Meet the ME Support Team

We're passionate about improving our clients' lives.

ME Support has a mix of paid staff and volunteers - a dynamic and experienced team who are dedicated to supporting those navigating the journey of ME/CFS or Long COVID.

Our Staff

Natalie Newall

Senior Client Support Coordinator

I hold a Bachelor of Education and Diploma in Primary Teaching (from University of Auckland and Auckland College of Education respectively). I taught at schools across Auckland for several years before taking up a Road Safety Coordinator role at Papakura District Council.

It was during this time I was diagnosed with ME/CFS, however this started my career in community development and after having my son I worked in Road Safety injury prevention with Auckland Transport, and then in 2017 I moved on to work as a community and beneficiary advocate with Auckland Action Against Poverty (AAAP) which I held for two and a half years.

I feel this advocacy role, along with my teaching and community development experience, gives me a breadth of experience to bring to ME Support as a Support Worker.

I look forward to future opportunities to help, support and provide advocacy to others.

"ME/CFS is a cause close to my heart and being in a position to support others who are affected by this misunderstood illness, means a great deal to me."

Michelle Green

Administrator

This is my first position, in paid employment, since my diagnosis of ME/CFS.

When I became sick with ME/CFS I had just retrained as a primary school teacher and was in the first year of my new career, so I know first hand what it is like to have your life, and future plans, be completely disrupted by this illness!

I have strong administration, organisational skills, and attention to detail. These skills come from a varied background as an Interior Design Consultant, a Small Business Owner-Manager, Playcentre volunteer & Educational Facilitator, and a Primary School Teacher, holding a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Auckland University.

I live in West Auckland, with my teenage son, on the edge of the Waitakere Ranges & Manukau Harbour. I love being outdoors in nature and being creative within the visual arts.

"I’m so excited to be helping my fellow peers with ME/CFS by assisting in the administration of this supportive charity."

Vanessa Atkinson

General Manager

I bring over 25 years of leadership, project management and strategic experience in the charity sector in New Zealand and overseas to the position as General Manager with ME Support.

I have led large, diverse and multidisciplinary teams with Greenpeace Australia, New Zealand and India, co-ordinated an international team at a UN meeting and spearheaded organisations’ legal challenges. I have a passion for the community and have been Co-Executive Director for Bellyful NZ, volunteered for community groups and worked for community based environmental organisation Kaipātiki Project. I co-own a digital campaigning agency For Purpose which supports organisations working for change.

My roles have involved leadership, project management, strategic development, advocacy, communication, media and stakeholder engagement.

As a passionate advocate for equity, justice and the community I am excited to bring my experience to strengthen networks and collaborations and lead the team to serve the ME/CFS and Long Covid communities.

I love hanging out with my whānau, doing my yoga practice and getting out in nature by biking, swimming and walking.

"I am excited to lead ME Support to provide urgently needed care and support to those suffering from ME/CFS and Long COVID in a system in which this vulnerable community is often unseen and unheard."

Dawn Lodge-Osborn

Client Support Assistant

I am excited to be working with ME Support in a part-time capacity. I had ME/CFS for nine years and have been fortunate to have recovered for the past seven. My experience with the illness has given me a deep understanding of its challenges, which I would like to channel into supporting others on their journey.

Currently, I facilitate the ME Support West Auckland group, where I enjoy connecting with people and love how people in the group share tools and practices to support each other.

Alongside my work with ME Support, I’m a self-employed graphic designer with experience collaborating with a variety of clients, including those in the NFT space. I’m also proud to have designed the current ME Support logo.

Outside of work, I enjoy a mix of creative and active pursuits like acting, kayaking, singing, and playing the trumpet.

I am excited to assist Natalie in her Client Support Coordinator role, with providing help, support, and advocacy for members. Supporting people and making a difference in their lives is something I truly value, and I look forward to contributing to the incredible work of ME Support.

"I’m passionate about bringing empathy, practical advice, and emotional support to those with ME/CFS and Long Covid, helping them navigate their unique situations."

Our Board

Patrick Hadfield

Board Member

I am a financial analyst, working independently for clients across both the public and private sector.

I have been actively involved in ME/CFS volunteer work for a number of years including convening a support group for young adults, building the ME Support website, fundraising, social media, administration and developing presentations.

My goal on the board is to secure funding to support the sustainability of ME Support. I also aim to ensure our communications are professional, and help dispel the undeserved stigma attached to this illness.

"My goal on the Board is to secure funding to support the sustainability of ME Support... and help dispel the undeserved stigma attached to this illness."

