Building Mitey Children, Together
The Sir John Kirwan Foundation’s intent is that Mitey will help address the rising rates of depression and anxiety in our children and ultimately turn our mental health and suicide statistics around. And that’s exciting.
Sarah Manley
CEO
Sarah comes with huge experience in growing successful school initiatives having been at Hato Hone St John for 11 years, playing a significant leadership role in developing and delivering a number of impactful national health and education initiatives that focus on wellbeing. Sarah is passionate about mental health education and sees her role as driving Mitey forward, ensuring it is in every school in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Alistair Duff
Head of Commercial Development and Communications
Alistair has had a long and successful career in media, sales and sponsorship. He brings that wealth of knowledge into the for-purpose sector transforming the way we think about partnerships and growth. Committed to the mental health of our most vulnerable, Alistair spends his spare time as a well-respected counsellor for Lifeline.
Shannon Van Tonder
Administration Manager
Shannon comes with extensive experience in ensuring entities have everything they need to achieve their mission. She brings a skill set that sets our people up to be the very best they can be. The vision and commitment of the Mitey aligns with Shannon’s desire to be involved in fostering positive change.
Nikki Flexman
Head of Impact
Nikki has a finely honed skill set gained from her career as a lawyer, an education and psychology degree and her position for six years on the Board of Trustees of an Auckland primary school. Her passion for wellbeing and youth drives her ambition to grow and nurture a school wide approach to mental health education in New Zealand.
Jane Keely
Head of Coaching and Delivery - Phase 1
With more than 20 years experience in New Zealand primary school education, Jane is skilled in mentoring teachers and modelling best practice. A firm believer that happy kids learn, she has a strong desire to develop knowledge and skills in young people to help them navigate a complex and ever changing world. Jane leads a team of Mitey coaches who deliver impactful professional development to teachers and senior leadership teams.
Caroline Blair
Head of Coaching and Delivery – Phase 2
Caroline brings a varied skill set from her experience working in primary school education, commercial management and running her own business. A passion for wellbeing to ensure people thrive is what drives Caroline to ensure the Mitey is both impactful and sustainable. Caroline leads a team of Mitey coaches who deliver world class professional development to teachers and senior leadership teams.