Our Care Coordinators

Who we are…

Cushla – Nelson Manager

Hi, I’m Cushla and I manage Hapai Taumaha Hapūtanga/Crisis Pregnancy Support.

My background is in nursing. I have been a Paediatric Nurse, a Nurse Tutor and currently, I work part-time as a Practice Nurse.

We are here to provide a confidential and supportive free service. We are health professionals and share rooms with a GP clinic, and our goal is to provide “time” where you can feel safe and supported to explore all the issues that make this situation a crisis for you. We also provide caring support for women coping with post-abortion grief.

Wendy – Nelson Care Coordinator

Hi, my name is Wendy.

My passion for being involved in this work stems from my desire to bring hope and support to women when faced with what must be one of the most difficult situations they are ever likely to face.

I am committed to ensuring that women who are in the midst of a crisis brought on by an unplanned pregnancy are fully informed regarding the possible choices open to them, and also about the support avenues that are available to them.

Hemaima – Nelson Care Coordinator

Kia ora, Ko Hemaima ahau.

Nga mihi mahana kia koutou katoa. Warm greetings to you all. With a background of almost 48 years in the profession, it is an honour to be working as the Māori Liaison Nurse for Hapai Taumaha Hapūtanga/Crisis Pregnancy Support, Nelson. Having been called by God to be a nurse, I have always been passionate about being able to make a difference to the health and well being in the lives of those who I have been and am privileged to touch.

This mahi is a very specialised scope of practice of being an intermediary between preceding midwifery and Tamariki Ora. It is most rewarding working alongside our vulnerable young wāhine being able to provide the support they need to navigate their own pathways to wholeness and wellbeing. He aha te mea nui o te ao? Maku e ki atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata! What is most important in the world? I say you. It is people, people, people!

Olivia – Nelson Care Coordinator

Hi, my name is Olivia.

As a Registered Nurse, I have the great privilege of working with people from all walks of life.

I have been working as a Registered Nurse for five years in the public hospital, and I am a Co-ordinator for Crisis Pregnancy Support. I have a real heart for Women’s Health, having worked in a surgical ward with women having terminations and currently working in an acute surgical ward which also specialises in gynaecology. My passion is to get alongside women who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy and to work with them through the barriers they face daily, by offering professional and practical support while drawing on community resources.

Norma – Nelson Care Coordinator

Hi my name is Norma. I am a retired Nurse and Midwife.

After working with Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postnatal care for many years I am privileged to continue the work with young families.
I now deliver support to those having difficulties coping with unplanned pregnancies.
In my experience a good number of pregnancies are not planned and I know with the correct support, difficulties can be addressed with optimum outcomes for the baby, the parents and the wider whanau.

Anne – Nelson Care Coordinator

Hi, my name is Anne.

I have a background in Nursing and I am also a Counsellor, and I am one of the team members available to you at Hapai Taumaha Hapūtanga/Crisis Pregnancy Support.

I greatly value women and am here to listen, to hear you and journey with you, to offer support and to share any information that I have that you may want to know at this time.

Joseph – Nelson GP / Medical Advisor

Hi, my name is Joseph and I am the Medical Advisor for Hapai Taumaha Hapūtanga/Crisis Pregnancy Support.

When I started out in General Practice it was clear that women with unplanned pregnancies were not provided with enough choice and many would choose termination of pregnancy as it seemed the only viable option. I wanted to see a service which could provide authentic support for women coping with a crisis pregnancy who want to explore alternatives to termination of pregnancy. Crisis Pregnancy Support has been a huge support for my patients, as well as their partners and families.

I have a background in Obstetrics, Paediatrics and General Practice, and as a GP I know that a crisis pregnancy can create many complex issues and dilemmas. I understand the importance of giving space and as much time as is needed to explore these issues so that women can make fully informed choices.