Our Team
Erin Scarlett ONeill – Executive Director/Founder
Erin is the mother of a son who struggled with an addiction to methamphetamine. Because of her own experience, she is a passionate advocate for supporting families who cope with the daily demands of a loved one with substance issues.
Originally from Auckland, with a background in business ownership, events and marketing, Erin leads Brave Hearts in providing support groups, toolkit sessions and educational seminars and zoom meetings for all whanau nationwide.
Erin is an accredited Addiction Peer Support Worker and a registered member of Dapaanz, the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners' Association Aotearoa. She was awarded the Kiwibank Local Hero award in 2022.
Lynn Fisher – Client Services Manager
Lynn has joined our team as the Client Services Manager. Originally from Cape Town South Africa she used her Diploma in Counseling (specialising in addiction) to work with trauma survivors at her local police station. She is also currently studying a Post Graduate Diploma in Health and Social Policy with a Mental Health and Addiction endorsement.
Lynn has a lived experience of a loved one who has walked the path of addiction, and after experiencing uncaring support as a family member she is passionate about helping families who have loved ones struggling with substance use.
“I have seen and experienced loved ones and family members shell shocked and traumatised by the addict's behaviour. It is so important to start your own journey of healing and self-care. I am proud to be part of Brave Hearts as they play such a vital role in our community providing care and support.”
Pare Herewini-Flavell – Family Support Worker
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Matawhaura te māunga
Ko Rotorua te awa
Ko Te Arawa te iwi
Ko Ngāti Whakahemo me Ngāti Mākino te hāpu
Ko Pukehina me Otamarakau te Mārae
Ko Parekotuku tōku ingoa
No reira tēnā kōutou tēnā kōutou tēnā kōutou katoa.
As a family support person with personal experience overcoming addiction, I bring a unique perspective to my work. Having been clean for 12 years after overcoming my own struggles, I understand the challenges families face when dealing with addiction. My journey, which included Postnatal depression and losing custody of my 3 children due to my addiction, has given me empathy and insight into the complexities of recovery and family dynamics. Now, as a married parent with my children living at home, I am committed to helping other families navigate similar challenges, providing support and guidance to ensure they know they are not alone.
Pare is currently on maternity leave spending beautiful time with her whānau welcoming their new pēpi.
Tracey Watson - Family Support Worker
Tracey has joined our team to support our whānau while Pare is away. Tracey is studying towards her Peer-Support worker qualification and brings with her a lived-experience background.
Tracey will take you through the one-on-one Toolkit sessions which are individual for you and your needs.
Our Services Brave Hearts Family addiction support
FREE PHONE: 0508 272 834
EMAIL: support@bravehearts.nz
Unit 1/52 Girven Road, Bayfair, Mount Maunganui
