Waikato

Vandna Stringer

Van joined LinkPeople in 2019, initially providing clinical and team leadership to the housing, navigation and Ahikāroa coordination service before being appointed as regional manager in 2020.

Since beginning her career in the mental health and disability sector in Scotland over 15 years ago, Van has held roles as an inpatient and community occupational therapist, clinical lead and project manager. She has a keen interest in developing services and teams that create positive systems change and is passionate about ensuring the people we support are at the heart of what we do.

Van holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in psychology and a Master of Science in occupational therapy.

Rachael Kirner

Rachael started with LinkPeople as a team leader for the housing service in 2019. A registered alcohol and drug practitioner, she believes housing is a health intervention.

Collaboration with community services is an important part of Rachael’s approach to helping tāngata whai ora live successfully in the community. Having previously managed a mental health and addiction residential service, her extensive practical experience in this field is supported by a her Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences (majoring in Social Work) and postgraduate qualifications in addiction studies, professional supervision, and environmental studies (health management and leadership) .

Rayeena Howe

Rayeena believes that people thrive when they’ve got a place to call home.

Part of the Wise Group whānau for 17 years, she has extensive experience in community services and residential support, including leading residential services catering for tāngata whai ora with high, complex needs. Rayeena enjoys empowering people on their housing journey, through connection, information, and skill development.

Fiona Gibbons

Working in the NGO sector since 2005, Fiona is a registered alcohol and other drug practitioner. Her career has spanned roles as a team lead in residential and social detox settings, as well as time in Forensic Mental Health.

Fiona has a passion for professional development, seeking out the latest knowledge to enrich her team leader work with Ahikāroa. She holds a BSocSci in adventure therapy, a Level 7 Diploma in Psychology and postgraduate qualifications in professional supervision, and addictions and co-existing problems.

Libby Pearce

Libby has always been passionate about supporting people to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. With a Bachelor of Social Work, she has experience in a range of people-focused roles, including hospital and community social work and disability support services.

As the tenancy team lead for LinkPeople, Libby is excited to combine her passion for supporting people with a love and knowledge of property, developed during the years she spent working with her builder father in her youth.

Mandy McCabe

Mandy is passionate about rural communities having access to competent mental health services and appropriate housing. Having worked in NGOs since 2008, she has experience in mental health advocacy, community health coaching and whanau lifestyle support. Most of all, she loves supporting people to see their own potential and achieve their goals.

Mandy’s proven leadership and programme development skills are supported by her studies in business management. A great communicator and networker, she is always focused on achieving the best community outcomes.