Our staff members are trained professionals. They are carefully selected for their skill, training, experience and commitment to client service and confidentiality.
Social work staff are members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers and adhere to the association's Code of Ethics.

Karen Currie, MANZASW – Practice Manager (Dip Cnslg)

Karen has worked in the area of social services as a volunteer and a paid employee, working in retirement homes, community houses, prisons and has facilitated/recorded conferences for Restorative Justice Services. Karen is passionate about providing opportunities for positive change for a sector of society that go under the radar.

Alison Symons - Office Administrator

Alison is a Southlander who moved to Christchurch with her family 8 years ago.  She has worked mostly in administration and office work, as well she has done various courses over the years including some papers toward a social work degree which she would like to complete in the future. Having been a single Mum she has an understanding and desire to enable others to better their lives.

Deborah Swaney – Mentoring Coordinator (BA (Hons))

Deborah grew up in Christchurch and has an honours degree in English and Spanish from the University of Canterbury. Deborah has a background working and volunteering in youth and children's work on the east side of Christchurch. She has co-ordinating the Pillars mentoring programme since 2009 and loves working with volunteers to help them as they support children to reach their full potential.

Hania Wagenvoort, MANZASW – Social Worker (Dip S.W., CertSocServ)

Hania has worked in the community as a voluntary worker with women’s support groups to help break down social isolation. She then went on to work as a volunteer providing support for families in their home with parenting. During this time she completed her Certificate in Social Services and then a Diploma in Social Work in 2004. Her passion is working with families to create a strong parent-child relationship. She is a full member of ANZASW.

Suzanne Adcock – Pillars Activities Centre Co-ordinator

Suzanne is a registered teacher with a passion for maintaining positive family relationships between children and parents while in the prison system. Her particular interest is in being part of innovative ideas and groups who promote positive change and challenge stero-types within the prison sector. She has experience in social services working/volunteering in drug and alcohol programmes, child focussed groups and positive parenting activities.  Suzanne has a mental health certificate, Diploma in Teaching and Learning (ECE) and studying towards her Bachelor of Social Work Degree.

Renata Marhevka – Pillars Activities Centre Co-ordinator

Renata was born in the Ukraine and in 2002 she moved to New Zealand to start a new life. Renata is currently studying Psychology at the University of Canterbury.  She is a dedicated mother to her two daughters and is very passionate about working with children who need extra support and care.
Renata recently joined Pillars and is very enthusiastic about her new role of working with children of prisoners; helping them to have a good quality time while visiting their family member in prison and providing them with opportunities and guidance of how a limited time in the stressful environment can be converted into fun family time that children need the most.

Linda Smith - Close to Home Programme Coordinator.

Christchurch has been a part of my life for over 40 years. While enjoying past travel experiences overseas our family is firmly committed to enjoying and exploring the stunning country in which we live.
After teaching for a number of years I became involved in working for social organisations facilitating courses for adults and children. I have been a Restorative Justice facilitator for many years and value working in this area.  My strong belief is that people should have the right to take responsibility for, and control of their lives, and to be supported along their chosen pathways.

Lois Rangi Naera – Social Worker (Dip Whanau Development)

Lois is of Maori descent and of Te Aupouri, Ngati Kuri, Te Rarawa, Ngati Kahu and Ngai Takato Iwi.

Lois has worked in the social sector for more than 28 years with 20 years sēnt working with diverse groups of families in Australia.

Lois believes that for families to succeed, practitioners must utilise a selection of interventions to assist families to achieve their aspirations.

Lois has a certificate in Small Business Management, Deiploma in Te Ara Taki Manu Korero, Statement of Attainment in Counselling, Postgraduate Certificate in Whanau Development and currently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Whanau Development.

Lois is currently undergoing her registration with the ANZASW.

Georgina Langdon-Pole - Mentoring Coordinator (MA in Development Studies, BA in Sociology)

Georgina has worked in community development for the past 7 years in New Zealand, India and Tanzania. She has worked predominantly for child-focussed organisations carrying out research, programme development and coordination.  Georgina completed her Masters in Development Studies in 2011, which took her back to India to study the relationship between child labour and discrimination in the slums of Kanpur. At present Georgina is passionate about contributing to her own community, Auckland, and supporting mentors to make a difference in the lives of children of prisoners in South Auckland..