during my working life but have always returned to those that are people oriented. My most recent achievement is qualifying as a Diversional Therapist.

Having employment at the Stewart Centre suits me well as I enjoy working alongside people and find this gives me both personal and professional satisfaction.

Liz - Rehab Coach (Art)

Jan - Office Manager

I have been working in the Administration field for over 10 years and thoroughly enjoy an office environment. I am working toward a Bachelor in Business Administration through extramural study.

I find supporting other areas of a workplace to be efficient and affective very rewarding.

I work part time  at the Stewart Centre as I have three children in my care.

Jonathan - Social Worker

Katie - Occupational Therapist

Maxine - Speech Language Therapist

I am a Speech-Language Therapist who has been working together with people with communication disability since the late 1970's (which makes me suddenly feel old!).  I am enjoying taking part in the Manawatu Stewart Centre Trust's programme and I am currently here one day a week.  It is a great place to work and my role is to facilitate some individual communication programmes, groups and also staff and client training around communication disability  (while also keeping on a steady learning curve!).  I am passionate about "communication partnership"   - moving the focus off the person with a communication disability to training other people in their social world to be better communication partners.  I am also passionate about tea bag folding, altered books, wax collage ......... 

Mike Rowe - Rehab Coach (Physical Activity)

Terry - IT Coordinator

Hi there, I am an Information and Communications Technology graduate and have tutored adults in Computer from beginners to undergraduate level. In my role as IT Coordinator, I provide computer-based activities and courses for clients attending the Centre, and it is a total privilege to support clients as they journey through the challenges of brain injury.

In a previous life, I was a Social Worker involving myself in community development projects in Asia's mega-city slums and I'm finding a welcomed cross-over of skills from my social work days.

Tessa - Rehab/Vocational Coach

Hello there. I am a graduate of Human Performance with experience in the personal training and nutrition field. I enjoy the daily challenges the job brings but mostly the interactions with the clients and staff. My interests involve learning languages, cooking, dancing and kung fu.

V o l u n t e e r s