Meet Your New NZSDRT Board

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Sep 6

3 min read

Following the 2026 Annual General Meeting, we are pleased to introduce the people taking on leadership roles within the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists (NZSDRT).

Bringing together experience in aged care, disability, rehabilitation, education, and Society governance, this team shares a passion for meaningful engagement and the growth of our profession. Each person brings their own story, skills, and perspective to supporting our members across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Meet the Executive Board

AJ Aledron — President

AJ brings experience as NZSDRT’s Executive Treasurer, with a focus on financial sustainability, governance, and initiatives that benefit members. Having recently moved from aged care leadership into Learning and Development within the disability sector, AJ recognises the growing place of Diversional and Recreational Therapy across health and wellbeing settings. He values collaboration and building on the Society’s foundations.

Nika Manuera — Vice President

Nika is a healthcare lecturer who has served as the Society’s Media and Communications Liaison. Of Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Pikiao (Te Arawa), she brings a commitment to cultural connection, holistic wellbeing, and supporting future practitioners. Her contributions have included expanding communications, supporting DRT Week, and promoting professional development opportunities.

Mekeisha Waller — Secretary

Mekeisha is a Registered Diversional Therapist with the Allied Health team at Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust. Her experience spans aged care, traumatic brain injury, and disability, with a strong focus on person-centred practice. She is passionate about meaningful engagement as a foundation for recovery, identity, and dignity.

Kristine Estillore — Treasurer

Having served as NZSDRT’s Secretary, Kristine brings experience in governance, member communications, and the work behind the scenes that keeps the Society running. Her organisational skills and attention to detail support her commitment to responsible financial stewardship and sustainable growth.

Ellen Romero — Regional Support Groups Liaison

Ellen has worked to strengthen connections between Regional Support Groups and the National Board. She is passionate about ensuring members across the regions feel connected, supported, and heard, and creating opportunities for regional leaders to share ideas and celebrate successes.

Deepa — Historian

Deepa brings more than 20 years of experience in health and hospital settings. Working at Kenepuru Hospital, she supports older adults through person-centred Diversional and Recreational Therapy interventions. Her practice centres on dignity, independence, and helping people find meaning and enjoyment through purposeful engagement.

John Peralta — Media and Communications Liaison

John is a Diversional Recreational Therapist at St. Andrews Village. Originally from the Philippines, he came to New Zealand to study Diversional Therapy and Community Health at Kauri Academy. His healthcare background and experience supporting residents have shaped his belief in listening with respect, building meaningful connections, and helping each person feel valued.

Supporting professional standards: the Registration Board

Alongside the Executive Board, the Registration Board supports the Society’s National Registration programme and professional standards.

Jesika Sachdeva — National Registrar: Jesika brings Registration Board experience and a commitment to a fair, transparent, and supportive registration journey for practitioners.
Suzanne Nalepa — Registration Board Member: Suzanne brings more than 25 years of experience in aged care in Christchurch, with a focus on empowering residents and strengthening professional standards.
Kim Prasad — Registration Board Member: Kim brings experience on the Executive Board, including serving as President, and a commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and professional growth.

Looking ahead together

The reports and candidate statements in the AGM Pack highlight several shared themes: stronger connections with members, accessible professional development, high standards of practice, responsible governance, and greater awareness of our profession.

These themes provide a foundation for the next chapter of NZSDRT. As the new leadership develops its priorities, members’ experiences and ideas will remain an important part of the conversation.

We also extend our sincere thanks to outgoing board members and everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, and care to the Society. Their work has helped build the foundations on which we continue to grow.

Please join us in welcoming the team and supporting the ongoing development of Diversional and Recreational Therapy across Aotearoa New Zealand.