Introducing Mel!
Our new Programme Delivery Lead for the Central North Island, Mel, has been with us for just over a month now and has well and truely hit the ground running! In her 2nd week we brought her down to Christchurch to hang out with our Delivery Team, she’s co-delivered some U-turn and Alt-Ed sessions with Sandra in Hamilton, as well as kicking off Term 1 workshops across the Central North! What a flying start!
We’ve asked her a few questions for this blog post to get to know her a little more, read on to find out all about our awesome new team member.
Tell us about yourself!
Kia ora, I’m Melanie also known as Mel. I was born in Wellington, grew up in Rotorua & currently live in Tauranga. I am married and have been with my husband for 23 years. We have a beautiful 15-year-old daughter, and we share our home with our black and white cats – Sooty and Snowy, and our dog Bella.
What did you do before joining SADD?
I worked as a Beauty Therapist for 19 years, 17 of those years I spent running my business. Last year, I decided it was time for a change and transitioned into the role of a Beauty Therapy Tutor, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially working with young people.
What does road safety mean to you?
To me it means we all need to be following the rules that keep everyone safe on our roads. Its about being responsible, alert and considerate to prevent accidents.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my spare time I love to go to the beach, camping, reading books, watching my daughter play sport, listening to music, watching movies and spending time catching up with friends and family.
What excites you about joining the team at SADD?
Being part of SADD allows me to collaborate with young people, empowering them to use their voices to create meaningful change in road safety. I love that SADD is creating change and spreading awareness to improve our road safety culture!
If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you?
My Family – for sure
Device – to watch Netflix & listen to music
Water – can’t live without it!
Where is your favourite place in the whole world?
This is a hard one - I’m going to say Matata as its where I go camping every year and its right on the beach. I love waking up to the sound of the waves and watching the beautiful sunrises, it’s the perfect way to start the day. I always leave feeling relaxed and re energised, and ready to take on whatever is coming next in my life.
Welcome to the team Mel! If you are based in Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay or Waikato you are bound to come across Mel at some stage! You can contact her to learn more about SADD in your area - melanie@sadd.org.nz