northland@starjam.org

Hi, I’m Emily. I have found my home in Auckland over the last 6 years, although I grew up in Hamilton. Dance has and always will be a big part of my life! I also enjoy reading, baking and lazy Sundays! I am so grateful to be a part of the StarJam whanau and share my love of dance and the arts with an amazing community of people! Email: nwauckland@starjam.org

seauckland@starjam.org

Kia ora! I’m very fortunate to call Hamilton home. I was initiated into StarJam as a volunteer, and then as the Regional Programme Coordinator for the mighty Waikato. Over that time it’s been wonderful to watch us grow from 6 workshops to 10! Witnessing the joy our Jammers get out of their workshops is the best part of my role. When I’m not coordinating our workshops, discos & gigs; you will find me fishing, woodworking or playing guitar. I would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved with StarJam as a tutor, volunteer or a Jammer! Email: hamilton@starjam.org

Please get in touch with the National Programmes Coordinator for StarJam Tauranga: janette@starjam.org

I'm a Central Districts person, born in the Wairarapa, had my education in Manawatu, raised children, and taught in Hawke's Bay. I was a Secondary School Principal for many years in Wanganui. I loved musicals as a Student and then through my talented three children and now, in a way, through Starjam. I'm genuinely interested in just about everything. Email: hawkesbay@starjam.org

I was born in England and moved to NZ when I was nine. The move was as a family when my dad was offered a 3 year contract in the oil business. We never left. I have one brother, Stuart, and am married to Stephen. We have no children and live in the beautiful Taranaki, under the mountain and near the sea. I am a musician at heart and play piano, clarinet, bassoon and bagpipes. My favourite time is being involved in music, especially orchestras or ensembles. Handcrafts are my other love: cross-stitch, hardanger, diamond dotz and mosaics. I particularly like to make them for other people. My time with StarJam has only just started but I feel like I have found my other family. Email: taranaki@starjam.org

Kia ora!! Welcome, welcome! I am originally from Christchurch but have been so excited to move to Wellington for StarJam! I've been with StarJam for 10+ years as my brother was a Jammer, then I volunteered, tutored and now work as a coordinator (my dream job)! I love reading, crocheting, watching movies (at home or the cinema). I love all food (especially lasagna, donuts and cheesecake). My favourite animals are dogs and dragons! Reach out if you would like to get in touch about StarJam Wellington: wellington@starjam.org

Talofa lava! Originally from mighty Timaru I am now settled in the lovely Christchurch. I’ve always been singing and dancing through life. I am also a lover of gym classes, bubble tea and nail art. I am blessed to be a blend of Pākehā and Samoan. StarJam is close to my heart as singing, dancing and performing has helped me continually discover myself and made me who I am today. I am thankful to be a part of an organisation that provides young people the opportunity to gain confidence, joy and connection. Email: christchurch@starjam.org

Please get in touch with the National Programmes Coordinator for StarJam Dunedin: janette@starjam.org

I am a champion for StarJam, writer, documentary-maker and child-rights advocate based in Tāmaki Makaurau. I grew up in Napier, in a small place called Greenmeadows, which cemented my love of wine and the outdoors! I am a fifth generation Pākehā New Zealander. I grew up learning dance then started to act which gave me the power to imagine who I could be. I now have two teenage children and I love to watch them perform (on the sports field or stage). Now I have the opportunity through StarJam to spread this love for performance to our wonderful inspiring jammers. Email: janette@starjam.org

Kia ora! I’m Vanessa, born and raised in Auckland with a unique blend of Japanese and Kiwi heritage. I have a background in education and have spent many rewarding years as an intermediate school teacher. Music has always been a big part of my life- I’ve been playing violin for over 20 years! At home, I share my life with my wonderful husband, two adorable and energetic dogs, and a sweet ragdoll cat. We love spending our weekends running the dogs around at the beach, strolling through markets and enjoying sunset dinners at our local wharf. At StarJam, I absolutely love how we all join forces to make our programmes a reality, providing the best possible support for our amazing Jammers to thrive! Email: grants@starjam.org

Hello, I'm Michelle! I've spent most of my life in Auckland, working in community organisations both paid and voluntary. My world revolves around four grown children, my husband Peter, our dog Clyde, and the joy of two grandkids. When I'm not busy with family and work, you'll find me happily engrossed in diamond art and jigsaw puzzles – my go-to sources of relaxation and creativity!

Kia ora, I’m delighted and privileged to be part of StarJam. My background is in health – with a strong focus on vulnerable people and communities. My specialty was suicide and designing and developing services for people who are abused, in prisons, care and protection and most recently I managed the health and detox services at Auckland City Mission. I have a strong DNA for the social profit sector (AKA Not for profits) and have spent over 30 years working for Make-A-Wish and a variety of charities over the past years. I have also had the privilege of being the CEO of the Cerebral Palsy Society, Go Baby Go (small electric cars for children who have physical mobility issues) and the Paediatric Oncology Steering Group I have three wonderful kids and three amazing grand kids. I live at the beach- usually with a rescue dog. I love summer, beaches, traveling and family.

Kia ora! I'm Laia. Born and raised in Mallorca (Spain), New Zealand has been home since 2013. I have a background in communications and marketing, as well as business operations. Music and dance is a big part of our family's life - music is always on and dance has become a family activity! Our family is half Spaniard / half Argentinian, and we have a beautiful home in Auckland with our two daughters and cat. Joining the StarJam team is a beautiful opportunity to support our community through something I love: dance and performance. Email: laia@starjam.org