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TEAM
Linda Downes, Operations Manager
Linda was appointed Operations Manager in April 2023 and has worked most of her career in the not for profit and Social Service Sectors. Linda moved to Palmerston to be closer to family in 2020 and loves living in a small city with a big vision.
The draw to Camellia House was the opportunity to help make a difference in people’s lives.
BOARD
The Camellia House Trust is governed by a board of members from various backgrounds with various different skill sets.
Tania Lennon, Chairperson
Tania has been involved with Camellia house since 2019 and became the Chair of the board in 2020 following Aleisha stepping down for the role. Tania has worked in the not for profit sector for 25 years and is currently the General Manager Operations for Sport Manawatu.
Margaret Hunt
Margaret joined the Board at the beginning of 2023. She has a passion for the city, it’s residents and in particular the welfare of our women and children. She is honoured to be able to give back to the city where she has resided for most of her life with the exception of a short excursion to London where she and her husband resided for a few years.
She is currently the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Grant Smith, and has a close “coal face” association with the city’s needs and issues.
Margaret is extremely “hands on” and one of her forte’s is her ability to access resources for Camellia House through many of the local organisations and businesses who are always very willing to assist. The house could not function without the support of the wider community.
Rebecca Gain
Rebecca joined the board in February 2022. She supports families/whānau to improve their young person's challenging behaviours as a Multi-Systemic Therapist based in MidCentral Region. Her background in supporting young people, families, schools, and community organisations across the region are skills that Rebecca brings to Camellia House.
Shannon Johnston
Shannon has been involved with Camellia House since 2019. She is a partner at CR Law, with the firm having had a strong association with Camellia House for a number of years. As a mother of three girls, Shannon loves being able to make a difference by assisting an organisation aimed at helping women and children in our local community.
