Kathryn joined HELP as Clinical Manager in 1997, following time as a student crisis worker in the early 1980s. A highly respected Clinical Psychologist with a background in Mental Health Services and research at the University of Auckland, she is nearing 30 years of service with HELP, marking a tenure defined by significant contributions to the sexual violence support sector. Since 2016 she has been our Executive Director.
A driving force for progress, Kathryn is a founding member of Te Ōhaakii ā Hine – National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST) and an executive committee member of the Tauiwi Caucus. She leads TOAH-NNEST’s Tauiwi Caucus’ Justice Issues portfolio. She also co-founded and sits on the executive committee for Project Restore, the initiative that developed a nationally-used model for the practice of restorative justice in sexual violence cases.
Kathryn’s expertise extends to national policy and practice, having contributed several research papers to the Task Force for Action on Sexual Violence and instigating the Good Practice Guidelines for Mainstream Crisis Response project. She developed guidelines for crisis support services used nationwide and is a regular and trusted voice on behalf of survivors, frequently called upon by New Zealand and international media (including Radio NZ, TV One and Three, and many newspapers and magazines) to comment on all facets of sexual abuse and harm. She has appeared in many podcasts and videos for HELP, ACC and many others sharing knowledge on how to educate and protect children and others.
Kathryn is passionate about good practice, collaborative sector relationships, and ensuring the best outcomes for survivors, particularly focusing on the needs of children and young people impacted by sexual violence.