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 was awarded a Kiwibank Local Hero award in 2022 and is a registered member of Dapaanz, the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners' Association Aotearoa.
Kelly Faile – Client Services Manager
Kelly is delighted to be a part of the Brave Hearts team. In 2020, after seeing the impact of Covid19 on our community’s mental health, along with an increase in addiction, domestic violence, and family well-being, Kelly made the life-changing decision to leave her corporate role and embark on a year of studying Mental Health and Addiction along with Business Management and Leadership.
Kelly has lived experience in Mental Health and Addiction, having experienced Postnatal Depression after the birth of her three daughters, which led to an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. She is deeply aware of how difficult it was to overcome this even with the benefit of having strong financial and emotional support, so she is extremely committed to helping people and their families, who may or may not have the same support, or who feel like there is no hope. Because there is always hope.
Pare Herewini-Flavill – 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.
FREE PHONE: 0508 272 834
EMAIL: support@bravehearts.nz
Unit 1/52 Girven Road, Bayfair,
Mount Maunganui
