Gary Duberly

Associate Member ICSA

Completing his studies in 1993, Gary was admitted as an Associate Member to the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). With 21 years’ experience in the fields of taxation and business services, Gary (via his company Duberly Vincent), advises small and medium sized enterprises across a broad spectrum of industries in the areas of tax compliance, financial & management accounting, business development and management advice. Gary is a double world masters squash champion and is a passionate supporter of many sports. Gary is married to Angie and has three daughters, Jamie, Tyler and Danielle.

Josie Cunningham

I am a retired nurse of 40 years, working in the field of paediatrics and practice nursing, specialising in child health, asthma, and counselling. I have raised two boys, Johnny, and Alex with my General Practitioner husband Peter.  Our oldest son Johnny has Noonan syndrome, epilepsy, intellectual and learning disabilities, with anxiety.  He lived with us until he was 27 when he moved into supported care. I was very active in a running support group for Noonan Syndrome for a few years and have always felt drawn to helping other families with special needs children. During my last few years of my nursing career I reduced my hours so I could pursue my hobby of working with flowers.  Trying to balance my life with something creative and began working designing wedding flowers. I feel privileged to have been asked to join this advisory group with Creative Abilities.

Hemant Thakkar

MANZASW

Originally, a Cost and Management Accountant, Hemant made his career move to the disability sector in 1994 as a Special Educator in a special school for intellectually disabled children in Mumbai, India. Upon moving to New Zealand in 2002, Hemant worked with Creative Abilities for six years in various roles from caregiver to Social Services Manager. Later he worked for nearly five years with the Health and Disability Commissioner as the Disability Initiatives Manager. Currently Hemant works as the Service Improvement Manager for a national level kaupapa Maori disability service provider. Hemant is an avid learner with multiple post-graduate level qualifications including a PhD in Social Work (Disabilities). Hemant's non-academic hobbies include drumming and watching Bollywood movies. Hemant considers it a privilege to be a part of the Creative Abilities family.

Jo van den Berg

Jo is a result minded people leader transforming the way health, safety and wellbeing teams work together and partner with internal and external stakeholders. Jo has eight years of high performance in senior leadership roles at the forefront of managing risk within the complex aviation environment.  Jo spent a number of years working for ACC, creating unique partnerships with injured New Zealanders to ensure they and their families needs were met and they got the right care at the right time.  Jo is current leading a team of health, safety and well-being professionals at the Department of Corrections, improving processes, managing a diverse risk profile and assisting in the implementing  of the Everyone Safe, Every Day strategy.

Jo brings a considered yet results based approach, with high standards. Jo has a strong sense of duty, thrives on leading and collaborating with teams to deliver results through times of change and is truly passionate about all people, especially with regard to their safety and wellbeing.