Our People

Edmund was born in Newtown, Wellington and grew up and studied in the city. He is Latvian on his mother’s side, Austrian on his father’s, and his stepfather was Lebanese. Edmund was brought up rich in language and culture and he has worked extensively as a counsellor in a variety of education settings and with community groups. Prior to WellElder, Edmund worked at Victoria University in Wellington as part of the team counselling students. 

Edmund considers counselling is about relationships and an exploration of the many challenges we face in life. He likes to think he brings hope as well as humour to his counselling work and is interested in exploring dreams and imagination and is a passionate student of history. Outside of counselling Edmund enjoys most sports, particularly tennis and hiking and is a keen chess player who also enjoys looking at works of art. 

“I love my work as a counsellor. I am passionate about supporting people, particularly those facing barriers or challenges that prevent them from living their best lives. If you need help, someone to talk to, or someone to listen, that’s what I do best. I create a safe and compassionate space where people feel accepted and valued, free from judgment, and fully supported within the counselling experience.”

Jarrel holds a Bachelor of Counselling (Wellington Institute of Technology) and a Diploma of Ministry (Nazarene Theological College), and is a Full Member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.

Chad is a Wellington-based counsellor who brings a thoughtful and down-to-earth approach to his work. With a background in the creative industries, he values connection, listening, and understanding each person’s unique story. Chad is passionate about creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and respected. He enjoys working alongside people to navigate life’s challenges and find practical, meaningful ways forward.

Life can have its ups and downs, and at times it can feel overwhelming or uncertain. Mayumi works alongside individuals to help them make sense of their experiences, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with renewed hope.

She provides a warm, non-judgemental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, gain greater self-understanding, and work towards meaningful and lasting change.

Mayumi has a particular interest in supporting people experiencing stress, life transitions, cultural challenges, and feelings of isolation. Her approach is grounded in a person-centred, strengths-based framework, drawing on a range of therapeutic methods to suit each individual. She is passionate about culturally responsive practice and offers counselling in English, Japanese, and Mandarin.

Since moving to New Zealand in 2003, Laurence has lived in both the Wellington and Kapiti regions and now resides in Waikanae with his wife, Trish.

Laurence has dedicated much of his professional career to looking after people’s needs and has a passion for working with older clients and those navigating complex or challenging family dynamics, including difficult relationships with parents or other family members. He also has extensive experience supporting marriages and relationships.

Laurence enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren in Paraparaumu. His hobbies include cooking, reading, playing squash, fishing, and walking along the beautiful Kapiti Coast beaches.

Judy is a thoughtful counsellor with a depth of experience supporting people through life’s challenges. She draws on a range of therapeutic approaches and adapts her practice to meet clients’ individual needs. Judy creates a respectful space where clients feel supported and understood.

Having lived most of her life in Wellington, Judy recently relocated to the beautiful Kāpiti Coast, embracing the lifestyle it offers. Outside of her counselling work, she enjoys time with family, beach walks, bike rides, and creative activities.

A meaningful aspect of Judy’s practice is her partnership with Avon, a gentle black Labrador retriever trained by Mobility Dogs NZ. Avon’s calm and reassuring presence supports emotional regulation during sessions. Therapy dog involvement is optional and guided by each client’s choice.

Debra Halton brings extensive managerial expertise and a strong dedication to staff well-being to her role at WellElder. With a background in spearheading new projects and implementing initiatives, she excels at overcoming challenges and driving success. Based in Miramar with her daughter and two playful cats, Debra is enthusiastic about contributing to WellElder's mission of positively impacting the lives of older people.

Rachael has a background in community organisations and enjoys working in places that create a kinder and fairer Aotearoa. She enjoys crafts, reading, gardening and friendly phone conversations, so please don’t hesitate to give her a call with any questions!

Daphne was born and raised in Wellington to Dutch parents. She lives in Newtown with her husband Keith and has five adult children and three grandchildren.

Daphne has spent most of her working life in education – as a primary school teacher, adult educator and facilitator of projects focused on improving the wellbeing of both young and old.

She is an active member of Drama Christi – a community theatre, and Crows Feet – a women's dance collective with wonderful, wise and inspiring elders.

Judy has a broad interest in older people's health, and in-depth knowledge of how the government health sector works.

She was for many years Manager Health of Older People in the Ministry of Health. She led the team that developed the initial Health of Older People Strategy.

In her role as a programme manager, Older People's Wellness with ACC she did the development work on the nationwide programme, Live Stronger for Longer, which focuses on falls prevention for older people.

“The important work of moving the world forward does not wait to be done by perfect people.” – George Eliot

Philip was born in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and trained in medicine at St Andrews, Manchester, and London Universities. He is a retired GP and a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

Philip’s career has spanned clinical practice, medical research, and medicines regulation, alongside leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. In 2004, he moved to New Zealand to retrain in primary care, working in Upper Hutt and Porirua before establishing his own general practice in Lower Hutt. Over six years, the practice grew significantly, supporting a large number of high-needs patients and several residential care homes in the region.

Following this, Philip worked as a GP locum across Wellington, Kāpiti, and the Hutt Valley, including in high-needs practices. He has a strong interest in the care of older people and considers this one of the most meaningful aspects of his work.

He has also contributed to teaching and professional committees throughout his career. Philip joined the WellElder Board in September 2023.

Jane has lived and worked in Wellington since the 1990s, with many years of business experience in the corporate sector alongside community and not-for-profit roles. She is a people person first and foremost, and enjoys the range of relationships and challenges of working for not-for-profit organisations. She is pleased to contribute to the important work of supporting older people in the community.

As both a WellElder counsellor and a member of our Board, Jarrel brings a unique perspective to governance — combining professional expertise in counselling with first-hand insight into the day-to-day delivery of our services. Passionate about supporting people to overcome barriers and live their best lives, Jarrel’s dual role helps ensure our strategic decisions stay closely connected to the realities of client needs and service delivery.

I am an experienced counsellor with over a decade in the field, including time in private practice. I am passionate about supporting older adults, particularly those facing isolation, and I am committed to improving their well-being. As a board member, I bring strategic insight and a deep understanding of mental health to help advance WellElder’s mission.

Happily married for over three decades, I am a mum and proud kuia (grandmother). I understand the challenges that come with ageing—both for individuals and their families. I have a deep passion for supporting older adults and their whānau as they navigate the concerns and complexities of ageing. Through my counselling work, I have seen firsthand the value of providing compassionate support to our ageing population, and I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in this space.