Meet the team

Denise is a registered clinical psychologist and chief executive at Le Va. Denise has extensive clinical and community experience, having worked in DHB and PHO mental health services, Maori mental health, as well as in prisons. Denise also currently leads Le Va's national Pasifika suicide prevention programme and FLO: Pasifika for Life.

Ruby is our national training coordinator. Ruby has significant experience in adult education, programme design, and resource development. She believes strongly in using education as a tool to empower and equip learners. Ruby hails from Christchurch and is Pākehā, of Irish and Scottish descent. 

Joseph is our contractor, and brings 18 years experience in the education and social sectors, including developing programmes for secondary and tertiary education. Fluent in Te Reo Māori, Joseph is Ngāti Porou, and grew up by the waters of the Waiapu River. 

Holly is our senior project coordinator. She has a background in Psychology, with a MSc in Health Psychology from Massey University. She has spent the past six years working in health promotion and education, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and in the Pacific. Holly is of NZ Pākeha and British descent, and grew up between Auckland and London.
 

Emma is our newest LifeKeepers member with experience in mental health administration.  She brings a passion for her culture and performing arts into our workshops. Emma is of Te Rarawa and Te Aupouri descent and was born and raised in Manurewa, South Auckland.
 

Monique has served Pacific communities through the not-for-profit sector, district health boards, academia, and social services for nearly 20 years as both a Clinical Psychologist, and an advocate for improving health and social outcomes for Pacific communities, and better wellbeing for all New Zealanders.

Sean is Executive Assistant to the CE and manages day-to-day operations. He is passionate about social justice and believes that solutions to problems lie within our communities.