Our team

Emma Barker

Head of Support Services and Operations

Emma has a background in psychology and business management with several years’ experience in clinical and operational management within not-for-profits. Emma has previously specialised in clinical service and team management in the mental health arena and before that worked as a Psychologist in London, and has specialised in anxiety and depression prevention programmes for youth. Emma has been with LBC for over 5 years and believes strongly in building support and resilience for patients, their family and carers, as well as for the health professionals involved.

emmab@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2421

Tim Maifeleni

Regional Manager, Support Services

Northern Region

Tim is a registered nurse and has been working at LBC for over six years. Prior to starting his role at LBC, Tim was working in the oncology/haematology ward in Starship Children’s Hospital. He is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives outside of the usual hospital setting and empowering them to achieve the goals they aspire to and enjoys being able to support patients on an emotional level.

tim.maifeleni@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2425

Deborah Tomlin

Regional Manager, Support Services

Southern Region

Deborah is a registered nurse with many years’ experience working in a number of medical specialities. Recently she has been working in the UK as the Education Manager for a Pharmaceutical company providing education and support to patients and staff, and prior to that she was employed as a community nurse supporting patients undergoing a range of therapies in their own homes.

deborah.tomlin@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2416

Natasha Donovan

Senior Support Services Coordinator

Northern Region

Natasha has a background as a Registered Social Worker and has experience in supporting families through the challenges of cancer, in and out of the hospital setting. Natasha joined the LBC team a couple of years ago and is enthusiastic about applying her skills as a Support Services Coordinator to support patients and their families through their journey, in a compassionate and caring manner.

natasha.donovan@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2430

Annette Cody

Support Services Coordinator

Auckland and Tauranga

Annette has a strong background in Hospice and palliative care.  She is both a registered nurse and a counsellor. She holds a Masters of Health Science focusing on the psychological and spiritual impact of disease. In addition to this, she brings a depth of personal understanding of how serious illness can affect people.

annette.cody@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2408

 

Rochelle Mills

Senior Support Services Coordinator

Midland Region

Rochelle is a registered nurse who worked at Starship Children’s hospital in oncology/haematology prior to her role at LBC. Rochelle moved to Auckland after finishing study in Dunedin and is now based in Hamilton. Rochelle is passionate about being able to provide more personalised care with a holistic approach to patients and their families. She loves being able to support people in a variety of settings and enjoys connecting people up in groups for peer support.

rochelle.mills@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2431

Sean Reeves

Support Services Coordinator

Midland Region

Sean joined the LBC family after an extensive career in haematology & oncology across NZ, Australia, Asia Pacific and Europe. Sean is passionate about using this experience to support, advocate and improve the lives of those living in Aotearoa with a blood cancer diagnosis. Appreciating that a blood cancer affects not just the patient but the whole whanau and family, Sean is there for all those who need a place to turn for support.

sean.reeves@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2413

Sally Black

Senior Support Services Coordinator

Central Region

Sally has a Bachelor of Social Work and has worked within the health sector in family support and community social work roles for many years before joining the LBC team. Sally has a passion for people and ensuring that during challenging times they are well resourced, informed and supported. Sally also enjoys helping patients and their families build resilience and strong support systems.

sally.black@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2411

Nicki Roy

Senior Support Services Coordinator

Central Region

Nicki has a Bachelor of Nursing and has worked as a Registered Nurse in a number of New Zealand hospitals primarily in haematology/oncology. More recently she has worked in the community supporting patients and their families to live well with cancer.
Nicki is motivated to empower patients through education and to provide support in a caring and encouraging way.

nicki.roy@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2427

Helen McDermott

Senior Support Services Coordinator

Southern Region

Helen is a registered nurse and has worked in the Haematology Department at Christchurch Hospital for 15 years, firstly in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit then in their clinical trials and research area. Her role as a Support Services Coordinator means Helen can combine her knowledge with the practical, educational and emotional support to patients and their family and friends as they manage their diagnosis.

helen.mcdermott@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2410

Kate McHardy

Support Services Coordinator

Southern Region

Kate is a registered nurse who joined LBC in 2022 after working for many years in the Haematology Department of Christchurch Hospital. She is a compassionate communicator and is dedicated in helping patients and their families feel supported while navigating the hurdles of their cancer journey. Kate particularly enjoys facilitating in-person support groups and seeing the positive impact they can make.

 

katem@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2426

Sharon Verrall

Support Services Coordinator

Sharon has a background as a registered nurse and for many years worked in the Haematology Department at Auckland Hospital. Sharon loves her role as a Support Services Coordinator as it means she has the opportunity to have ongoing contact with patients outside of the hospital environment. Sharon enjoys the rewarding feeling of building long term supportive relationships knowing that a phone call can make so much difference.

sharon.verrall@leukaemia.org.nz | T 0800 15 10 15 | DDI 09 200 2415