Peer Worker, group facilitator
Hutt Valley Office

15 years ago, after 50 years of silence and feeling ashamed, I discovered there was no peer support available to me and there was a long waiting time to get to see an ACC Counsellor. I eventually found some support and started my recovery journey.

As part of my recovery, I decided that I would start a peer support service for other victims/survivors of sexual harm. In preparation I enrolled in several courses including Certificate in Peer Support, Diploma in Peer Support, Bachelor of Counselling at Weltec.

I am committed to continuing professional development on an annual basis with a focus on Trauma Informed approaches, Non Violent Communication and Purposeful Peer Support, and I participate in monthly Cultural Awareness training (Treaty of Waitangi)

I am a provisional member of NZAC and I am on the branch executive.

I encourage all adult survivors of sexual harm to reach out for support. You are not alone, you will be believed, support is available.

There is hope, your life can be better!

Hutt Valley Office:
Level 1, 119 Queens Drive Lower Hutt.
022 044 6435 | richard@theroadforward.org.nz

Peer Worker, group facilitator
Kapiti Office

I’ve lived on the Kapiti Coast for almost 10 years now, so I think I can now call myself a Coaster. Living there with my family, two cats and a few chickens; I find a simple joy in collecting eggs every morning.

I was born in Whanganui, then spent my formative years in Wellington. I have worked, studied, and parented for a good part of my life. I have a degree in Social Science, and I am trained in Supervision, Addiction Studies, Creative Studies, and Creative Writing.

It’s an honour to work in a sector that acknowledges and accepts you as a person: The you who struggled, lost a voice, then gained one. I have experience of sexual harm that spanned years, and took many more to make sense of. I have examined it through the eyes of a writer, a poet and an artist.

My life’s work is now as a peer worker, writer and group facilitator. I welcome the opportunity to bring support and inspiration to others. It’s Never too Late!

Kapiti Office:
1 Coastlands Parade, Paraparaumu
022 495 9080 | Lesley@theroadforward.org.nz

Peer Worker, group facilitator
Wellington Office

As a longtime local, I have really loved being the sole peer worker in the bustling Wellington central office since it opened in 2022. My approach to my own wellbeing and recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome has always been holistic, looking at how the different pillars of health and parts of who we are synergize towards wholeness. I have training in Dr Paris Williams’ Mindful Somatic Approaches to Trauma (advanced version), nonviolent communication, Trauma Informed Coaching, a Level 4 certificate in Peer Support, and a Diploma in Applied Psychology from The University of Auckland.

I enjoy producing my own music, artwork, and gong baths, having graduated with a Music degree from NZSM, and appreciate all expressive arts, creativity, nature, and physical well being.

Co-Host Wellington rainbow support group; Host Wellington mixed-gender support group; Host Wellington Women’s support group; Co-Host of Korero Manaaki Peer Support Podcast.

Wellington Office:
Level 3, 50 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington
022 509 9532
nick@theroadforward.org.nz

Communications Adviser, Peer Worker
Hutt Valley Office

Kia ora, I’m Natalie. I’m really glad to be here to support you and the team at The Road Forward.

I am an empathetic communicator with life experience. Now in my final year of study for a Bachelor in Counselling and Addiction practice, by the end of this year I will be a quaIlified, NZCA and DAPAANZ-registered Addictions Practitioner and general Counselor. I have furthered my professional development with Trauma Informed Mindful and Somatic Approaches, and I have a strong interest in Internal Family Systems and Non-Violent Communication.

I also engage in regular cultural awareness training, as a commitment to Te Tiriti and multicultural practice.

In a previous life I was a journalist, a graphic designer, and a communications specialist advocating for drug law reform and harm reduction. But at my heart I’m a solo mum, friend and advocate. I’m all about people and connections. Everyone has a back story, something that brought them where they are now - and in the past I’ve used my language to tell people’s stories. Now I want to help empower people to make informed decisions about their own lives.

I look forward to meeting you!

Hutt Valley Office:
Level 1, 119 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
natalie@theroadforward.org.nz

Peer Worker
Hutt Valley | Porirua Offices

Kia ora e hoa. I was born and raised in Porirua and spent 18 years of my life in Lower Hutt. 

From my own experience as a survivor, I have developed skills and insight, which have helped me to develop into the person I am today. I am a certified Trauma Informed Coach and I have trained in Family Violence Awareness and Cultural Safety.

Along with working full time at The Road Forward, I am also Studying Mental Health and Wellbeing – Peer Support – Level 4 at Whitireia.

I like to live as an example of life after trauma and feel honoured to be working with other survivors as they progress with their healing journey.

There’s a couple of sayings that I have used to help me through, hopefully they will help you too.

“I am enough”.
“I am worth it”. 

Porirua Office: Pember House, Level 4, 16 Hagley Street, Porirua

Hutt Valley Office: Level 1, 119 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
juanita@theroadforward.org.nz

Office Administrator

Hi everyone, I’m Cathie. I’m a mum of four and Granny of 11.

I’ve lived and worked in the local Hutt Valley community all my life. Most recently I managed a local community house, but before that I worked for a number of different businesses and organisations, such as retirement villages and daycare centres - all in admin roles.

I’ve also had a long involvement with the local cubs and scouting movement.

I’m very happy to be here at The Road Forward - it’s great to be a survivor working for and alongside other survivors.