Danae Bernard
Hi :)
I'm currently the manager of a youth mental health and addiction service in the South Waikato. I have a background in education having been a high school teacher for 13 years, and I have a hobby business cleaning bones and skulls for display and education.
I'm a bit different, and I have a lifetime of experience navigating professional environments and the demands that come with them, while being the sort of person who doesn't fit the mold.
I am part of a number of minority demographics, and have experienced the many small but compounding disadvantages that this brings with it as well as the resultant health difficulties. As a result I identify quite strongly with our CPSLE workforce.
I'm a neurodiverse member of the Rainbow Community, and have fostered kittens for the last 9 years.
My Approach
I ask a lot of questions! I believe that most of the answers to the questions or dilemmas we struggle with at work already exist within us, we might just need some help to draw them out.
I'm especially passionate about sharing my understanding of leadership and professionalism, while maintaining one's authentic self as a person who is 'not your usual'. This might mean you're part of one or more minorities, or you have Lived Experience to contribute to your mahi.
I believe there are likely to be a fair few people out there who don't feel they fit in with the expectations of others from time to time, and those people should have every opportunity to reach their potential. There is strength in diversity and it should be nurtured.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (Biology)
Diploma of Teaching
Profesional Association