Social Work: Manaaki Tangata Team

Encouraging families to achieve fulfilling lives

The journey for change starts with the first step. When you are ready, we will walk alongside you – guiding, supporting, and celebrating every step of the way.

We are committed to working in partnership with families, schools, and community to encourage self-determination where children and family strengths in culture, language, and wider family are pivotal to our success.

We will care for the well-being of those who seek our support. We welcome all feedback to improve the services we offer.

What we offer

Manaaki Tangata Team: Embracing Community Care

Stories of Support and Connection in Our Journey Towards Well-being

Our Team

Meet some of our Social work team below. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

LIZA ZAPATA

Manager

Liza has over 25 years of Professional Social Work experience working with tamariki and whanau both in New Zealand and overseas. She has worked in communities, medical and mental health hospitals, adoption, foster care, sponsorship, family, child protection, and disability services. She has previous registrations with the Philippines’ Professional Regulation Commission, and the General Social Care Council (United Kingdom) and is currently registered with the Social Workers Registration Board Aotearoa New Zealand.
Liza is passionate about working with individuals who are committed to serving diverse communities and working through ongoing upskilling and professional development.
Liza is a registered, accredited trainer and coordinator of Seasons for Growth (SFG), and Stormbirds Programme under Seasons for Growth Aotearoa New Zealand License Council covering Auckland and the North of Auckland regions.
Liza dedicates her free time as a volunteer to the Cancer Society of Auckland, the Student Volunteer Army, and the NZ Red Cross. She also loves gardening and learning more about Tangata Whenua and our relationship with Papatūānuku.

HEIDI SAN JUAN

Manager

Heidi is a dedicated social work manager who is empowering lives through social work leadership.
Heidi was born in the Philippines and migrated to New Zealand at a young age. She pursued her higher education at the University of Auckland, earning a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology. Driven by a profound desire to effect positive change, she continued her academic journey, obtaining a Master’s in Applied Social Work (Hons) from Massey University.
With a career spanning over a decade in the health, addiction, and community sectors, Heidi is passionate about mentoring and teaching social work practitioners to advocate for families and the community. She is also passionate about innovative practice and engaging with people in creative ways.
Beyond her professional life, Heidi is deeply committed to her family and community. She volunteers her time and expertise to various causes, emphasizing the importance of giving back and creating a sense of collective responsibility.

ME Family Services
We offer

Early Childhood Education

Creating a brighter future for our children

Social Work

Manaaki Tangata Team . Encouraging families to achieve fulfilling lives

Environment

Taiao Team. Regenerating our place

Parent Engagement

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