Dennis

Job Title: Caseworker/Counsellor
Retired February 2023

Facilitator: KAVe, Transformers, Drumbeats, Incredible Years Parenting

I am passionate about working with children who have experienced abuse and/or family violence and its affects and I enjoy creating safe working relationships with the children and their family/whanau.

As an Its OK to Ask for Help Champion in Hamilton, I work towards eliminating abuses of all forms and to engage with men who are open to getting support in reducing or eliminating violence towards women and children.

I studied at WINTEC, Hamilton to complete my Diploma in counselling and also completed an advanced certificate in child protection studies.

Working with Children’s groups I am a Ministry of Justice approved group facilitator.

I feel very honoured to be in the position to support and advocate for our tamariki and their whanau.  I work for Parentline as I believe that children have the right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. I believe there is hope for changes in beliefs of people and aim to support them and to give them the tools to make positive changes in their lives.

I also feel working in this agency opens doors for me to engage with children and their families in an environment that is child friendly, non-judgemental and safe from all forms of abuse.

In my spare time, I like to attend reggae festivals and rugby league fixtures in both New Zealand and Australia.  I also like spending quality time with my wife, travel and supporting my grandchildren in their chosen endeavours.

I also like forming trusting relationships with others outside of my working environment, including the elderly and homeless.