Who are we?

Step Ahead is a not-for-profit organisation that helps those with mental illness. Our team, board, and funders are vital to our ability to help others.

Meet us

Staff Team

Many of the Staff at Step Ahead have been working here for a long time.

Most of the staff have qualifications in Health and Wellbeing or have teacher’s qualifications.

Several have lived experience which helps with understanding of mental distress.

Kylie Phillips

Kylie Phillips

Office Manager

kylie@stepahead.org.nz

Kylie is most likely to answer the phone at Step Ahead.

She knows most members and frequently has them popping in to her office at the top of the stairs to say hi.

Kylie plays a huge role at Step Ahead making sure the office runs smoothly.

Di Cockburn

Di Cockburn

Operations Manager

di@stepahead.org.nz

Di is a legend at Step Ahead. She is one of the longest serving staff members and as such has her finger on the pulse of everything Step Ahead.

You never know what Di will be doing next, one minute she can be found helping out in the garden, taking a tramp (or one of the many other activities) or otherwise sitting in front of the computer planning next month’s programme.

Anna Tau

Anna Tau

Rural Co-ordinator

anna@stepahead.org.nz

Step Ahead is lucky to have long term staff member Anna who brings a wealth of mōhio (experience) and kete aronui (basket of knowledge) to our organisation.

Anna is a senior co-ordinator who looks after our North Canterbury members on Mondays and Wednesday and also works at both Stanmore Road and Puriri Street during her other days.

Julie Sparks

Julie Sparks

CEO

julie@stepahead.org.nz

You never know from one day to the next what the Captain of the Step Ahead ship will be up to.

Will she arrive at the office by car or by motorbike? Is it going to be a day of meetings with staff or the board? Or of funding applications and report writing? Connecting with other mental health providers in Christchurch or further afield? Or maybe a shopping trip and helping serve lunches to the members? Often it is a combination of the above.

She has calmly lead Step Ahead for 4 years, fostering communication with the board, outside organisations, staff, and always making time for a cup of tea in the lounge with members.

Kevin Muir

Kevin Muir

Puriri Team Leader

kevin@stepahead.org.nz

Kevin runs the Step Ahead house at Puriri Street in Riccarton.

His many talents means that he can one day be working on maintenance around the property and the next day planning a big Step Ahead event.

The Puriri Street house has become his second home since it opened in 2019.

Bryan Gilchrist

Bryan Gilchrist

Project Connect Manager

bryan@stepahead.org.nz

Bryan is the person behind all things Project Connect at Step Ahead. Starting in January 2021 Bryan has become a much valued team member who has helped hundreds of members to get a handle on digital devices.

He is very patient and has been known to spend hours and hours to help members sort out complicated digital issues. Did we mention he is also an amazing chef, producing fantastic and healthy meals. Bryan is also the driver in the research around the Step Ahead model that is currently underway in conjunction with the University of Canterbury.

In his spare time, he takes the Men’s Group and has been known to enjoy tramping and the great outdoors.

Rachel Macmillan

Rachel Macmillan

Activities Co-ordinator

rachel@stepahead.org.nz

Rachel joined Step ahead when we came back from the first COVID lockdown and we are lucky that she has never left.

Rachel has many talents, including a very kind, and caring nature, lots of skills with jewellery making, art and crafts, and also loves the outdoors. She leads our Wednesday evening activities and can also often be found at Puriri Street where she keeps everyone happy.

Kaylee Hutton

Kaylee Hutton

Activities Co-ordinator

kaylee@stepahead.org.nz

Kaylee started out with Step Ahead as a student and when she finished her study we were quick to ask her if she would like a permanent job. We were delighted when she agreed.

Kaylee is friendly, smiley and full of beans. She is always quick to help out and there are not many activities she hasn’t taken at some stage. One day she will be taking Gym and the next Walking Group, Women’s Group, Open Craft or Tramping. If you go to the with her to the gym she will personalise a programme just for you, then patiently and quietly help you meet your goals. A delight to have on the staff team!

Roger Searle

Roger Searle

Finance & IT Manager

roger@stepahead.org.nz

Where would we be without Roger? He is another very long term staff member who first came to Step Ahead as a member over 30 years ago, and hasn’t gone away.  One of our staff with “lived experience”. 

You may not see him often as he quietly but expertly works away in the background making sure all things financial are in order. He also looks after the computer and digital needs of Step Ahead.

Roger makes the job look easy but there so many variables, from digital security, software, funding contracts, reporting, data analysis, performance and audit reports, to name a few. He is a highly valued staff member.

Meet us

Who are our board members?

Step Ahead’s board is comprised of trustees. These trustees are from the community and from Step Ahead Trust membership, having each gained a place on the board by being nominated and/or elected by Step Ahead members. 

Our trustees are a hugely valuable part of Step Ahead. They use their experience and knowledge to guide Step Ahead, ensuring we continue to strive towards meeting our core philosophy and trust deed. 

Those on the board add their own skills and knowledge or experience with mental illness when working with Step Ahead, and their passion for the organisation’s goals is greatly appreciated as we continue to work in the community. 

Our current trustees 

  • Evelyn Nelson (Chairperson)
  • John Poppe (Treasurer)
  • Sharon Thomas (Secretary)
  • Dianne Dinsmore
  • Mark Todd
  • Bruce Hughey
  • Val Stowers
  • Nancy Milner

With thanks

Our funders

Without the generous support from our funders, Step Ahead would not be able to offer such a broad range of activities and opportunities to those dealing with mental illness. This support ensures we can continue to enhance the lives of those who need it the most.

 

Our main funders are: