Kia ora, ko Jemma Henderson toku ingoa.

He mokopuna o Maniapoto ahau.

A little bit about me…

I was born and raised in the Bay of Plenty and have been living in Nelson since 2008.

I am married and have three teenage children. Our family is blessed with the love and company of our two cats, Matilda and Savannah, our dog Ruby, and two goldfish Midnight and Emerald.

I completed my Certificate in Counselling and Social Work at NMIT in 2015 and my Bachelor of Social Work at NMIT in 2019. After graduating I started work as a Social Worker at Oranga Tamariki. During this time, I became a part of a team of kaimahi from Whakatū Marae and Oranga Tamariki to awhi with the development and delivery of Te Atatu, which is a Kaupapa Māori approach to care and protection. In January 2022 I became employed as a Te Atatū Kaihāpori (social worker) for Whakatū Marae, a role/team which I feel honoured to have been a part of.

When a role became available at Fossil Creek Farm, I knew I had to apply.

I had heard amazing things from the community, and I also had the privilege of visiting with my whānau, allowing us to experience the beauty and serene vibes for ourselves.

Fossil Creek Farm is a sanctuary, a healing space; a place where honour and respect for the mana of the land, the animals and people is intrinsic and protected.

Te Ao Māori knowledge and values guide me in my mahi, which at its core is about connection, and in practice involves walking alongside, listening to your kōrero and providing practical awhi (where needed) to support you on your wellness journey.

And yes, there is a lot of opportunity for animal interactions/cuddles along the way. I find that animals can be the most amazing listeners and teachers.

Mauri ora.