General Manager

I was appointed General Manager of the TalkLink Trust in 2007. The creation of a "head office" was seen as the next step in expanding the TalkLink service. The appointment of both a General Manager and a Finance Manager ensures that the TalkLink Trust will continue to provide well coordinated services for all our clients.

The General Manager is responsible for implementing the TalkLink Vision, Mission and Values, ensuring there are

• High standards in clinical practice,
• Well supported TalkLink staff,
• Well managed key relationships,
• Effective business processes and financial management.

As General Manager, I must ensure that TalkLink operates in accordance with the TalkLink Trust Board strategies, direction and policies.

I have worked at TalkLink since the early 1990s, as a speech-language therapist and have considerable experience in Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology. Before working at TalkLink I had specialised in working with people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Becoming involved in the development of TalkLink as an assistive communication technology "centre of excellence", was a progression from my earlier specialisation.

Email: ann.smaill@talklink.org.nz

Finance Manager

I started working for TalkLink in September 2004 in the role of Office Manager. With the expansion of TalkLink services in 2007 and the establishment of a TalkLink Trust "national office" I was appointed to the position of Finance Manager.

Prior to my work at TalkLink I had worked for 18 years in finance and administration in a Steiner School, which also involved much community based work and fundraising to build and support the operations of the school.

I am married and have six children. I grew up in Croatia, spent two years in Germany and then moved to New Zealand when I was twelve years old. After finishing high school in Auckland, I trained to be a primary school teacher and taught for two years before having my own children.

I believe that being able to communicate effectively and continuing to learn throughout one’s life is vital in today’s world. Removing barriers to learning caused by disability and enabling individuals to come closer to achieving their potential and leading a fulfilling life has been a major focus of my working life. Coming to terms with a physical disability caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis and then successfully using voice recognition software in my own work, has given me some insight into what can be achieved with appropriate assistive technology.

I am inspired by the difference that TalkLink makes to the lives of so many people with disabilities, who use assistive technology to communicate and interact with their environment as effectively as is possible.

My main role at TalkLink is to ensure that effective business processes and financial management systems are in place, which also supports the delivery of best possible services to our clients. I work closely with the General Manager and the Centre Managers to ensure there are sound financial practices.

I also prepare all financial statements and reports and ensure these are distributed to the General Manager, Centre Managers and the TalkLink Trust.

My other responsibilities include managing/maintaining the financial computer systems TalkLink wide, and assisting with raising funds for assistive technology resources. Please contact me if you have any financial queries.

Email: ankica.middeldorp@talklink.org.nz

Finance Manager Support

Finance Manager Support My main role here is to assist with Accounts and Administration, and to support the Finance Manager in her role at TalkLink. I also relieve at Reception and work in with other staff wherever help is required. Before my appointment at TalkLink in September 2007, I have been busy raising a family of five boys. I have worked in various different roles, starting as a Savings Bank Clerk at the NZ Post Office in Auckland. I then traveled overseas on a working holiday to Europe for two years.

Upon my return I went back into clerical work, then after two years was struck by the travel bug again. This time my travel was cut short as I wanted to be close to home when starting my family. I had not realised what a full time job it was to care for and raise a child, but what a rewarding job it turned out to be.  I had to do it four more times. While caring for my family I was able to find time to pursue some personal interests of my own, some of which are Tennis, Jogging, Yoga, Dressmaking, Painting and Poetry. I also worked part-time as a Kitchen Design Consultant and Receptionist, before taking up the position at TalkLink.