Dayspring’s Team
Meet the people behind Dayspring
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Chief Executive Officer
(BComm (Hons), MPBS)Sheena joined the Dayspring team from a healthcare NGO that was South Auckland based but delivered services across Auckland. Sheena is passionate about working collaboratively to improve service delivery, impact and support especially for our mothers and caregivers, their whanau and the broader community. Sheena is enjoying working with the passionate, experienced and dedicated team at Dayspring.
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Office Manager &
Circle of Security Programme Facilitator
(BSc - Psych)Ondrea plays a vital role in supporting our client-facing teams and services. She ensures every enquiry is warmly received, client bookings run smoothly, and the right information reaches the right people. With deep experience across admin, finance, and reporting, Ondrea brings calm, care, and clarity to the heart of Dayspring’s operations.
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Crèche Manager
(BEd - Early Childhood Teaching)Sophie has been involved in early childhood education for over 25 years, working as a Nanny and in ECE centres both in New Zealand and overseas. Sophie completed her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at AUT in 2005 before beginning a family. Sophie lives in Waitākere Township on a semi-rural piece of land with her teenage son and daughter.
Counselling Team
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Counsellor and Team Leader
(BSocPrac (Couns), PG Cert (Couns Supv.), Registered MNZAC).Liz has worked as a Counsellor for Dayspring Trust for a number of years and continues to hold a passion for community based maternal mental health. Clients struggle daily with the effects of mental unwellness, but their courage to seek support and their capacity to bring about change gives her the energy and curiosity to keep doing the work. Her theory of practice works within a collaborative framework of Narrative and Attachment theory. Liz has lived in West Auckland for 25 years with her whānau.
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Counsellor (BCouns, BEd PGDipTchng)
Rebecca graduated in 2023 with her counselling degree having previously been in the ECE sector for 33 years in teaching and management roles. Rebecca enjoys using a formative, holistic approach using values of Person Centred therapy, narrated therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, attachment theory and neuro-science understandings, tailoring approaches to the client. Rebecca has 6 children and 8 grandchildren.
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Counsellor (BHSc - Counselling) (Provisional NZAC membership)
CC is a new graduate who completed her practicum at Dayspring and loved the work so much she stayed on. CC is NZborn Chinese/Pākeha. She is passionate about empowering mothers to navigate the challenges of parenthood, fostering resilience, and promoting overall well-being. CC’s approach is person-centred, aligning with a Te Tiriti ō Waitangi-based practice championing autonomy and collaboration. CC is a mother of two wonderful girls.
Board of Trustees
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Chair
Megan joined the board in 2019. Megan has a teenage son and has lived experience of post-natal depression and struggled with support from maternal mental health at the time. With a career in public service, having held various roles within local and central government and community organisations, Megan brings a deep understanding of system thinking, strategy and community engagement. Megan has been instrumental in shaping initiatives that benefit our community with her strong social justice lens and involvement in equity planning to ensure underrepresented groups have a voice in policy and planning.
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Treasurer
Stephen joined the board in 2018. Stephen had extensive experience in leadership roles in a multinational organisation for over 35 years including being a General Manager/Director for over 10 years in New Zealand.
Stephen retired at 60 and has been actively volunteering for local nonprofits in a range of governance roles. He has a passion to serve where the work aligns with his faith and to use the skills and knowledge from his time in business.
Stephen’s expertise in non-for-profit governance and his meticulous attention to detail and extensive business acumen helps maintain our organisational integrity and compliance. His contributions are vital to our governance. Stephen’s expertise in commerce allows us to navigate complex economic landscapes and make informed decisions that support our mission.
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Ngati Awa
Māori Cultural Advisor, TrusteeElaine joined the board in 2012 and for 4.5 years was co-Chair with John. Elaine has over 20 years experience working in Māori Mental Health and Addictions, with a focus on wāhine, teen mothers and pēpi, women’s refuge or older women.
Elaine is a proud Māori leader with extensive experience in the field of mental health. As our Cultural Advisor, Elaine plays a crucial role in ensuring that our programmes and services are culturally responsive and respectful of the diverse communities we serve. Elaine has worked in Māori Mental Health and Addictions, advocating for holistic approaches to well-being. Her dedication to mental health advocacy and commitment to cultural integrity make Elaine an invaluable asset to our board.
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Trustee
Jacky joined the trust in 2019. Jacky has lived experience of birth trauma and wants to give her skills to help other people with similar experience. Jacky has extensive experience in law having worked for large law firms in New Zealand and Britain specialising in IP, IT, contract law and marketing/advertising. Jacky transitioned into corporate and legal governance.
Jacky has her own consultancy firm supporting boards in corporate governance and company secretary roles. Jacky brings a wealth of experience in the legal field. Her extensive knowledge in law and governance has been invaluable in ensuring our organisation operates with the highest standards of integrity and compliance. In addition to her legal acumen, Jacky is deeply committed to our mission of improving maternal mental health support.
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Trustee
Karen Gardner joined the board of the Dayspring Trust in 2025. Her commitment to serving mothers, babies, and families continues to expand through both clinical work and community leadership.
Karen is a dedicated Paediatric and Maternity Osteopath with over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the co-director of a respected osteopathic clinic based in Mt Eden, which she runs alongside her husband. Karen’s work is rooted in a deep passion for maternal mental health and holistic care for women during the pre- and post-partum periods. She brings empathy, clinical expertise, and a nurturing presence to every aspect of her practice.
Outside of her professional life, Karen is a proud mother of two and grandmother of five, drawing inspiration daily from the joy and complexity of family life.
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Rebecca (Bex) Martelletti - Te Ātiawa Taranaki
Trustee
Bex joined the Trust in 2025. Bex has lived experience with mental health and while childfree, is a proud Auntie to Tamariki in her immediate and wider chosen whānau.
Bex has extensive PR, event and arts industry experience, with over fifteen years’ experience in the communications, marketing and media industries and has a desire to give back to communities she is passionate about. An advocate for mental wellbeing and women, Bex is also currently enrolled with AUT and on her journey to reconnect with her whakapapa through tikanga and te reo Māori.
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Trustee
Gurjit joined the Board in 2025 as a seasoned Risk, Compliance, and Governance specialist with over 10 years of experience within the Financial Services Insurance Industry.
Gurjit is a passionate advocate for helping communities, having volunteered and raised funds for various charities. They joined the Day Spring Trust to learn more about being a trustee and to enhance their understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
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Trustee
Kate joined the Board in 2025. Kate has a background in law and advocacy. She has worked in legal and campaign roles at a large international NGO and collaborated with many organisations in Aotearoa's not-for-profit space. Kate brings experience and understanding of the charity sector, legal and policy issues, fundraising strategy, and not-for-profit advocacy.
Get Involved
Join us in our mission to support mothers!
See our vacancies, or volunteer opportunities by clicking one of the links below.