Our Team
Meet some of our team below. Don't hesitate to contact us.
Executive Team
Chief Executive - Caroline Tana-Tepania
Carole was born and raised in Mangere, is of Ngapuhi descent. Through her social work and management roles, Carole has been part of the ME Family Service since 2006. She has a passion for the well-being of tamariki and mokopuna with a strong desire to advocate for improved educational, health, and housing outcomes for whanau living in Mangere.
Carole is actively involved in the development of social work at the national and international levels and seeks opportunities to strengthen indigenous voice in these spaces and in communities.
Accountant - Gareth Ashwell
B.Com, P.G.Dip. Bus Admin, CA
Audit, Public and Private sector financial reporting, Management accounting and budgeting.
Gareth joined MEFS in July 2013 and was tasked with the job of selecting and implementing a financial reporting system suitable for a “Not for Profit” organisation that would be adaptable in a continuously changing financial environment. His objective is to ensure that the MEFS remains on a sustainable financial path, so it can continue into the future to provide the necessary social services to the community of South Auckland.
Phone: 09 2803365 or Mobile: 021472908
gareth@mefsc.org.nz
Manaaki Tangata
Management Team - MTManager@mefsc.org.nz
LIZA ZAPATA
021792030
HEIDI SAN JUAN
0272382443
Early Childhood
Manager - Karen Matata
Bachelor Teaching & Learning, NZFKU Teaching Diploma, Cert. Early Childhood Management.
21 years ago she facilitated playgroups at the Mangere East Primary hall as the Early Childhood supervisor for the Mangere East Family Service Centre. Things have changed dramatically since then with a purpose built Early Childhood Centre and roll of 35 tamariki aged from birth to 5 years old.
In 2015 we celebrated the opening of our Early Childhood centre extension, which caters for a total of 75 tamariki and 12 kaiako. With increased numbers come a range of challenges however our philosophy remains the same … that all children be treated with understanding and respect and their need for education and care will be met in a safe and happy environment. Our aim is to set a sound foundation in the early years for future learning and development.
Phone: 09 280 3499 or Mobile: 021 792035
ece@mefsc.org.nz
Talking Rubbish
Manager - Justine Skilling
BA (Sociology and English) and MSW (Applied), Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Te Ara Reo Maori (Level 4)
Justine has been with ME Family Services since 2014 and is based at our Ferguson St centre. She fosters the development of Regenerative Practice in the Taiao Team, and across the various community projects that the team supports. She is passionate about finding and harnessing potential; in people, communities and ecosystems.
justine@mefsc.org.nz
0221028195
