Meet the team

Denise is a registered clinical psychologist and senior Manager 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. 

Steve is one of two national training leads. Steve’s training and work has included youth mental health, adult education, Te Reo and business. He comes from the King Country, is of Māori (Ngāti Maniapoto) and Pākehā descent, and is dedicated to helping produce thriving communities for all New Zealanders.  

Joseph is our other national training lead, 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. 

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.

Abba Fidow is Le Va’s Senior Manager - Quality, tasked with ensuring quality planning and delivery of projects, programmes and engagements. He also has 15 years of experience working in policy and strategy roles across central and local government.

Ellyna is Executive Assistant to the CE and manages day-to-day operations. She has experience in various areas such as finance, sales, and administration.