Our People
Kelly
Founder/General Manager
Having children of her own has been a driving force behind Kelly’s passion for providing free counselling to our young tamariki. Volunteering, fundraising and being an active member of the school community over many years has allowed Kelly to see first-hand the importance of mental health support within the primary and intermediate school sectors. Recognising the serious need and multitude of barriers across the industry led Kelly to found Be Heard. Kelly brings a strong leadership background and experienced business approach to this charity.
Chelsea
Field Education Lead
Chelsea uses her training and experience in Social Work to create a safe space for children to explore their thoughts, feelings, relationships and behaviours. Applying a person-centred, strengths based approach, tamariki will be given tools to help them process some of the challenges they are experiencing and help them build resilience.
In addition to her Masters in Social Work, Chelsea has a PGDip in Psychology and has experience working on a school counselling team. She is also a PhD candidate.
When not at work Chelsea spends time with her family and friends.
Jerrica
Counsellor
Jerrica brings her experience in supporting families within the community, as well as her Degree in Social Services, into her work supporting children. Her focus is on empowering and developing strengths while working alongside a child to overcome challenges they may face, providing a safe space for them to express themselves. Outside of work Jerrica has two boys who keep her busy with their sports and other activities.
The Be Heard Board
James Sutherland
Board Chair
Ko Kapukataumahaka te māunga
Ko Pukihaukea te awa
Ko Tākitimute waka
Ko Wharetutu Newton tōku tīpuna
Ko Ngāi Tahu tōku iwi
Ko Te Rūnanga o Awarua tōku hapū
Ko Te Rau Aroha tōku marae
Nō Taiari ahau
Ko Braden rāua ko Kathyrn ōku mātua
Ko Hemi tōku ingoa
James is proud to be part of a team that is driving for positive change in our mental health system. James himself understands firsthand the youth mental health system and the effects that access to great support can have on a child’s development. James also works part time in suicide prevention so has a first hand understanding what great support for a child can do for the mental health of an adult long term. He brings a wide range of governance experience to the Board, and is actively involved in other organisations around the city. James was brought up in Central Otago and of Kai Tahu descent. In his free time, you will find him on the tracks around Dunedin or in a good book.
Amy Desvaux
Board Secretary
With a passion for young people and providing early intervention, Amy is committed to enhancing youth wellbeing through effective mental health support. Amy has a master’s degree in psychology, and works full time supporting rangatahi to thrive. To support her own wellbeing, Amy enjoys reading, crafting, and walking on the beach.
Trelise Wadsworth
Board Member
As a recent addition to the Be Heard board, Trelise brings experience in marketing, design, and communications, with a passion for helping meaningful work connect with the people it is there to support. She values thoughtful, genuine communications and enjoys finding engaging ways to share important stories and ideas. Trelise is proud to contribute her skills to an organisation making a real difference for young people and their whānau, and values being part of a team committed to creating positive change in the community.
Shelley Wilde
Board Member
Tēnā koe.
Nō Ōtepoti aha.
Kō Kati Pākehā Te Iwi.
Kō George tōku matua.
Kō Anne tōku whaea.
Kō Gary tōku tungane.
Kō Debra tōku teina.
Kō Noel tōku tāne.
Kō Shelley tōku ikoa.
Nō te whānau Wilde ahau.
Kō Kieran tōku tama.
Kō Emily tōku tamāhine.
Kō Tahj kō Theo kō Luca rāua kō Sienna Kō Ruby W-A ko Ruby A.
After leaving Queen’s High School, I graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology. In the decade that followed, I worked in a suburban mini-market, designed Otago Museum holiday programme activities, travelled and lived overseas, and became a pharmaceutical representative. Teacher training came next, and education was to be the field I remained in for 35 years - firstly as a teacher and then as principal of two primary schools in Dunedin - Portobello School and Tainui School.
I’ve always focused on the current strengths and the emerging needs of children, parent and whānau, using a holistic framework. Knowing that progress, success and stability stems from being well physically, emotionally, socially, academically and spiritually, led me to forming many positive working relationships with professionals and agencies beyond the education system.
BeHeard was one of the organisations I got to know very well while I was the principal of Tainui School. The benefits of having a free in-school counselling service as well as a Brave Minds group, were innumerable. Now in retirement, I have the knowledge, experience and time to give back to this wonderful and much needed charitable organisation.
I enjoy reading, going to live theatre, concerts and the movies, catching up with friends, and travelling. Importantly, it’s spending time with my family that brings me the most joy.