Our People
The New Zealand Youth Mentoring Network (NZYMN) is a charitable trust that works alongside those who work with young people. We are governed by a voluntary board of trustees with extensive experience in working with young people. Our General Manager works with a team of dedicated contractors to deliver on our organisational objectives.
Staff
Facilitators
James McGoram
General Manager
James has been involved in a number of non-profit organisations over the last decade, becoming well-known as an advocate for people with rare disorders & disability. Born and raised in West Auckland, where he continues to live with his family, James has also run his own successful business and is passionate about community-driven change.
Anjali Sehgal
Administration Assistant
Anjali is a current University of Auckland student pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts conjoint degree, majoring in Marketing, Management, and Communications. She is excited to bring her energy, organizational skills, and dedication to NZYMN where she can make a meaningful impact and contribute to positive change.
Ross McCook
Trainer/Facilitator
Ross is the founding co-director for Heart For Youth Charitable Trust. He has over 20 years experience working with youth and in 2014 was awarded a community service medal for his outstanding work with youth and youth at risk. Ross is based in Auckland.
Rod Baxter ONZM
Trainer/Facilitator
Rod is the Chief Executive of the King's Trust NZ. He previously worked for NZ Red Cross and The Boys and Girls Institute. Rod has a background in youth work, education, supervision and theatre. He is based in Wellington.
Our Trustees
Ann Dunphy MNZM
Chair
Based at the University of Auckland's Epsom campus since 1999, Ann maintains the commitment to quality educational opportunities for lower-decile students that has been her life's work. In 2000 she co-founded the Auckland Youth Mentoring Association, which has now been developed into The Youth Mentoring Network.
Dr Hilary Dutton
Deputy Chair
Hilary (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa) is an academic, currently based in the Faculty of Education at the University of Canterbury, who specialises in youth mentoring and youth development research. Her research interest is inspired by her own experience as a youth mentor, and focuses on the development of high quality mentoring relationships.
Deborah Cane
Treasurer
Joy Eaton
Joy’s career history is as a teacher/senior leader in several secondary schools in South and West Auckland. She followed this as Deputy Director for the Starpath Project – a University of Auckland project supporting Māori and Pasifika student pathways to degree level study.
Christian Belmont
Christian Belmont is a dedicated advocate for youth development and mentoring, serving as the Project and Compliance Manager at the Liger Leadership Academy. With a passion for project-based learning, Christian works directly with students, empowering them as change-agents to create impact themselves.
Connor Bourne
Connor is a dedicated advocate for empowering young minds and is thrilled to serve as a trustee for NZYMN. With a passion for making a positive impact on youth in Aotearoa, Connor has nearly a decade of experience in the mentoring field as a programme manager, coordinator and mentor.
Dr Pat Bullen
Dr Pat Bullen is a Senior Lecturer specialising in youth development and youth mentoring in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland. Her research and teaching focus on the factors that contribute to thriving during adolescence, particularly during times of transition.
Michelle Johansson
Michelle is a Tongan mother, theatre-maker and educator. She serves as Kaitiaki at Ako Mātātupu: Teach First NZ, growing exceptional people to teach in low-decile schools. She is Kaiwhakahaere at Māia Centre for Social Justice and Education and the Creative Director of the Black Friars.
Chris Sullivan
Chris currently leads business development at Springboard Trust, is a director of Ako Matatupu – Teach First New Zealand, and runs his own consultancy. He brings experiences as an experienced director, consultant, general manager and project manager and more than 15 years of experience working with public, private, and not-for-profit clients.
