OUR TRUSTEES
Wendy Neilson MNZM., J.P. M. Ed (Hons) Dip Tch
Wendy is a Teaching Fellow at the School of Education, University of Waikato. She has taught at all levels from primary to tertiary. As an evaluative lecturer she visits many schools assessing trainee teachers. Her Master’s thesis investigated how women with congenital disabilities saw success.
Wendy lives with disability and is actively involved with disability issues at both a personal and political level. She is on a number of national boards/councils including Workbridge (Council Vice-President), Podiatrists’ Board (Government appointed lay member), and is National President of DPA NZ. She is also an Accredited Barrier Free Auditor and is contracted by CCS Disability Action to deliver Disability Awareness workshops to schools and corporate bodies in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
In her ‘spare’ time Wendy and her husband love gardening and hosting friends, but her greatest joy is being a grandmother.
Michelle Rivers
(info to come)
Vanessa Donaldson
Vanessa is the mother of two boys Trent and James who are the recipients of Andy, an Assistance Dog. Both of her children have been diagnosed as being on the Autistim Spectrum.
"Over the years I have pursued many therapy options and alternative treatments, many of which have been helpful in developing my children further. At the time I heard about Assistance Dogs I was looking for something that would provide a level of communication opportunity and friendship for my boys to develop their social skills and to obtain assistance in teaching my youngest son James how to walk appropriately and safely ".
Vanessa and her boys received Andy and now a year later she says that the benefits of his presence, have been numerous and invaluable. "James is now walking beside me on the street with no attempts to run off and both boys have developed a strong relationship with Andy that has encouraged them socially both with peers at school, family and friends. This relationship becomes most apparent when they meet newcomers and within moments are telling them about their special dog, who cuddles them, performs tricks and whom they love unreservedly".
Vanessa's decision to join the ADNZ Trust was based on her desire to support the organisation while it continues to help other families in receiving an assistance dog. Having had the experience of going through the process of interview, assessment and training program Vanessa enjoys chatting to other families who are considering an Assistance Dog, telling them of her experiences and reassuring them that although all children are different, the benefits that are possible can be both surprising and fulfilling not only for the children but also for the parents.
Heath McFarlane
(info to come)
Wendy is a Teaching Fellow at the School of Education, University of Waikato. She has taught at all levels from primary to tertiary. As an evaluative lecturer she visits many schools assessing trainee teachers. Her Master’s thesis investigated how women with congenital disabilities saw success.
Wendy lives with disability and is actively involved with disability issues at both a personal and political level. She is on a number of national boards/councils including Workbridge (Council Vice-President), Podiatrists’ Board (Government appointed lay member), and is National President of DPA NZ. She is also an Accredited Barrier Free Auditor and is contracted by CCS Disability Action to deliver Disability Awareness workshops to schools and corporate bodies in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
In her ‘spare’ time Wendy and her husband love gardening and hosting friends, but her greatest joy is being a grandmother.
Michelle Rivers
(info to come)
Vanessa Donaldson
Vanessa is the mother of two boys Trent and James who are the recipients of Andy, an Assistance Dog. Both of her children have been diagnosed as being on the Autistim Spectrum.
"Over the years I have pursued many therapy options and alternative treatments, many of which have been helpful in developing my children further. At the time I heard about Assistance Dogs I was looking for something that would provide a level of communication opportunity and friendship for my boys to develop their social skills and to obtain assistance in teaching my youngest son James how to walk appropriately and safely ".
Vanessa and her boys received Andy and now a year later she says that the benefits of his presence, have been numerous and invaluable. "James is now walking beside me on the street with no attempts to run off and both boys have developed a strong relationship with Andy that has encouraged them socially both with peers at school, family and friends. This relationship becomes most apparent when they meet newcomers and within moments are telling them about their special dog, who cuddles them, performs tricks and whom they love unreservedly".
Vanessa's decision to join the ADNZ Trust was based on her desire to support the organisation while it continues to help other families in receiving an assistance dog. Having had the experience of going through the process of interview, assessment and training program Vanessa enjoys chatting to other families who are considering an Assistance Dog, telling them of her experiences and reassuring them that although all children are different, the benefits that are possible can be both surprising and fulfilling not only for the children but also for the parents.
Heath McFarlane
(info to come)