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

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."

Janet Mathewson

Supervisor

I bring 25+ years experience in the charities sector, both in New Zealand and abroad, having worked in frontline, community development, management and fundraising roles.

It’s a privilege to continue my association with ME Support as professional supervisor for the Client Support Coordinators.

"Supporting our incredible team to get outstanding outcomes for ME Support’s clients is what energises me in this role."

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."

Our Board

Patrick Hadfield

President

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."

Kate Duder

Board Vice President

I have had 20+ years working in the community and local government sector internationally and within New Zealand. For the majority of this time, I managed and facilitated projects and programmes focused on strategic, organisational and community development, and social change.

My expertise includes community empowerment, youth development, health promotion and co-design qualitative research methodology. These skills have been developed through roles with Youthline Auckland, Community Action Youth and Drugs (a Ministry of Health Programme) and Auckland Council’s Community Empowerment Unit.

Prior to these roles I spent 4 years in London, where I worked for Leaders’ Quest, a leadership development organisation, coordinating programmes in Africa, Brazil, Russia and China focused on creating positive change in people and communities. Before returning to NZ, I volunteered within a child and youth organization supporting street children in Tanzania, Africa.

Having faced a health roller-coaster since my early twenties from (previously undiagnosed) Elhers Danlos Syndrome, which lead to Mast Cell Activation Disorder and ME/CFS, I have developed a passion and belief in the power of natural medicine and a natural lifestyle.

I enjoy supporting others to find natural solutions for improving their physical and mental wellbeing and joined the ME Support Board in early 2020.

I grew up in Christchurch, love sports and outdoor activities and now live in West Auckland.

"I have a passion and belief in the power of natural medicine and enjoy supporting others to find natural solutions for improving their physical and mental wellbeing."

Grace Ross

Secretary

I work as a doctor at Auckland City Hospital. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, both from Otago University. My medical interests are in women’s and reproductive health and I recently completed a Masters of Science in Clinical Embryology from Oxford University.

My first encounter with ME/CFS was during my undergraduate years, where Professor Warren Tate presented to our biochemistry class, detailing his personal and professional connection with ME/CFS.

The biology behind ME/CFS remains poorly understood, and unfortunately accurate diagnostic tests are lacking. Therefore, many ME/CFS patients have a delay to diagnosis and suffer ongoing symptoms as there is currently no singular cure.

I have watched ME/CFCs impact on friends’ and patients’ quality of life, highlighting its varied and often difficult trajectory. But this has also underlined the benefit of solid support networks and appropriate care from the health system and beyond.

I see ME Support as a voice and advocate for people who live with ME/CFS, and hope that through my time as Board Secretary I can help in expanding ME Support’s influence so that more people are helped.

Outside of work I enjoy cycling, drawing, and getting a nature hit at any of Auckland’s beautiful beaches.

"I see ME Support as a voice and advocate for people who live with ME/CFS."

John Loof

Board Member

I have held a number of leadership roles with not-for-profit organisations such as the SPCA, Cancer Society Auckland Northland and Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust.

I have a particular interest in community health services and am currently CEO of the Auckland Kidney Society.

Some of the most satisfying elements of my career have involved advocating for disease prevention, reduction of inequalities and the expansion of patient services.

I am a former board chair at Western Springs College and I have governance experience with a number of other medical related charities.

I am slowly becoming a westie and I enjoy nothing more than a long walk on Piha beach with my family (and dog).

"I’m drawn to the mission of ME Auckland (now ME Support), in particular to increasing the overall support we can offer our clients."

Saul Chambers

Board Member

Saul is a dynamic executive with over 25 years experience helping organisations reach their strategic goals in health, safety, and sustainability.

Throughout his career he has worked with a diverse range of stakeholders from global executive teams, grassroot charities, concerned communities, Iwi, local and central governments.

"I am excited to bring my corporate governance experience to help a charity whose purpose is to help people with ME/CFS.

Tens of thousands of Kiwis are impacted by this often misunderstood and poorly supported illness. Being physically isolated and not being able to complete daily tasks often hinders people's ability to access vital support services they need.

My areas of focus are to help drive the strategic direction of ME Support and to support the increased care given to people with ME/CFS in Auckland and the services we support across New Zealand."

"My areas of focus are to help drive the strategic direction of ME Support and to support the increased care given to people with ME/CFS."

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 and East Auckland Support Group Facilitator

Dawn

Helps to organise our West Auckland Support Group

Jess

Our South Auckland Support Group Facilitator

Barb

Provides general support

Jody

Our IT support person

Christine

Supports our Facebook Support Group Administration and Moderating team.

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0800 632 553