Our People

Founder and Chair

I have lived on Wai­heke since 1987, rais­ing 4 daugh­ters. In that time I have estab­lished a small archi­tec­tural and build­ing con­sul­tancy busi­ness. On 16 April 1992 our eldest daugh­ter, Jassy, fell ill and died from Meningo­coc­cal Menin­gi­tis. As a way to give back for the amazing support we received during this time, I began look­ing for vol­un­teers to estab­lish a net­work that sup­ported sick chil­dren on Wai­heke. On 8th April 1994 the Jassy Dean Trust was for­mally accepted as an Incor­po­rated Soci­ety and has con­tin­ued to oper­ate since.

Trustee

I have been a Waiheke resident since the late 1970s raising a family with my husband. I have an interest in youth and have worked in education, specialising in special education. I have been a trustee for many years and it has been a real privilege to be part of this local charity that has supported so many Waiheke children over the years.

Trustee

I've been lucky to call Waiheke my home for over twenty years. My three kids have grown up here and attend school on the island. I work for Auckland Council in a role supporting community projects and community organisations on the island. I first learnt about the Jassy Dean Trust when my daughter was a preschooler. After her wee friend developed leukemia, I saw the tremendous support the Trust provided the family with no questions asked, just kindness, compassion and aroha. I knew then that I wanted to be part of this amazing community-led charity!

Trustee

Kia Ora! I love living on this island. I am a nurse and have lived and worked on Waiheke for 10 years. My two children grew up here and I really enjoy being part of this community. I work with young people at Waiheke High School and have witnessed first-hand how the Jassy Dean Trust steps in and helps those families in need. I am now privileged to be a Trustee and it’s great to be part of the process which facilitates helping families access funds when needed. It’s a pleasure to be part of a Trust that aims to improve the quality of life of our tamariki on Waiheke.

Trustee

I have lived on Waiheke Island for 17 years, bringing up our two children here as part of this caring community. I joined the Jassy Dean Trust to contribute to the health and wellbeing of all our children. I’m passionate about children and their families thriving and the work we do to support this. For many years I was part of Waiheke Sea Scouts whanau supporting with fundraising activities. Professionally I’m a facilitator and coach working with leaders, teams and organisations in Aotearoa and around the world. My purpose is to nurture wellbeing.

Trustee

I moved to Waiheke in 1999, with my husband Jon, to establish a vineyard in Onetangi. Before then I worked in Public Relations for many years in Auckland. I have two children and three grandchildren and have been involved with many voluntary organizations on Waiheke including the Community Art Gallery, Meals on Wheels and the Te Huruhi School Garden-to-Table programme. I am delighted to be able to help The Jassy Dean Trust support children, and their families, who are facing health issues. The work of the Trust truly reflects the caring community we live in and I feel privileged and proud to be a part of that.

Treasurer

​​Arriving on Waiheke in 1998 from Germany my partner and I have raised our kids here among this wonderful and colourful island community. My banking background has helped to step in the footsteps of the parting treasurer and continue to support the Jassy Dean Trust. This trust is the best example of how a passionate and loving community gets together and helps to raise its children.

As a trust it is important that we have trustees from a variety of backgrounds who understand what is going on for young families on the island right now. Do you think you can help? Please get in touch