Dick Downing Services Manager

Dick joined EDGE in October 2006 after emigrating from the UK earlier that year. Originally employed as an employment consultant, Dick was appointed to the Enterprise Manager position in 2011. His role is to manage the service and steer its future development, as well as ensuring that business plans are achieved each year.

Dick brings to EDGE a very wide range of experience in the business and not-for-profit sectors including six years running his own training consultancy. He has considerable experience in business development and sales and while in the UK worked with businesses and community partners to establish a very successful employee volunteering programme.

When not at work, Dick spends most of his time with his wife and family. His interests include most sports and anything in the great outdoors.

Emma Carreon Team Leader

I am the Team Leader at EDGE, working with all consultants to offer the best quality service to all jobseekers. It is my responsibility to make sure that staff members are happy, well trained and given resources in their role so they can realise our mission of "developing excellent employment solutions through partnership and support to all people that we serve".

I originally came from the Philippines and emigrated to New Zealand with my family in 1996.  I found the country and its people so beautiful; I feel privileged to call this home. Away from the workplace, I'm into reading and cooking, plus lots of walking to keep myself fit.

I love working with people. I believe that any person who wants to work should be able to, provided the right support is available to them. At EDGE, this is what we do.

Joy Deynzer Practice Adviser

I am an Employment Consultant and Practice Advisor for EDGE Employment. I work both with job seekers to get and maintain employment and with other EDGE Consultants to develop their practice in the field.

I have a B.A. in Sociology from Auckland University and completed the Graduate Certificate in Career Development at Auckland University of Technology in 1999, when I developed an interest in employment and it's impact on people. Previous to working at EDGE I had a number of varied occupations including teacher aide, worker for the aged and administration.

I am the mother of two children and enjoy spending my time outside of work playing tennis, jogging, walking and attending a weekly yoga class. I am a keen reader and enjoy nothing better than burying my head in a good book and like to unwind by doing Sudoku and Kakuro puzzles.

What I enjoy most about my job at EDGE Employment is working with job seekers to find meaningful work and seeing the impact working has on how people see themselves and their contribution to the community. In my role as Practice Advisor it is great to see staff develop through reflective practice and implementation of training.

Therese Hamlin Employment Consultant

Working as an EDGE employment consultant on the North Shore has provided me with an awesome job. I enjoy all aspects of the role in finding healthy jobs with healthy choices made along side the jobseekers. The employment journey can be a challenging process. The rewards come with persistence and personal growth.

I bring to the EDGE team a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Social Work specialising in the field of Mental Health from San Diego State University, USA. After using the support service at EDGE to return to the workforce, I was invited to participate monthly as Consumer Representative at EDGE Employment team meetings. My passion for community service and mental health was rekindled.

Coaching the sports of Basketball and Volleyball for both boy and girl teams at the local school has been one of my favourite things to do. I enjoy keeping fit by Tai Chi practice. I dabble with my flute, vegetable garden and baking.

I received a national award as the Supported Employment Practitioner of the Year in 2007 setting a record for the most placements in a month. I strive to provide a quality service and thoroughly enjoy working with such a wonderful team at EDGE.

Michael Hawkey Employment Consultant

I am an employment consultant at EDGE, working on the North Shore. As with other consultants, my primary role consists of working with job seekers and employers, helping fill vacancies and ensuring things continue to be successful when a position has been filled.

Prior to EDGE I have worked in a variety of fields. In 2006 I gained my Masters in Anthropology at Massey University, as well as various other certificates in a wide range of fields. I believe my previous experiences have given me a broad understanding of employment fields and the ability to work with people from all cultures and fields of profession.

When not at work I enjoy a variety of hobbies, particularly dabbling in photography, cycling, running, tramping and working on projects in the 'shed'.

Each day can bring a new challenge at EDGE, but the most enjoyable part of my role is seeing people grow and succeed in work as well as hearing positive praise from employers on how their employees are going.

Gaylene Ripepi Employment Consultant

I am an employment consultant at EDGE, working in the Rodney District. My primary role is helping job seekers into roles of their choice and supporting those already employed to retain their employment, thus working closely with their employers.

Before joining EDGE, I was a stay-at-home mother and prior to that I worked in Human Resources as a Consultant and Recruitment Specialist in South Africa. I have a good understanding of people in general, which I believe will only add value to my current role.

I am a naturalised Kiwi and emigrated from South Africa in 2004 with my husband and young family. We are blessed with three handsome sons, who are so full of life and energy and really keep us on our toes.

I am passionate to see people live blessed lives each day no matter their circumstances. The multi-cultural team at EDGE also brings colour, humour and refreshment to a recovery focused health industry. My job gives me the satisfaction of being able to make a positive contribution to people's lives and I am honoured in this regard.

Tom Baker Employment Consultant

I am one of the two Rodney district employment consultants at EDGE. My role is assisting people in there job seeking process; helping them to find a job that suits them and supporting them in work, also offering any support the employer may need.

I am a family man with young children. I enjoy staying fit, teaching things to my kids and any opportunity to be creative or do something that challenges me.

Previously I have worked in the field of disability, supporting people in a teaching environment, teaching school subjects, work and life skills, and as well as other community work.

Being there for someone who needs a hand and seeing the benefits work can bring is one of the best parts of my job. Even small amounts of support can help people do things they didn't think they could.

Philip Walley Employment Consultant

During August 2007 I joined EDGE Employment as a Consultant.
Family orientation is very central in my thoughts and Christian principals guide my life and have a strong influence on my attitude and daily living.

My background is in civil engineering and property management and this has given me a wide repertoire of experience in applying 'people skills' in a working environment.
A business type approach is my way of viewing life.

Each individual developing their skills and talents, and thereby contributing within society to the best of their ability is something that I am passionate about.
My contribution at EDGE Employment involves this concept.

I take a very pragmatic, innovated, functional approach to life and to my relationships with people. This especially applies to my job seekers and is implemented with compassion and tolerance. Preserving the dignity and self-respect of the individuals with whom I am in contact is very important to me.

My previous work experience helps me to communicate readily with a broad and diverse spectrum of job seekers and employers.  The strong mix of cultural diversity at EDGE, I find very enjoyable and I relish the powerful humorous camaraderie that exists within the EDGE team.

Mieko MacInnes Employment Consultant

Mieko started with EDGE in August 2011. People who experience mental health challenges can work successfully if they are given a suitable job and appropriate support. It is essential for a consultant to have a genuine desire to work with them and believe in them to succeed.

Originally from Japan, Mieko has lived in New Zealand for 23 years. She previously worked at AUT as a senior lecture in Japanese. She was always passionate about motivating and encouraging students to achieve their goals, which led her to be a recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award. She holds an MA in Japanese from Massey University and Graduate Diploma in Health Science from AUT.

Mieko's interests include playing piano and flower arrangement in both Western and Japanese styles. On a weekend she enjoys Nordic Walking, Laughter Yoga, coffee with her friends and the cinema. She is married to a Scotsman.

Mieko enjoys working with a great team at EDGE. Their warm support makes it easier for her to face new challenges. She believes that "self confidence" is the key to success. If you don't believe in yourself, you can't maximize your ability. Mieko has a passion for helping people build up their confidence.