Our team has extensive combined experience in the program co-design methodology, in facilitation and in local connections and networks. 

Dr. Annick Janson is an Associate at the Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research, Victoria University of Wellington, past Research Director at the NZ Leadership Institute, University of Auckland Business School and Research Director, Microsoft NZ. She is the c-President of the New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology and Fellow of the Gallup International Positive Psychology Institute. Annick trained as an educational psychologist with 20 years of experience and lived experience raising her adult disabled son. Her special interest in youth development and network building in the disability sector. Annick is Co-Founder and Research Director of the Now and Next and Keys to Lead suite of programs for youth and families. Rolled out in New Zealand, Australia, Finland and Canada, this Research and Development program pioneers the implementation of Positive Psychology in the Health & Disability sector as an alternative to the traditional deficit-based medical model.

Melissa Janson: Growing up as the sister to a neurodiverse person has been a powerful experience. Melissa believes that societies can benefit enormously, when people with disabilities are supported in such a way that they can contribute and share their gifts, as her brother has. She especially enjoys working with other siblings. In the past 6 years she set up an on-site Positive Behaviour Support team at a residential service provider, made up of about 180 people with disabilities and upwards of 500 staff. Together with her colleagues, she worked to create a space of wellbeing rather than crisis, by training staff in simple evidence-based strategies to use with people they support everyday. She has joined Now and Next, as she knows that this wellbeing and prevention work should start early. She is excited about teaming up with families and supporting their unique journeys.

Janine Morrah has lived experience with disability. She teaches at tertiary level in Linguistics, Human Development, Anthropology and Management. After tutoring and lecturing for 20 years, she shifted into the Disability sector, supporting youth and their family/whanau of those with needs. Working with youth inspires Janine to do better and consider things from more than one point of view – There's more than one way to get to the same end point and she has found that the journey to get there has more meaning than that final goal attainment. “I find that I learn just as much from those keen enquiring minds as they do soaking up the knowledge I bring for them to take and shape in their worlds”.

New Zealand Core Program's team

Dr. Annick Janson and Janine Morrah oversee and run New Zealand programs program. They have extensive combined experience in the program co-design methodology, in facilitation and in local connections and networks. Melissa Janson is a psychologist, daughter of Annick, and sister to a talented artist, who is also on the Autism spectrum.

Mel 

Bio coming

Bryony

Bryony grew up in Kirikiriroa and, after spending her twenties exploring the world, now calls Whāingaroa home. She joined Youth Quest in 2023 and brings a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Waikato. Bryony is currently completing her clinical psychology training.

With a background in special education, Bryony has supported rangatahi with complex needs. She is passionate about helping young people build independence and confidence. Her warmth, dedication, and wonderfully playful sense of humour make her a valued member of the Youth Quest team.

Ruby

Kia ora, my name is Ruby Gibbs and I live in Whāingaroa Raglan. I became involved with Youth Quest in early 2024 after completing the programme myself, and have since facilitated multiple workshops.

Ruby holds a Bachelor’s degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, and is currently training to become a secondary school social studies teacher. She has experience working as a teacher aide across both special education and mainstream settings. Alongside Bryony, she also co-runs a holiday programme for young people with additional needs in Whāingaroa. Ruby is passionate about youth mental health and is actively involved in community initiatives in Raglan.

Maddie

Maddie first came to Youth Quest after being encouraged by a former teacher who had supported her during her time at the Mackenzie Centre. Having grown up with dyspraxia, Maddie brings valuable lived experience and a deep understanding of the impact of supportive environments.

After completing the programme herself, Maddie joined the Youth Quest team as a facilitator. She is passionate about helping young people set meaningful goals and build practical strategies to achieve them. Maddie values the way Youth Quest supports participants to better understand themselves and move forward with confidence, and she is committed to creating a positive and encouraging space for everyone involved.

Kate

Kate is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming and culturally responsive practices, with a strong focus on supporting Māori and other marginalised communities. With lived experience of both autism and ADHD, she brings insight into the systemic barriers faced by disabled students, particularly within education and psychological services.

Kate is deeply committed to improving outcomes and wellbeing for tamariki and rangatahi. She is driven to contribute to meaningful change and to support more inclusive, empowering systems for young people.

Ireland

“Suzanne Bradley Occupational Therapist - CORU membership number: OT022709

I am a Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Dog Owner, Friend, Neighbour and Occupational Therapist. I have spent over 25 years, supporting children and families with developmental differences and have worked in the public and private sector.

I am passionate about partnering with parents and families in a different way providing a supportive context for parent’s to realise their own expertise. I draw on all of the training and expertise I have gathered over my career including,  A Masters of Science in Assistive Technology, group based training with the Children’s Sleep Charity in the UK and The National Autistic Society.  I have completed several years training on the DIR Floortime approach and Sensory Integration.  I have completed training in Motivational Interviewing and Occupational Performance Coaching. I have been involved in regional and national interdisciplinary projects with CDNTs within the HSE on the implementation of Progressing Disability Services and I have supported the University of Limerick School of Allied Health to create a resource for students completing placements in CDNTs using a Family-Centred Outcomes focused approach.”