FACILITATORS
Cathy Fletcher
I have four daughters and live locally in Mauku. After the birth of my second daughter I suffered PND, an experience that has changed my life for the better. I am now one of the facilitators at Well Women and love helping other women on their journey to wellness.
Jane Fausett
I lead the facilitation team at Well Women and am a Wellness Coach specialising in recovery from depression and anxiety. I have four children and live locally in Pukekohe. Depression has touched my life and I urge you to speak up and share – you are not alone. With encouragement and support we can recover and enjoy a whole new stage of our life’s journey.
Rachel Abernethy
Kia Ora my name is Rachel and I’m a mother of two and a Franklin local. I experienced a difficult time after the birth of my first child 5 years ago and it made me realise that it’s not what we experience but rather how we experience those things that impacts us. I’m incredibly passionate about all mothers being supported and heard. I’m honoured to be part of this wonderful community supporting mothers to thrive.
Sarah Ottaway
Hello, Kia Ora , I am a mother of 2. After a very long struggle to create my family my entry to parenthood was tough and not at all what I hoped or dreamed of. I struggled with Antenatal and Postnatal Distress. I had a history of medical complications, PTSD & trauma already and had till then, managed rather well. Suddenly usual coping strategies just didn’t quite fit with my new motherhood experience. I desperately needed to revisit my mental health needs. Well Women was life-altering and the best wrap-around support for me while I worked through my journey. I’m pleased now, full circle, my journey has led me here, passionate to support, acknowledge and stand alongside other women who are in the struggle and are striving for better wellness.
OUR BOARD AND MANAGEMENT TEAM
Judith Couch
Tēnā koutou katoa, I am currently the Chairperson of Well Women and a Midwife. I live on a lifestyle block and have four children and three grandchildren! As a midwife I know how valuable this group is for women and their whānau needing support. Kia kaha, kia manawanui – stay strong, stay patient.
Sally Warrender
Tēnā koutou katoa, I am the General Manager for Well Women. I oversee day to day operations, funding, marketing and building relationships with other social services. l was drawn to this mahi because I know having a baby or young children can be really tough. Supporting mothers supports the wider whānau, this is critical if we are to grow strong, healthy children. My own whānau is a fabulously blended mix of 6 adult children (5 girls) and 8 grandkids. I live on a life sentence block, just out of Pukekohe with a mix of sheep, cows, and Felix the cat.
Karen Bowden
I am the operations lead/administrator at Well Women. I support the team, enabling them to focus on supporting women. I also lead the childcare and in home support team, providing training and guidance for this vital aspect of our mahi. I love being able to support and lend a hand to women where I can. I’m proud to be involved with such a unique and empowering group.
Clair Huggard
I am the treasurer and on the board/committee for Well Women. I provide financial and funding support, budgeting and HR for the team. I live in rural Pukekohe with my young family.
Kate Barby
I have been a board/committee member of Well Women since 2021. I hold a diploma in Social Services. I have had personal experience with post-natal depression and have previously received help from Well Women. I greatly benefited from their support and services, which has in turn made me deeply committed and passionate about the organisation and its services to the community. I strongly believe that every mother on their wellness journey should have access to free support.
I have an extensive background in working with charity organisations in support and senior administration roles.
I am a busy mother of three boys and live in Pukekohe.
Lisa Goodare
I am a board/committee member of Well Women. I am proud to support this mahi, especially supporting mothers when they need it most. I live just out of Pukekohe with my family.