Kelly Broadbent

Board Member

My mission is to make it easy for people to engage with the organisations that exist to serve them. I have over 15 years of experience leading and supporting this mahi in New Zealand’s public sector, advocating for decisions and processes that enhance the customer experience.

My personal journey with ME has given me valuable insights into the challenges faced by others with the condition and fuels my commitment to serving on the board of ME Support. I bring experience in service enhancement and process simplification, and am excited to help guide ME Support through its next phase, ensuring we remain responsive and effective in meeting the needs of our community.

Born and raised in Auckland, I now live on the North Shore with my family. With two magnificent, chaotic preschoolers, spare time is a precious commodity. My happy place is when I am baking, near water, or laughing with my loved ones.

"I’ve been part of the ME Support online community since 2017 and am deeply passionate about giving back to the ME community,
which I’ve been part of since childhood"

Maree Candish

Board Member

My two children and I were all diagnosed with ME/CFS in 2013 after a virus. And so, I was rapidly confronted with the lack of knowledge about many post-infection conditions and the prejudiced views and lack of support that sometimes flourish in the ignorance.

Since then, I've learned a lot about health research and the politics of health care, and specifically about ME/CFS. I have for years now volunteered on a forum connecting people with ME/CFS, advocates, clinicians and researchers from around the world, committed to the application of good science in this field, and have been active in international advocacy.

To this work I bring my qualifications including MBA and MSc degrees and the skills from my previous career as a management and industry consultant and sustainable investment fund manager.

"I'm determined that people falling ill with ME/CFS now will not have to
face the difficult situations that my family and the many other people
I know affected by ME/CFS have endured."

Steve Schroder

Board Chair

I am a seasoned health and safety professional with extensive experience in strategic planning and risk management. I have advised boards and senior leadership teams across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and technology, helping them develop and implement effective health and safety frameworks.

My expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, combined with my strategic insight, has enabled organisations to enhance their operational resilience and foster continuous improvement. With a deep commitment to integrating safety into all aspects of business operations, my governance experience includes providing high-level advisory services that align safety initiatives with broader organisational objectives.

I am currently completing a Master's in Workplace Health and Safety, and am dedicated to promoting innovation and sustainability in governance and leadership roles. On a personal level, I am married with two grown children. We are a neurodiverse family, and both my parents live with ME.

"Having witnessed first hand the challenges of living with ME,
I’m passionate about supporting the ME community and
committed to helping improve the lives of those affected"

Dr Mona Jeffreys

Board Member

Mona is an Associate Professor (Research) in epidemiology at Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, the Health Services Research Centre (HSRC).

She trained at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MSc) and Bristol University, UK (PhD). She then worked at the Centre for Public Health Research at Massey University (Wellington) as Senior Lecturer in Public Health. After another period at Bristol University as Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology, she returned to Wellington, and is employed at the HSRC.

She has a primary interest in inequities in health care, and is currently involved in projects regarding access to primary health care; inequities in cancer care; ME/CFS and long Covid; and food security. She lives with ME/CFS.

"I am delighted to be in a position to offer what I have learnt through my research career and my lived experience of ME, to benefit others in the ME community"

Russell Jones

Board Member

My involvement with ME Support started with organising and facilitating in person Support Groups which has given me a good understanding of the community we serve.

My professional background is in urban planning & modelling, including transport. I've worked both in local government, and as a consultant. This experience means that I can see the relationship between the big picture and the detail. It also has given me an awareness of how to navigate the political interactions between groups with different beliefs as well as excellent analytical and project management skills.

"My aim in going on the Board is to help provide the best services possible to the ME community within the resources available."

Our Volunteers

ME Support has literally been built by volunteer work, and is this still an essential part of our organisation.

Below are our current volunteers, who we sincerely thank for their support and time that they generously give.

Russell

Our Central Auckland Support Group Facilitator

Dawn

Our West Auckland Support Group Facilitator

Jess

Our South Auckland Support Group Facilitator

Anne & Barb

Provide general support

Christine

Supports our Facebook Support Group Administration and Moderating team.

Raymond

Provides IT support.

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Meet the ME Support Team

We're passionate about improving our clients' lives.

Our Staff

Natalie Newall

Senior Client Support Coordinator

"ME/CFS is a cause close to my heart and being in a position to support others who are affected by this misunderstood illness, means a great deal to me."

Our Board

Steve Schroder

Board Chair

"Having witnessed first hand the challenges of living with ME, I’m passionate about supporting the ME community and committed to helping improve the lives of those affected"

Our Volunteers

Russell

Dawn

Jess

Anne & Barb

Christine

Raymond

"Having witnessed first hand the challenges of living with ME,
I’m passionate about supporting the ME community and
committed to helping improve the lives of those affected"