Meet the Brackenridge team

Chief Executive Officer

Pip joined Brackenridge as CEO in August 2014, after working in senior management roles for the Hawkes Bay, Southern, and Otago District Health Boards. Originally a Registered Nurse, Pip also holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and Public Health (MPH), along with being a member of the Institute of Directors.

Pip is very proud to lead Brackenridge - an organisation of like-minded people committed to empowering people to live great lives of their choosing. Pip believes strongly in the ability and rights of all people. She is passionate about supporting people and their families to have greater choice and control over the support they receive and the lives they lead.

Originally from Cheviot, Pip enjoys a rural, outdoor lifestyle and lives with her partner Marty in North Canterbury amongst a few acres of land, full of animals and a large garden.

General Manager, Service Delivery

Nick joined Brackenridge in June 2017 and has come from the Department of Corrections where he was the Programme Manager of Canterbury Rebuild and Service Design. Nick has over 20 years of experience in project and operational management roles within the Department of Corrections. In his earlier career, Nick worked as a Community Support Worker supporting people with intellectual disabilities in Sydney. He has also held learning and development roles in Auckland healthcare and was a Kai-awhina for Te Kohanga Reo o Rehua here in Christchurch.

During his career, he has been a strong advocate for inclusive communities. Nick’s value set is strongly aligned with our values. Renowned for his excellent people management and leadership skills, Nick has excellent communication, relationship, and partnership development.

Nick and his wife Poalaga Selma Scott have three children. With a passion for music, Nick spends his spare time playing in a band and singing in a choir.

General Manager, Finance and Commercial Support Services

Liz joined Brackenridge in May 2024, after working in many and varied roles over the course of her career to date across a range of financial & commercial roles in an array of sectors and industries. Mostly significantly Liz was the GM Finance, Information Services and Payroll for Spectrum Care (a large disability support provider organisation based out of Auckland) for eight years. She retains her Chartered Accountants qualification and is a member of the Institute of Directors.  She also serves on the Board of Ember Well-being Trust, a mental health and addictions service based in the upper North Island.

Returning to her Cantabrian roots and family in September 2020, Liz did some contracting work for Brackenridge which included progressing the programme of work reviewing the funding levels for the people we support. Then she continued with her family connections in the grain and seed industry when she became the Finance Manager for Luisetti Seeds Ltd. 

Liz describes the call of the disability sector as being strong which gave rise to her applying for the role. She is delighted to be joining Brackenridge and is looking forward to working with us all as we continue to empower the people we support and their whanau to live their best lives.

General Manager, Quality, Risk & Strategy

A passionate advocate for the people we support, Carolyn brings a strong focus on quality, risk, and strategy to all areas of the organisation.

Carolyn has a wealth of experience in customer-focused leadership, general management, and governance having held senior roles in the UK service industry as well in New Zealand’s health, social, and disability sectors. Previous NZ organisations include SportsMed, Cholmondeley Children Centre, and Blind Low Vision NZ. Carolyn also volunteers her time as a trustee and Chair for Bellyful New Zealand.

When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll find Carolyn enjoying time in the great outdoors with her family and gorgeous bearded collie dog, Pepper.

Please feel free to contact Carolyn with any comments and suggestions about the service at Brackenridge.

General Manager, People & Culture

Mark joined the Executive Team in 2022 to help support great lives across our community. With significant experience in senior leadership roles and Human Resources, he joined the team after a seven-year stint as HR Manager at Environment Canterbury.

Mark has previously worked for Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha Canterbury, Wellington City Council, Housing New Zealand, Air New Zealand, and ACC. He prides himself on being a people person with plenty of experience in the design and implementation of strategic people initiatives.

With the lived family experience of disability, Mark is passionate about enabling disabled people to live their best lives.

Service Manager

Gafa manages several support teams and is committed to delivering meaningful person directed outcomes across the disability sector.

For more information email Gafa at Gafa.Tuiloma@Brackenridge.org.nz

Practice and Quality Manager

Julie is motivated to improve the quality of support practice offered to people. Julie’s 20 years plus of experience working at Brackenridge means she has a strong understanding of the Brackenridge community and advocates for their full citizenship and rights.

Get in touch with Julie at Julie.Hampton@brackenridge.org.nz

Service Development Coordinator

Kate’s role helps to maximise the opportunities and community connections people at Brackenridge seek in their lives. Kate works with our different support teams to find different ways to unlock barriers faced by people, whether it be employment, education or empowerment.

