We are incredibly fortunate to have a diverse and passionate team at Whakatipu Youth Trust. Each member brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that enrich our work and drive us forward in creating positive change for our rangatahi.
Jacqui
General Manager
Jacqui originates from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), and has been living and working in Queenstown for over fifteen years. 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 lived experience of raising a child with ASD, Jacqui worked in both Primary and Intermediate schools with children who had both behavioral and learning difficulties. This led her to complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching prior to moving to Tahuna (Queenstown).
Jacqui is passionate about ensuring our youth have every opportunity possible to support their journey to adulthood and celebrates all that they contribute to enrich our community.
Liz
Youth Wellness Lead
Liz is our Neurospicy Youth Social Worker (Bachelor of Social Work with Hons). A longtime local and mum of two boys, Liz understands the many challenges faced by families in the Queenstown Lakes region.
She is passionate about supporting and advocating for rangatahi and their families and is dedicated to the principles of human rights, social justice, collective responsibility, and respect for diversities.
There is never a dull day in the life of a social worker! Liz loves the variety in her role, from triaging referrals and intakes, carrying out assessments, navigating systems, engaging with families and schools, to supporting youth justice mentoring and the school attendance service.
When she’s not rambling about statistics or in the pursuit of coffee, Liz can be found sitting in her car (it’s a mum thing), lost in a podcast or five, playing excessively loud music, purchasing keep cups, or downhill mountain biking with her boys.
Sam
Youth 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 spent 10 years living in Te Anau before moving to Tāhuna 3 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 – I’ve done 100 hikes in 365 days and walked the Kepler (all 61kms) in a day. At the moment I’m having fun giving mountaineering a go and would love to climb a peak over 3000m one day!
I absolutely love being a counsellor and feel honoured to hear people’s stories!
Cassie
Youth Support Worker
Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Cassie moved to Queenstown over eight years ago for what was meant to be a short three-month overseas adventure in Asia — it turned into a decade-long journey. Now with a Kiwi partner, a one-year-old child, and a four-year-old Rottweiler, Cassie has truly found her second home.
With a degree in Sports Science, she has worked across various industries, ultimately discovering her true passion for supporting youth and promoting overall well-being. Outside of work, Cassie is an avid snowboarding, skiing, biking, hiking, and swimming enthusiast, always seeking her next adventure in the great outdoors. Whether it’s surfing the waves or enjoying a day down by the river, she believes in embracing all kinds of sports and activities as a way to stay active, healthy, and connected to nature.
Combining her artistic flair with a deep commitment to fitness and health, Cassie is dedicated to helping others become the best versions of themselves while navigating life’s challenges.
Richie
Youth Justice Lead
Richie has been part of the Whakatipu Region for over 10 years . He is our Youth Justice lead and with a rich sporting background he enjoys sporting initiatives that challenge youth including any opportunity to help young people build a strong resilient skillset for life. You may find him Boxing with young people after school or in our community advocating for young people.
Brendan
Student Counsellor
Caitlin
Youth Support Worker
(Currently on maternity leave)
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.