Karen, a founding Trustee of the Nelson ARK, holds an Honours degree in Social Science and a Postgraduate diploma in alcohol and other drug studies and recently completed a foundation certificate in adult teaching/working in groups. Her professional background is in counselling, particularly in the alcohol and other drug field; service development, tutoring and youth work. She has experience in managing and supervising volunteers, teaching and developing resources. She had taken the leadership role in the animal welfare group SAFE in Nelson for a number of years.

Susan Murray-Rifici, Co- Founding Trustee of the Nelson ARK, is a registered New Zealand teacher with past experience teaching in Canada and the US. In 2008 Susan was awarded a Royal Society Teaching Fellowship and had the opportunity to research ‘the importance f child-animal relationships in the development of empathy towards all beings’. She visited and observed the groundbreaking programme YAP (Youth and Animal Project) in Ontario, Canada, the Pawsitive Directions Canine Programme at the women’s incarceration facility in Nova Scotia, Canada, as well as training for the Healing Species violence intervention/character education programme in South Carolina USA. Susan has been delivering this programme to schools in the district since 2009. She adopted Beau from APART Programme 2 who often accompanies her into schools acting as assistant teacher - as do many other APART canine graduates - in Healing Species classes. Susan is Co-Facilitator for the APART Programme and co-ordinates Media and Communications for the ARK.

Peter has

Stephanie's background and relevant experience is in the canine field of Service Dogs for the Disabled and work with therapy dogs. She also has qualifications in Animal Industry & Companion Animal Services Certificates. At present she is studying for qualifications in Animal-Assisted Therapy. She has experience in management and supervision.

Paula's professional background is in veterinary medicine. Throughout her career she has been involved in animal welfare. As well as the professional day-to-day treatment of animals, she has done SPCA work and has also volunteered in animal welfare organisations in Africa and Nepal. Her role in ARK is as advisor for the welfare and health of the shelter animals.

Jo has

Jemma Wastney is the Youth Trustee on the Board of The Nelson Ark. Jemma participated in the APART programme after suffering from servere anxiety and depression, graduating in July 2009. After experiencing what a great organisation The Nelson Ark is, she came back as a volunteer and youth mentor for the APART programme. Jemma has since gone on to study a Degree in Early Childhood and continues to work with the young people of the Ark.

Lee is a solicitor with 15 years experience. She has her own practice with offices in Westport and Stoke. Lee undertakes Counsel for Child work and enjoys this aspect of her legal practice. She is currently awaiting consideration of a Youth Advocacy application. Lee has had a life-long involvement with animals and with animal welfare for a number of years. She has assisted with cases of animal neglect or cruelty.

John is contracted to Tasman District council for Dog Control Services and is a registered SPCA inspector.

Suzanne Max is the business owner of an 800acre mixed farm of cattle, cropping, dairy grazing, cashmere goats and sheep. Along with this Suzanne and family runs a tourism horse trekking business and riding centre of 60 horses of which one aspect is the support of 'at- risk youth'. Suzanne is a business leader, mentor and life-coach. Her role as Trustee is one of overseeing the business end of the operation and encouraging members to reach their full potential as an effective team.