Staff Profiles
Christina Pusztay - Manager
I have been in the Family Social Services for a number of years, having a background in legal and PR work. I am a mother of two, and have two beautiful grandchildren. My aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment to the women and children who come into our Refuge, so that they can make informed choices, and go on to live a life free from fear. My role is to co-ordinate the services here at the Refuge, so that we can supply a quality service to all clients both resident and community clients that use our service.
Tracey Simpson - Social Worker
I joined Supportline in 2011 after graduating with a Bachelor of Social Practice and also work part-time as a domestic violence helpline operator. I am a mother of one teenage son and have a background in travel and tourism which provides a strong skill base of communication and relationship building both with clients and service providers. I am passionate about children living happy carefree childhoods together with facilitating empowerment for their mothers such that they can make informed choices in the best interests of themselves and their children. My life experiences, training and work on domestic violence help lines provides a strong foundation for the work we do at refuge in a safe environment for women and their children to heal, grow and transition to a life in which they are respected, clear in their choices and can live free from fear and oppression.
Christina Vogels - Chairperson
I have been a Supportline board member since 2006 and have been chairperson since April 2010. I am a researcher in the field of men’s violence towards women and am currently working towards my doctorate at the University of Auckland which is specifically looking at violence in young people’s relationships. I am also a lecturer at AUT University in the School of Communication Studies. It is a privilege to be involved with Supportline Women’s Refuge. It is a progressive refuge that is committed to helping women and children as well as raising awareness about violence in the community - both of which are crucial endeavours in today’s society.
Rose Lythe - Secretary
I live locally and I’m the mother of two boys. I have worked as a Housing Social Worker at Monte Cecilia Housing Trust for the past 10 years. I have recently been elected onto the COGS Committee Manukau. I bring enthusiasm, and knowledge, and would like to think that I could represent and be a voice for abused women and children.
Ineka Vogels - Treasurer
I am currently raising two little boys and also work part-time as an accounts administrator, with previous work background in arts administration and client liaison. I have been on the board since 2007 and feel very privileged to contribute skills, time and enthusiasm to a cause close to my heart. I strongly believe that it is the right of all women and children to feel safe and respected, both in their own homes and in the wider community, and am proud that Supportline Women’s Refuge works commendably to this end.
Claire Gear - Board Member
I am a research officer working in the school of health care practice at AUT.