Our People

Milly

Hi, I'm Milly, Registered Nurse and founder of Cherish Respite. I live in a small coastal community with my husband and our four feline fur babies, while our two adult children are out forging their way in the world. Having been a Registered Nurse for the past 20+ years, I often heard the same story from families who were caring for a loved one - "we want to keep them at home, but it's getting too much for us". Home brings a sense of security and peace of mind. Being in familiar surroundings can reduce fears and anxieties, for both the patient and the carer. This is true for all kinds of care, not just palliative.

To achieve the goal of keeping someone in their own home brings me immense gratification. It would be an honour and a privilege to support you and your loved ones in your time of need. I am proud of the team I have built and the professional compassionate in-home support we provide to our clients.

Please feel free to contact me for further credentials.

Jacinta

I am a registered nurse with with 12 years experience, working in mental health, postnatal, drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation, urgent care, practice nursing, occupational health and safety, and private in-home care.

I am a devoted mum to my beautiful daughter. I have a never ending passion for natural health and healing, which i have studied formally and informally for many years. I am a New Zealand native flower essence registered practitioner using the award winning vibrational healing modality, First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand. I hold a NZQA certificate in relaxation massage and Herbal Medicine.

I have provided in-home nursing care with Cherish Respite since July 2023. I absolutely love this work where i get to provide the kind of 1:1 client care most nurses can only dream about. Where I have the time to truly listen, get to know my client, and comprehensively and holistically care for them. I also feel very fortunate to be part of such a wonderfully dedicated and caring team.

Lynda

Hi I'm Lynda and I adore working within the Cherish team. I have 20 years nursing experience in both the medical and surgical fields. One time Charge Nurse at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland, and 10 years’ experience in community nursing as a District Nurse in Taranaki.

Taranaki born and bred I am Te Atiawa, with Ngati Rahiri as my Hapu. I am also a Massage Therapist and Reiki Master so you may receive the best of both worlds.

Jaylene

Hi, I’m Jaylene and I am a contractor with Cherish. I have been with Cherish for 2 years, and specialize in building relationships with clients, identifying needs and providing the best care possible. Previously the Health & Disability advocate for Taranaki I have an understanding of the rights of clients and ensure respect, dignity and feeling safe are felt in all my actions.A good conversationalist, with a good sense of humour, I like to keep visits, light, positive and to fill the gaps when required.I always look forward to meeting new clients, and love to contribute to their well-being.

Shelley

Hi, I’m Shelley, and I’m a Carer with Cherish Respite. While living in Australia, I worked in a rest home, before moving to Spinal life Australia. There I worked to support people living with paraplegia.

I have 4 children and 10 grandchildren, and enjoy golf, walking, and going to the gym. I very much enjoy working with the elderly, and always aim to bring some enjoyment into their day.

Glenda

I joined Cherish in 2023, having met Milly at a Women’s Workshop. There she spoke of her passion to establish a business where people could be cared for in their own homes. Sounded great to me!
As I’d cared for a family member at home, post-stroke, I understood how physically and mentally demanding this could be. There was next to no support for the carer.
I am empathic, cheerful and somewhat adventurous, and love caring for people from all walks of life. It’s great to get clients out of their homes and off for adventures (safely, of course!) I am keen to see families have some peace of mind that their loved ones are having the best care possible at what can be very tricky times.
When not working, I’m dog walking on the beach, having coffee with friends, or out in my garden.

Michelle

In recent years I have had the privilege of supporting each of my parents through their end-of-life journeys. Those experiences led me to seeking out work in this field, and I’ve never looked back. I love spending time with my clients, getting to know them (and their families), and helping them get the most out of life.

Originally from Australia, I have lived in New Plymouth for many years and thoroughly enjoy all the opportunities this wonderful place has to offer. Working with the Cherish Respite team has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m proud of the unique role we play in the life of our clients.

Thea

I have been working with Cherish Respite since 2022. Before this, I had worked as a qualified chef, but got to the stage where I really needed a change. The move was a positive one, and I’m really enjoying my role with Cherish.

It’s so rewarding, being able to help people in different ways. I love hearing my clients’ stories, getting to know them, and helping them to continue with the activities they love.

I always bring a positive attitude with me. I’m good with technology, and have an extensive number of hobbies, which I enjoy sharing with any clients who may be interested.

I am a fast learner, making it easy for me to adapt to care for different people in the way they need. I pride myself on bringing personalized care to each client.