To learn more, email Kate at Kate.Smeele@brackenridge.org.nz

Whānau Services Manager

James has a proactive support role that engages people and their support teams to promote the culture of positive behaviour support for people with disabilities. James is dedicated to supporting people with their aspirations.

Talk to James today, James.Walker@brackenridge.org.nz

Practice Leader

From a support work background, Vanessa’s focus is on ensuring that support teams have the tools and support to always do the right thing for the people being supported. Vanessa provides hands-on practical support to improve teams’ understanding and implementation of evidence-based practice.

Get in touch with Vanessa Vanessa.Holt@brackenridge.org.nz

Service Manager - Intensive Support and Response

Pene is dedicated to supporting positive outcomes for people and their families. Pene has a wealth of experience and enjoys seeing people empowered, connected, and living their best life.

Get in touch with Pene, Pene.Kingsford@Brackenridge.org.nz

Operations Manager

Vivienne believes strongly in a person-directed approach and, since joining Brackenridge has been committed to supporting people to live their lives of choice. Viv ensures that mana-enhancing support is offered to not only people we support but also to our support staff who are walking alongside them.

For more information email Vivienne.Lorgelly@brackenridge.org.nz

Group Manager Service Development

Sue comes to us for this newly created role with extensive operational management, and service development experience.

Sue is working to develop new ways to better support our people create great lives of their choosing while also ensuring whānau are part of that as well. She believes that good service design includes peoples’ voices and choices.

Sue has a passion for people and finding innovative ways to improve how we interact and support them.

Sue has a real connection with Māori uara /values of aroha and kotahitanga. To relax, she spends time connecting with people and the taiao/natural world.

Sue can be contacted at sue.quinn@brackenridge.org.nz

Learning and Development Manager

Ryan’s newly created role ensures Brackenridge continues to invest in and support the learning and development of staff to ensure we all have the skills and competencies to deliver outcomes for the people we support now and in the future.

Ryan comes to us from an education background. He is excited to work in a people-oriented role and to support our teams through learning, so we can have a positive impact on the lives of people we support.

Ryan can be contacted at ryan.shaughnessy@brackenridge.org.nz

Service Delivery Administrator

Aileen has a pivotal role in supporting our Service Delivery team with scheduling meetings, managing documentation, and liaising with different teams to support the delivery of quality service.

Contact Aileen on Aileen.Taylor@Brackenridge.org.nz

Behaviour Specialist

Mitch has been walking alongside people we support and assisting in developing behaviour plans for those people who require that level of support. Behaviour plans are based on positive behaviour support and are aimed at increasing a person’s independence and quality of life.

Get in touch with Mitch, Mitch.Cairns@Brackenridge.org.nz

Duty Manager

With over twenty years of experience at Brackenridge, Lynley has a vast understanding of the different components involved in scheduling support teams. Lynley enjoys seeing all people thrive and live their dreams.

Chat to Lynley today, Lynley.Baxter@Brackenridge.org.nz

Service Manager

Carol is known for her people skills and passionate leadership. Carol has a strong dedication to ensuring the highest quality support and care is offered to people and their whānau. Carol has been supporting people with their aspirations since she started as a support worker over 15 years ago.

You can contact Carol at, Carol.Scarlett@Brackenridge.org.nz

Practice Coach

Janet spends her day alongside young people and their families to support their aspirations and goals. Janet’s extensive support worker experience enables her to have a deep understanding of the different elements involved in providing mana-enhancing support.

Chat with Janet today, Janet.Wills@Brackenridge.org.nz

Health Advisor

Anna comes to us as a comprehensive trained nurse with a strong background in the Mental Health and Disability sectors.

Anna has a passion for working alongside the people we support and their whānau and improving their overall health.

Get in touch with Anna, anna.wilson@brackenridge.org.nz

Service Coordinator

Nickie believes in the unique strengths of every individual and supports the Brackenridge mission to empower people to live great lives. Nickie’s known for her strong relationship-building skills, along with her community leadership and engagement.

Contact Nickie at Nicola.Spicer@Brackenridge.org.nz

Acting Service Manager, Young People

Sandeep is a new addition to our Service Delivery team and coordinates our Young Person’s Service. He works closely with young people and their families to understand their different aspirations and how he can assist them to achieve what is meaningful to them.

Sandeep is happy to be contacted, Sandeep.Singh@Brackenridge.org.nz