Introducing Sophie!
Our newest team member, Sophie, joined us 2 months ago and has quickly become a much loved member of our team! Sophie has stepped into the crucial role of Team Administrator and has been hard at work learning the ropes and getting all of our team resources and processes into tip top shape! We thought it was about time to feature her on the blog and give everyone an insight into the awesome person who is on the other end of your queries and resource orders!
Tell us about yourself!
Kia ora my name is Sophie.
I am a Mum to three wonderful children aged 7, 5 & 2. I grew up on an organic apple orchard in Hawkes Bay and have now been living in Wellington for 20 years. I am the oldest of five children and my Dad drove rally cars as a hobby - he took teaching us to drive very seriously.
Dad had a goal, he wanted all of his children to have their full licenses before leaving home. At the time it felt like a lot of work, but on reflection I am thankful he gave us so many opportunities to practice. I have many happy memories of learning to drive, like the time he gave me a driving lesson with two of my teenage friends in the car and before we got started he told them “the crash helmets are behind you” and they both turned around to grab one! He also thought it would be a great idea to teach me how to do hill starts in a 9 seater landrover on a hill beside the main road in Taupo on the week of New Years (nothing like a lot of people driving past to give you motivation to get it right!).
What did you do before joining SADD?
Before joining SADD I worked in the film and television industry mainly in children's television. I have always enjoyed working in a fast-paced and varied environment.
What does road safety mean to you?
To me, road safety is about doing all we can to keep ourselves and others safe on the road.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending quality time with my children, we like to get outdoors and go on adventures, get messy and then go home and play Minecraft together. I also enjoy gymnastics, powerlifting, reading and doing a bit of DIY.
What excites you about joining the team at SADD?
Joining the team at SADD gives me the awesome opportunity to connect with young people while working on a good cause close to my heart.
Where is your favourite place in the whole world?
Right now, my favourite place to be is at home. I live on a hill with a great view next to a reserve. You get the calming effect from nature, but I am also not far from the city.
Welcome to the team Sophie! We are so stoked that you have joined us :)