SOUTHERN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Clinical Psychologist at the University of Otago
Charlene is a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Otago. Her research and teaching are in the areas of sexuality, sexual abuse, and mental health.
Prior to working at the University Charlene worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults in primary mental health. She has some experience working with offenders.
A long time ago she taught drama to secondary school students.
She particularly enjoys working with children, young people, and their families and with male survivors of sexual abuse. In addition, areas of special interest include post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual abuse, sexual difficulties, and out-of-control sexual behaviours.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Chairman of OmniEye
Colin is Chairman of OmniEye and the founder of TracMap, a precision farming GPS guidance and job management system. Colin became one of New Zealand's best known agri-tech business owners. He grew TracMap to become one of New Zealand's largest agricultural GPS businesses, before taking the technology offshore, selling its Ag Aviation GPS system worldwide, and the ground based job management system into the viticulture and orcharding sectors in Australia and North America.
Colin began his career farming in New Zealand's South Otago, winning the prestigious NZ Young Farmer competition in 1982, before going into agricultural and management consultancy. As a consultant, Colin had a reputation for turning research concepts into economically successful business enterprises. Much of TracMap's growth and success to date can be attributed to the application of those same skills and expertise to growing the TracMap business.
Jessie is a Youth Worker at Southern Youth Development, her main responsibilities include youth work in schools and the community, leading the youth advisory council at syd, and managing syd's social media. Some may refer to her as the 'vibes manager'.
She has a Bachelor in Social Services specialising in Mental Health Support and has completed her Diploma in Youth Work. Jessie has a strong passion for working with people, Te Ao Māori, LGBTQIA+ community, equality and equity.
Jessie is an enthusiastic Fortnite player, when she is not looting the map she can be found enjoying gardening and spending time out in nature.
Mandy joined Southern Youth Development to take on the role of Finance and Administration.
She brings with her a range of administration and office management experience from the public and private sectors including local government, business development, membership, networking and hospitality.
Mandy enjoys bringing organisations and businesses together to achieve the greater opportunities for our rangatahi.
Job Titles:
- Senior Youth Worker - Ōtepoti
Michelle first joined Southern Youth Development in 2007 using her energy and love of the outdoors to connect with and empower rangatahi to challenge themselves and expand their knowledge, skills and experiences for positive future choices.
She took some time away to have her two children and rejoined the team to deliver our Alternative Education Programme.
Michelle enjoys spending time with her family hiking, biking and exploring Otago's hidden treasures.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Youth Trustee
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- She / Her / Associate Professor
Sara is a strong and passionate advocator for our young people/rangatahi.