Merge NZ has been providing NZSL and Deaf culture courses since 2017, and none of this would be possible without our hardworking team.
Last month in July 2024, the Merge NZ admin team (Mahi team) had an opportunity to meet in-person at Teiki Golf Estate in Hamilton. We used this time together for strategic planning and brainstorming ideas for the year ahead. For some of our team, this was their first time meeting each other face-to-face. Our team is a mix of Deaf and hearing professionals, and we value collaboration and partnership across different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Our meet up was a great opportunity to get to know each other, and now you can get to know the team too!
Victoria Lessing (Deaf)
You probably recognise Victoria’s face already - she’s the Director of Merge NZ, as well as an NZSL specialist. Victoria set up Merge NZ in 2017 with co-founder Jamie Brown, and she works hard to manage the Merge NZ business. Her role includes looking after the admin team, creating business proposals, strategic planning, as well as teaching high-quality and effective NZSL courses across New Zealand.
Janine Campbell (Deaf)
NZSL is gaining popularity in schools, and many teachers are eager to introduce NZSL activities and programs to their classrooms. Our NZSL for Schools programme is co-ordinated by Janine, who helps Merge NZ provide tailored learning opportunities for educators looking to implement NZSL in their school curriculum.
Janine also fills the role of NZSL Learning & Development Coordinator. She offers support to both our students and our teachers by organising student events, professional development opportunities, and guidance for NZSL trainee teachers.
Jodine Williams (Hearing)
Not only is Jodine a practicing NZSL interpreter, she also manages finance and fundraising for Merge NZ. Her important role includes managing staff payroll, as well as applying for funding so that we can continue to deliver our NZSL programmes and help new projects to thrive.
Jodine uses her interpreting experience to support Merge NZ’s mahi, sometimes interpreting our team meetings and business discussions with external parties.
Jennifer Lum (Hearing)
If you’re enrolled in one of Merge’s on-site courses, Jennifer was the person working behind the scenes to set it up. Jennifer coordinates all of our face-to-face and hybrid blended learning courses across the country, and she is also studying NZSL and Deaf Studies at AUT.
Marissa Lessing (Deaf)
Our goal at Merge is to deliver NZSL courses that are accessible to everyone, which is why we also offer MySign online courses. These are managed by Marissa, our NZSL Online Course Coordinator. The MySign courses that Marissa oversees include online versions of our 8-week courses at all levels, as well as specialised short courses that are industry specific. These courses are custom designed for health professionals, emergency workers, and water safety.
Emily Woodward (Hearing)
The newest member of our team is Emily, who recently completed her Graduate Diploma of Arts in NZSL and Deaf Studies at AUT. She now works as our Marketing Specialist, supporting the Merge NZ team with blogs, social media, and the website.
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