Registration Board Member

Suzanne Nalepa

I’m Suzanne and I am grateful for this opportunity to share some things about myself as I take on a role on the Registration Board.

I have been a DT in aged care in Christchurch for over 25 years. I started at Lady King, then to Merivale Retirement Village then moved on to my current place of employment - Chatswood Retirement Village around 13 years ago.

As Chatswood has grown I have taken opportunities to grow as a DT and have completed the Diploma in Diversional and Recreational Therapy (Level 5) and also am a facilitator of the “Whoa to Go” program with our residents.

My favourite DT moments are when I empower residents to enhance their own lives – physically, emotionally, and socially. I love the little moments of “sitting in trust” that lead to forming bonds and relationships that go beyond the everyday.

I am moving forward with this role on the registration board as I believe that we need to set a standard that is recognised professionally. We need to be seen to be striving towards a higher quality model of service and proving that we deserve a place within the national framework.

Outside of work I enjoy tramping, running and most of all family time and being Grandma.