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kia ora

We are the backbone team behind the My Voice Matters movement. Together we share a passion and commitment to walking alongside taiohi, to empower themselves to harness the power of their own unique voices to create positive change in their own lives and communities.

 

The diversity reflected in our team members not only enriches our collective perspective but also strengthens our ability to address the unique needs and challenges of individuals within our communities, fostering inclusivity and understanding in our work.

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Director

Rika 

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Rika is a mum, qualified Peer Support Specialist and motivational speaker. She comes from a background of lived experience in mental distress and addiction recovery and has dedicated the last nine years of her career to supporting youth and their communities in the field of suicide prevention. Rika founded My Voice Matters in 2014, and since then has been designing and facilitating youth empowerment workshops in schools and communities nationwide. 

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Rika is the NZ Ambassador for the Youth Assembly 2022, the NZ Ambassador for Global Peace Challenge 2020, fellow of New Zealand's Lifehack Flourishing Fellowship, alumni of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand's Point of Difference.

  • LinkedIn
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Mental Health Enthusiast

Cassidy Skelton

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Cass is an expectant mama, passionate about destigmatizing mental health discussions in Aotearoa and collaboratively seeking solutions.

She has cultivated a significant social media following through her authentic and candid sharing of her personal mental health journey and is highly regarded for her knack for making complex mental health concepts accessible and engaging. Cass brings valuable mentoring and workshop facilitation experience to our team.

  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
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Youth Advisory Expert

Cam

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Cam is a dedicated youth lived experience advisor, advocate, and consultant with a Level 4 Certification in Mental Health and Drug Addictions. His expertise extends beyond formal education, as he has actively participated in impactful events like the Youth Leadership Symposium, Wharaurau trainings, and Te Whatu Ora trainings. Cam's unique lived experiences, ranging from living with a disability to homelessness, have shaped his perspective and commitment to advocacy. He is deeply ingrained within his community, engaging on various levels to foster positive change. Beyond his professional pursuits, Cam enjoys gardening, photography, music, nature walks, road trips, and any creative endeavor that allows him to be creative and get stuck in with his hands. 

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    Youth Support Worker

    Orlando Kovati

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    Orlando is of Samoan and Chinese decent. He is a passionate youth support worker with experience in youth ministry leadership and facilitating youth empowerment programs. Orlando has represented New Zealand at the Youth Assembly in New York City, USA. His passions include football and writing and performing music.

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      Peer Support Worker

      Kayla Hugo

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      Kayla is a proud Ngāti Pūkenga wahine and mama. She is a qualified Peer Support Specialist, leaning into the value, lessons and strengths of her lived experience in grief and mental distress recovery to support others.

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      Kayla has experience in workshop facilitation and is passionate about supporting others to empower themselves to overcome trauma.

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      Her passions include dance and competitive powerlifting.

        Keen to join the movement?

        If you're ready to make a real change in your community, get in touch. We'd love to connect with you. Send us a copy of your CV here and we'll get right back to you! 

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