MEET OUR TEAM
Jacqui Thompson
Clinical Manager
Jacqui is an NZ Registered Nurse and has been working alongside people with diabetes for over 30 years. She has been in her current role since 2005 and prior to this worked as a Primary Care Nurse in General Practice, After-hours medical and emergency centre and as an Immunisation Facilitator. She also has experience as an RN in working in hospital settings in variety of wards/areas/nursing particularly mixed general surgical wards and Intensive Care Unit.
Jacqui is a trained Facilitator for delivering the STANFORD ‘Living a Healthy Life’ programme, has volunteered as a Transformational Leadership Coach and is a member of Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua/MidCentral Diabetes Leadership group.
Jacqui ‘s main focus is to help people gain an understanding of their diabetes and develop confidence in managing their diabetes (with support from their whānau). This is achieved by sharing with them evidence-based, sustainable, and practical ways to live with and manage their diabetes so that people have an opportunity to live their best possible life.
In her time away from work, family, friends, gardening, reading, biking and her two rescue cats almost keep her out of mischief but not quite enough to curb her love of chocolate!!
.jpg)
Andrea Bell
Youth Coordinator
I love my job working with youth from birth – 30 yrs who have diabetes and their whānau/families. I am continually inspired by their courage and tenacity. 'They are true warriors!’
I organise social events, camps and support groups whereby our community can connect, have fun, take time to recharge and encourage each other on their journey. Support and advocacy is also an important part of my role.
Kristen C White
NZ Registered Dietitian
Kristen is a NZ Registered Dietitian with over 18 years of experience helping people improve their health with food. Prior to working at the MHT Diabetes Trust she worked as diabetes specialist dietitian, a clinical and renal dietitian at Palmerston North Hospital, and a diabetes dietitian at the Diabetes Centre in Christchurch. She also mentored student dietitians as a Professional Practice Fellow in Dietetics for the University of Otago.
Kristen is a level 3 assessed Health and Wellness Coach (Wellness Coaching Australia), and recently completed her Certificate of Training in Mindful Eating (Centre for Mindful Eating).
As one of the 3 pillars of diabetes management, Kristen's mission is to educate and empower people to make informed food choices that improve their health and diabetes. She loves working in the community with people who want to 'take action' to manage their diabetes.
When not working, she's busy being a mum, digging in the garden or figuring out new ways to enjoy peanut butter.
Marie Greig
Administrator
I provide administration support for the team. I manage our fundraising applications, course registrations and general office duties.
A busy mum of 5 I know that being organised is the key to success in home and work life!I I work part time Monday – Thursday 8.30-2.30pm but ring to make sure I am there. I look forward to meeting you.