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. 

 Sarah has been counselling since 2017 in a variety of settings, and with a wide range of age groups. Sarah is passionate about drawing on a range of counselling approaches to meet the individual needs of her clients. In her spare time Sarah enjoys spending time taking care of and connecting to nature and tending to her garden.

Laura has a Graduate Diploma in Counselling Practice and is a practitioner in developmental movement therapy [Extra Lesson™], an educational approach to neuro-development and child development. Experienced in working with parents, children and young people. Laura provides counselling for women, men of all ages and couples experiencing loss and grief, abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, pain from chronic illness, transitioning through life stages.

Using a person-centred approach and inspired by the ideas of Viktor Frankl, Laura works with warmth, non-judgmental acceptance and deep listening in order to create a sacred and safe space with the client. Using stories, art, movement, play therapy, sensory integration, body awareness and mindfulness as a way to strengthen the client’s personal needs in their journey toward self-affirmation and self-discovery.

Laura has a PhD in social sciences from EHESS (Paris, France) which supports her understanding that clients are individuals existing in the wider context of their society and culture, demonstrated through working with people from many cultural backgrounds. She speaks Spanish and French as well, and honours Te Tiriti of Waitingi.

“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.

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.

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!

A counsellor for over 30 years, Jane is a life member of NZAC. She juggles her private practice with looking after her delightful grandson.

With a background in secondary and tertiary education, her passion is "helping people become the person they wish to be".

She joined the WellElder Board in 2012.

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 Elliott

Philip was born in Yorkshire, United Kingdom and trained at St Andrews, Manchester and London Universities. He is now a retired GP and presently President of U3A Wellington City.

He has previously held several roles in medical practice, medical research and medicines regulation. He has also had other roles in industry and commerce, and spent eight years in public service (excluding his clinical roles). At 54, he moved to New Zealand to retrain in primary care. After 6 years in the Hutt Valley (HV), he was encouraged to set up a new practice in Lower Hutt with a HVDHB grant, initially within the Te Awakairangi PHO. Philip spent the latter part of his career as a GP locum in Wellington, Kāpiti and the Hutt Valley, including 6 high needs practices. He has cared for many older persons of all ethnicities and supported up to 10 residential homes in this region over the years. He still feels this was his most useful contribution to primary care especally in a time of GP shortages.

Philip is a Fellow of the Royal College (RNZCGP), has taught at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, and served as a College GP examiner. He has also served on various Boards, including the National Stroke Network Committee, and as Chair of the HVDHB Long Term Conditions Committee.

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.

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.