Kia ora, my name is Cassia and I’m FASD-CAN’s Tītoki Coordinator. I’m working with our rangatahi and adults with FASD on our weekend camps and other get-togethers (Pizza Clubs).

I come from a large family and grew up in Kerikeri and Kirikiriroa/Hamilton. From a young age I have been part of multicultural communities and seen people facing challenges with mental health and addiction. These experiences motivated me into my career as a social worker, and I have developed a passion for helping create spaces where people feel valued, respected and part of a community. 

Outside of work, I loved to volunteer in places with a strong sense of whanaungatanga. This has included several years at Soul Lounge at Festival One, and volunteering as a coordinator with The Serve, a Kirikiriroa organisation which serves a free evening meal 365 days a year.

I have recently returned from a few years overseas with my husband and now call Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland home. 

A whakataukī I like to live by is:

"Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora te manuhiri.
With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive."