Our team

Dr Annabel Prescott - Learning and Development Director

Dr Annabel Prescott has both Māori and Samoan whakapapa, and has worked for 20 years in youth health, development and drug use.

Annabel is a registered addictions practitioner and clinical supervisor, and was most recently Chief Executive for Anamata Youth One Stop Shop in Taupō. Before that, she was a Senior Academic at Unitec and WelTec. Annabel's doctoral research focused on drug policy in schools. Her master's research was in and protective factors for harmful cannabis use amongst young people.

Outside of this mahi, Annabel is the mother of two children, an avid reader, and occasionally undertakes ultra marathon events and trail running.

 

 

 

Tumokai Morgan - Operations Manager

Ko Taupiri te Maunga. Ko Waikato te Awa. Ko Tainui te Iwi. Ko Ngaati Mahuta te Hapuu. Ko Tuurangawaewae te Marae. No Ngaaruawaahia ahau. Ko Tumokai Morgan tooku ingoa.

Before joining the New Zealand Drug foundation whaanau, Tumokai previously worked in the addictions sector as a youth alcohol and drug practitioner where he embraced the harm-reduction philosophy. His time spent there only strengthened his passion for rangatahi wellbeing and has spurred him into spaces where he can create, encourage, and promote opportunities for positive impact.

Tumokai is also a father of three, who regularly remind him of the untapped potential that resides in everyone. An avid enthusiast of all things sci-fi/fantasy, a habit for thinking outside the box comes naturally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feilidh Dwyer - Senior Communications Adviser

Feilidh (pronounced Faylee) is a former journalist and communications specialist passionate about working towards positive social change.

Prior to this role, he worked in multiple government communication and marketing roles spanning the education, privacy and environmental sectors. He also lived in Germany and Denmark for three and a half years, where he completed an MA in journalism and globalisation.

Away from work, Feilidh is father to a young daughter, a politics nerd and watches and trains MMA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Melanie Saxton - Programme Lead

  Mel has worked in the AoD sector for over a decade, in both New Zealand and the UK. Her introduction to the sector was providing front-line administrative support to a busy recovery hub in Scotland. While there, she discovered a passion for providing harm reduction-based support and information.

 Mel started at the Drug Foundation as an Administrator in 2017. For the past few years, she has worked as a Programme Lead, with a focus on leading resource development and coordinating the organisation’s communities of practice.

Outside work, Mel looks after her young daughter. Her free time is spent reading, playing the piano, and thinking about doing some exercise.

 

 

 

 

Georgia Mann - Admin Assistant

Georgia takes care of Tūturu’s admin and co-ordination. She also works part-time in the Drug Foundation’s drug checking service, where she provides harm reduction to substance users and a welcoming space to korero.

She’s passionate about education and its potential to support rangatahi in their inevitable encounters with drugs and is currently studying towards becoming a registered addictions practitioner. 

Beyond her professional roles, Georgia loves expressing her creativity through ceramics and can be found in her studio crafting whimsical pots.