Staff

 

Ainslie Gee (Manager)

Ainslie has worked in the human services for the last 15 years – including working in mental health, addictions, disability, child protection and women’s safety services. Most recently she was working in Melbourne leading a project focussed on increasing social inclusion and decreasing social isolation, for individuals with disabilities. Prior to this she has been involved in several community projects within the disability sector supporting funding empowerment, developing natural supports and circles of support, relationship development, individualised life dreaming, sexuality and disability, and holistic health. Ainslie has also delivered training on how staff and services can support people in their development of their optimum life – creating what they consider ‘a good life’ for themselves. Ainslie grew up in West Auckland, and has focussed her studies on sociology in relation to human service work. She is a keen tennis player, a motorbike pillion, and coffee drinker.

 

Campbell Larsen (Policy and Projects Advisor)

Campbell has a Bachelor of Science with a major in Philosophy. He has extensive experience in both community and local government environments and is particularly interested in the strategic development of NGOs and in the not-for-profit sector. Campbell has a holistic attitude to mental distress and wellbeing. He wants to see New Zealand build an inclusive community that recognises the value of mental illness experiences, provides people with positive ways to cope with them, and to encourage a society where people with personal experiences are leaders in creating mentally healthy communities for all.

 

 

Joey Macdonald (Policy and Projects Advisor)

Joey recently completed his Masters in Gender Studies, Sociology and Social Work at the University of Otago, and now lives in Maungawhau/Mt Eden. He is passionate about creating positive social change, and has worked as a volunteer and paid employee in several community organisations (most recently OUTLine NZ and Rainbow Youth) prior to coming on board at Changing Minds. Joey is excited to use his skills as a writer, educator, and facilitator in his work, and is particularly invested in a strengths-based wellbeing model for mental health.

 

 

 

Erin Fae – Changing Minds Information Centre Coordinator
Auckland-based New Yorker Erin Fae has been an activist and a library enthusiast for as long as she can remember. She’s spent the past several years working in communications for non-profits and advocating for everyone’s mental health and sexual health & rights. A femme, a feminist and a professional queer, she is also the co-director of Alphabet City, a community art space focused on printing and the written word. She’s thrilled to join Changing Minds as she prioritises community and looks forward to facilitating creative ways people can support themselves and each other around wellbeing.