About Us

Jenny has over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the charitable sector, including two years as CEO of a South Auckland charity walking alongside vulnerable families, and seven years as a Strategy, Marketing and Fundraising Consultant.

Jenny has advocated for change on critical issues at government and community levels and is a passionate believer in the power of Upside’s relationship-focussed model to support rangatahi at a vital time in their lives.

Rachel is a born and bred Aucklander who calls Takanini home! Joining the team as a fundraiser, she brings experience across from raising funds in the community health sector. Rachel is passionate about working with amazing people out there who also want to make positive changes together in this slice of paradise we call Aotearoa.

In the summer months, you'll find Rachel happily swimming at the beach (or pool if there's an invite out there) or in winter, trying to get to the snow to jump on a pair of skis.  

Daryl is from the beautiful isles of Fiji. He is a trained youth worker with over eight years of experience working with young people all over Auckland. Daryl works as Upside's partnership manager working with mentoring organisations outside of Auckland. He also has ninja-like IT skills that keep our systems moving along.

Phil comes with a suite of qualifications in youth work and education and 30 years’ experience in the field. He helped develop a mentoring organisation in Ōtautahi / Christchurch and has led many youth-focused initiatives including a leadership conference and resourcing website, written a manual on mentoring and authored the book Youth Ministry Well. Married to Carol with four children, they have recently relocated from Christchurch to be near their thriving mokopuna.

She has over 15 years experience in working with young people and families from different environments including church, South / West Auckland communities, intermediate, high school and youth Justice. She is passionate about her family / fitness / friends and faith. Lesieli also loves op shopping and playing board games with her kids.

Farrely is Māori who whakapapa back to a small town called Horeke in the beautiful Hokianga.  However she was born and raised in the promised land of Glen Innes. Farrely is passionate about young people and has been in this line of work for over 15 years. 

Farrely's happy place is by, in or near the water. Any opportunity to be around water she takes with both hands. 

Farrely other passion is League and is a LOYAL Warriors fan. She believes this is their year. UP THE WARRIORS!!!!

Lazarus has grown up in South Auckland most of his life but now currently lives in West Auckland. Lazarus brings with him 13 years of youth work experience having been involved in church communities, health organisations and community youth trusts. In his spare time he loves fitness, reading endless books and busting out a waiata or two.

Olive is Upside's Communications Coordinator, where she gets to story tell all magic and special things young people and their mentors are doing with Upside. And keep the team looking good and colourful in the community.

The multi-faceted Olive has worked in advertising, arts education, public relations, hospitality, and early childhood education. Olive studied Digital Marketing in 2018 and worked as a remote consultant for four years after recognising the importance of keeping up with the digital landscape. 

Olive's dad was an engineer, and she grew up around the world and developed a love for traveling and cultures. Her three children were born and raised in New Zealand, where Olive has lived for 21 years. Her passion for traveling to Mexico one day is matched by an obsession with Frida Kahlo.  That's why her dogs are called Frida and Diego.

Rowan joins Upside in the fundraising area, to work on funding applications to the many wonderful foundations who support youth and community development. Previously she managed parks and fundraised for two amazing environmental charities in London. A passion of Rowan's is getting people involved in their local parks and green spaces to make a difference in communities. She's now excited for a change in scenery with Upside, to her it's all about volunteering and making young people's lives better.