Meet The Team
Our Board
Meet our dedicated board of volunteers! They are a diverse group representing various backgrounds and experiences. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives that enrich our nonprofit and enhance our community impact. Together, they work to support our goals and ensure that we serve our community effectively. We’re proud to have such a passionate team committed to making a difference.
Chairperson
Shuang (Mandy) Li
I have been a board member of Maternal Wellbeing Marlborough since 2020 and
became Chairperson in 2022. As a mother of three and a stepmother, I have
personally experienced the joys and challenges of motherhood. Having benefited
from the program myself, I was inspired to get involved so that more mothers can
access the support and guidance that uplifted me. My goal is to ensure every mother
in our community has the care and encouragement they need to thrive.
Secretary
Cristy Cameron
After experiencing postnatal depression following the birth of my son, I understand
firsthand how vital it is for mothers and families to have access to meaningful support
both before and after the birth of a child.
After moving to Blenheim in 2022, I joined Maternal Wellbeing Marlborough (MWM)
to contribute to an organisation dedicated to strengthening the wellbeing of mums
and their families. I am passionate about ensuring women have safe, supportive
spaces to connect, share experiences, and access the help they need.
I value the way our groups encourage mothers not only through challenging times
but also in celebrating the joy of pregnancy, the power of community, and the
importance of pausing to simply be. As a board member, I am committed to helping
build a community where every mum feels supported, understood, and connected.
Board Trustee
Hazel Thomson
I’m a Marlborough mum who first walked into the MWM groups feeling a bit wobbly
after a run-in with postnatal anxiety. The support I found there meant the world, so I
joined the Trust Board two years ago to give a little of that goodness back. I’m a firm
believer that when mums are supported and valued, the whole family can flourish.
Treasurer
Joanne Brady
As the Treasurer, I contribute strong financial skills and a broad volunteering
background to this wonderful Board. While I don’t have children myself, I’m pleased
to have the opportunity to put my skills to good use, and I’m proud to support an
organisation doing such meaningful work.
Trustee and local midwife
Emma Barnett
I am a midwife and have a passion for optimising maternal mental health. I have
worked in the community and hospital settings with women and their loved ones for
many years. Having a baby is momentous and transformative. It can be a time of
reflection and growth for all involved. I value being involved with Maternal Wellbeing
Marlborough as a Board member. I enjoy the opportunity to help support a diverse
group of women to achieve their goals and, most importantly, enjoy being a mother.
Digital Media Coordinator
Emily Shuttleworth
I support Maternal Wellbeing Marlborough through social media and digital marketing, helping share the organisation’s services, programs, and support with families across the region. Originally from Canada, I moved to New Zealand after meeting my Kiwi partner, and we are excited to be expecting our first baby this year. I’m passionate about using storytelling and digital communication to raise awareness around maternal wellbeing and strengthen community connection.
Our Facilitators
Antenatal and Postnatal Facilitator
Rosemary Crockett
Kia ora,
My husband Steve and I have 4 adult sons, 4 daughter-in-laws and 10 beautiful grandchildren. I was a primary school teacher for 30 years, then 4 years ago, I decided to retrain as a counsellor. I achieved my counselling degree through Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, and I now work as a School Counsellor, Private Therapist, and MMWM group facilitator.
As a new mum, I was supported by many women in my local community, and it has long been a desire to give back to the next generation of parents, encouraging self-care and holistic well-being. I look forward to meeting you and to journeying alongside you as you prepare for, and adapt to, the challenges and blessings of motherhood.
Postnatal Facilitator
Sarah O'Connor
Kia Ora,
I have two school-aged children. I grew up in Marlborough and returned here a few years ago. I love the beautiful natural environment and relaxed pace of life that living in Blenheim offers.
I worked in law for several years before pursuing my dream to work in wellbeing, by completing a Master's of Applied Positive Psychology through the University of Melbourne. Becoming a mother has given me a strong drive to improve the lives of mothers and, by extension, their whanau and communities. I strongly believe we can achieve this by educating and supporting new mums, to help them better understand and prepare for the complex changes that becoming a mother brings.
Please come and join us on this journey - we would love to have you.
Antenatal Facilitator
Hannah Reeve
Kia ora,
I hold a Bachelor of Counselling and have a deep passion for supporting mothers and their holistic wellbeing. I’m especially drawn to those early stages of motherhood, and I feel incredibly privileged to walk alongside women as they prepare for this life transition.
Outside of my work, you’ll usually find me soaking up all that Marlborough has to offer- walking the local tracks, spending time in nature, or simply enjoying the slower pace of life here. I bring that same grounded, down-to-earth energy into the group sessions, creating a safe, supportive space where you can just be yourself.
We look forward to sharing this space with you.
Antenatal Facilitator
Ciara MacDonald
Kia ora,
My name is Ciara Macdonald, and I am one of the MWM facilitators, mainly supporting the Antenatal Support Group.
I have two children, aged one and four, and have lived in Marlborough for almost ten years. I grew up in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne, and relocated here with my husband to start our family and enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer.
I am a primary school teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Film Studies. I taught in Blenheim for six years before taking time away from the classroom to raise my daughters.
Becoming a mother is a deeply transformative time, filled with both joy and challenge. It is a real privilege to walk alongside new and expectant mothers as they find their way through this season. I aim to offer support that is gentle and reassuring — grounded in self-compassion, connection, shared understanding, and simple strategies that can help you feel more supported and less alone.
Our Volunteers
Meet our wonderful "Baby Cuddlers". These women help take care of the children so the Mums can comfortably and confidently attend our Postnatal group.
Join Us in Empowering Mothers Today!