Meet the Team

Kerry Barnett

kerry@phab.org.nz

General Manager

Kerry has a lifelong connection with PHAB, beginning as a child when she was living in the UK. After several adjournments abroad and across New Zealand, Kerry is back as the PHAB Team Leader.

Kerry brings her creative approach, experience and love for the sector in all that she does for PHAB and the management team.

Becky Giblin

becky@phab.org.nz

Resource Coordinator 

Becky was born and raised in Fiji and brings with her ten years of non profit experience and being an advocate for Pacific People. She has worked across multiple organisations specialising in communications, operations and community engagement. 

Lexi Longman

events@phab.org.nz

Operations Manager

Lexi brings over 15 years of experience in the health and wellness sector, specialising in disability support and youth development across Tāmaki Makaurau. Her background includes a range of roles in healthcare and disability services, from frontline support work to programme facilitation, event coordination, and management. This breadth of experience gives her a strong understanding of both individualised care and inclusive programme delivery.

Her passion for disability youth work began in her final year of schooling while living in the UK, where she volunteered in Ethiopia running disability youth programmes alongside a local charity. 

Lexi has worked alongside PHAB in various capacities, including running clubs and holiday programmes, leading events, and contributing at a management level. She is known for building strong relationships, creating safe and empowering spaces, and bringing calm, values-driven leadership to her work.

Outside of PHAB, Lexi is the Camp Coordinator for Muddy Kids NZ, leading nature-based programmes that foster confidence, connection, and resilience in young people. She remains passionate about creating accessible opportunities where every individual can thrive.

Jamie Akarana

clubs@phab.org.nz

Clubs Coordinator

Jaime has been a youth worker for over 16 years, beginning her journey with PHAB, where she worked across a wide range of projects and community events. Over the years, she has had the privilege of supporting young mums and working alongside homeless young people — experiences that have deeply shaped her understanding of resilience, connection, and empowerment.

In 2020, Jaime completed her Bachelor’s degree in Youth Work Development, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Supervision in 2022. Her passion extends beyond working directly with young people; she is equally driven to empower and support those who dedicate their lives to youth work.

Now a mum to a lively two-year-old, Jaime brings both personal and professional perspectives to her practice. In her spare time, she can often be found at the beach, running amuck with all the kids from her family and beyond — always creating space for fun, connection, and belonging.

Lynda Twidle

accounts@phab.org.nz

Accountant

Lynda is a highly experienced accountant has has worked in the not for profit space for a long time and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the role.

Lynda manages our xero accounting system, all things payroll and on boarding new staff. 

Lucie Chapman

admin@phab.org.nz

Administrator

Lucie has been a part of the PHAB team for many years now working in clubs , PHD's and facilitating drumming sessions. Lucie has a wide skill set and knows PHAB inside out.

Deb Bott

aucklandnorth@phab.org.nz

Auckland North Coordinator

Deb Bott is the Auckland North Coordinator at PHAB, overseeing the Clubs and PEERS programmes, as well as leading the launch of the new PHD holiday programme initiative on the Hibiscus Coast.

Based in Warkworth, Deb lives with her husband Mark — a valued volunteer at the Warkworth Club — and their teenage son Albie. Their household is completed by two dogs, two cats, and a shared love of the outdoors. Whether at the beach or surrounded by nature, Deb is happiest outside.

With a strong background in early childhood education, Deb brings over five years of experience leading YMCA’s after school and holiday programmes in Warkworth. Since early 2025, she has also led the PHAB Warkworth Club, where her energy, care, and creativity have already made a big impact.

Deb is passionate about inclusive, community-driven spaces where members can grow and thrive. 

Sarah Dodge

peerscoco@phab.org.nz

PEERS Community Coordinator

​​​​​​​Kia ora, ko Sarah tōna ingoa.

Sarah is the new PEERS Community Coordinator at PHAB and also facilitates the Ōrewa Social Club. She holds a degree in Health Promotion and has a special interest in community development, community engagement, and supporting people with disabilities.

Sarah is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities that bring people together and promote wellbeing. She looks forward to using her skills to help the PEERS Life Skills Programme grow and to develop activities that are accessible and empowering for all members of the PHAB community.

Lavinia Lovo

Niah@phab.org.nz

South Auckland Coordinator

Lavinia’s journey with PHAB Pasifika began as one of the programme’s first members in 2012, where she experienced firsthand the power of collective support which is heavily embedded within the Pasifika community. Now, she’s returned as South Auckland Coordinator, committed to giving back to the community that shaped her.

With years of experience in disability services and community youth work, Lavinia is passionate about creating pathways for her community. As a founding member of Nesian Productions, she’s championed opportunities in the arts, and her receipt of the Toa Awards in 2023 reflects her commitment to helping young people build their mana and celebrate their cultural identity.

Her work is grounded in lived experience and a passion for empowerment, resilience, and belonging. Whether facilitating sessions, sitting on a board or mentoring youth, she brings authenticity and cultural pride to everything she does.

Rhiarne Barker

projects@phab.org.nz

Projects Lead and Operational Support

Rhi is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people with disabilities and their families feel genuinely welcomed, understood, and valued. She is particularly committed to supporting those who are often unintentionally overlooked in traditional community settings.

Her work is grounded in the belief that true inclusion goes beyond access; it requires thoughtful design, flexibility, and a deep understanding of individual needs. Rhiarne takes a strengths-based, person-centred approach to programme development, ensuring initiatives are practical, sustainable, and responsive to the real needs of the community.

She is especially dedicated to supporting carers and families, recognising the resilience they show every day. Rhiarne strives to ensure PHAB remains a place where participation looks different for everyone — and where being present is enough.