Our People

Operational Team

Lisa Silipa

Executive Director

Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Lisa has experience in a wide range of roles in the social service sector including in youth justice and prisoner reintegration, and she is passionate about a restorative approach to justice. She has a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts conjoint degree, a BA(Hons) in Development Studies, and a Masters in Social Work.

Kelsey Lee

Senior Campaigner

Originally from Ahuriri Napier, she has been involved in a range of campaigning, including local body politics, Government and social justice kaupapa. This experience helps support our whanau by taking lived experiences to those in positions of power.

Hayley Te Koha

Finance & Admin Coordinator

Originally from Christchurch, Hayley lives in Paeroa with her husband where they are involved in working alongside disadvantaged groups. The couple founded a Trust to support their work of advocacy and bringing healing from trauma throughout Aotearoa. Hayley has a background in finance, HR, admin, and event management.

Anusha Bhana

Comms & Fundraising Coordinator

Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Anusha lives in Whitianga and is an experienced communications and fundraising professional. She offers a refreshing mix of strategic thinking, values-based communications and creativity to help for-purpose organisations and social change initiatives grow and thrive.

Maia Keepa

Summer Research Intern

He uri ahau nō Kāi Tūāhuriri, nō Ngāti Pikiao, nō Ngāti Mahuta, nō Ngāti Maniapoto anō hoki. I am a fourth year student at the University of Canterbury studying towards a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Māori and Indigenous studies, and minoring in Te Reo Māori.

Board Members

Pam Thorburn

Acting Chairperson

Management Executive

Catherine Marks

Board member

Public law specialist

Katie Perkins

Board Secretary

10 years experience in the Police, including in Youth Engagement and Supported Resolutions. Now studying Te Reo Māori full time.

Laura Johnstone

Board member

Researcher and PhD Candidate in Criminal Justice at the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.

Adrienne Thompson

Treasurer

Ngāti Apakura, based in Te Tau Ihu. Project Lead at Wakatū Incorporation, with 10 years experience in the philanthropic sector. Māmā of 5 boys

Charles Harvey

Board member

Lawyer of 6 years, currently working at the Commerce Commission managing prosecutions under the Fair Trading Act.

Samantha Casey

Board member

Registered social worker currently working as a Practice Lead advocating for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau within Care and Protection, Mental Health and Youth Justice.

Advisors to the board

Tā Kim Workman

Kaumātua

The voice of reason and the face of criminal justice reform

Advisory group