Waikato

Vandna Stringer

Since beginning her career in the mental health and disability sector in Scotland over 15 years ago, Van has worked as an occupational therapist across a range of mental health, physical health and integrated care settings. Van holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in psychology and a Master of Science in occupational therapy. 

Working for the Waikato DHB’s Mental Health and Addictions Service, Van has held a variety of roles including community occupational therapist, clinical lead and project manager. Van is passionate about empowering and enabling others to reach their potential and has a keen interest in service development. Van joined LinkPeople in 2019 as clinical lead, was the team leader for Ahikāroa since its inception, and was appointed as the regional manager at the end of 2020.

Rachael Kirner

Rachael Kirner has a Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences (majoring in Social Work), and postgraduate qualifications in addiction studies, professional supervision, and environmental studies (health management and leadership). Rachael joined LinkPeople in 2019, leading a pilot service with the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre, using housing as a health intervention, and collaborating with community services to support tangata whai ora to live successfully in the community. She is a registered alcohol and drug practitioner and has been the housing team leader for Ahikāroa since its inception in 2020.

Mark Patchett

Mark has a Bachelor is Communications degree and has been with the Wise Group since 2014, starting out with Linkage – which merged with Keys Social Housing in 2017 to become LinkPeople. He has worked as a service navigator and property specialist and is now the team lead of properties.

Rayeena Howe

Rayeena has been involved with the Wise Group whānau for almost 20 years, working in the mental health sector for 15 years before joining LinkPeople in July 2020. Prior to joining LinkPeople, Rayeena worked in various supporting roles in residential and community services. She led residential services for four years in Hamilton, catering for tangata whai ora with high complex needs. She has had a long-standing passion for those in rural communities, particularly supporting people from these areas to return home while maintaining the right support.

Fiona Gibbons

Fiona has 16 years’ experience in the social service sector, predominantly working as a Registered Alcohol and other Drug Practitioner.  In the Hamilton area, her roles began in the NGO sector, followed by 4 years in Forensic Mental Health, and returning to the NGO sector working as a team leader within residential and social detox settings.  This team leader role required significant change management which proved challenging and rewarding.  Fiona has a passion for professional development and keeping current in the knowledge that is required for her work.  Fiona began her tertiary education with a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Adventure Therapy.  Then completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Supervision and a Post Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Co-existing problems, each of these have been in response to the roles she has been employed. As more of a personal drive she has completed a Level 7 Diploma in Psychology with the intention to move into Human Resource or Organisational Psychology.  She is a systems thinker and believes if the work force has simple and effective systems to work within, personal wellbeing is maintained.