Our Team
Our experienced and dedicated team brings together programme development, facilitation and specialist expertise, united by a shared commitment to strengthening adult capability and creating safer environments where tamariki and rangatahi can thrive.
Emma Bolwell
Executive Director
Emma brings a strategic, future-focused lens to Jade Speaks Up, helping guide the organisation’s growth, partnerships and programme direction. She is driven by the belief that lasting change for tamariki and rangatahi happens when the adults, organisations and communities around them are better equipped to recognise concerns, respond safely and create protective environments.
With over 15 years’ experience across government, NGO, research and education settings, Emma brings strengths in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, funding strategy and programme innovation. As Executive Director, she supports the development of practical, evidence-informed work that strengthens adult capability and helps communities create safer conditions for children and young people to thrive.
Away from work, Emma enjoys camping, cooking, dragon boating and keeping up with her two young children.
Emmy Nicol
Operations Manager
Emmy keeps the operational heart of Jade Speaks Up running, supporting the systems, relationships and day-to-day coordination that enable the team’s mahi to happen. She brings a creative, people-centred approach alongside a diverse skillset that includes systems design thinking, community building, relationship management, financial administration, governance support and facilitation.
As a mother to two young children, Emmy is passionate about the role adults play in creating safer, more connected environments for tamariki. She believes children are best supported when the adults around them have the confidence, practical tools and shared understanding to notice, respond, communicate with care and model safe, respectful behaviour.
In her spare time, Emmy enjoys making kai; a way of bringing people together and deepening her connections with friends and whānau here in Aotearoa and in her homeland of Australia.
Dr Stella Pennell
Programme Development & Facilitation Lead
Stella brings deep expertise in adult learning, programme design and facilitation, with a strong focus on creating practical, engaging learning experiences that support real-world change. With a PhD in sociology, a background in tertiary teaching and experience as a former international sportswoman, she brings a distinctive perspective to Jade Speaks Up’s work across education, sport, recreation and community settings.
As Programme Development and Facilitation Lead, Stella helps translate Jade Speaks Up’s kaupapa into evidence-informed training that strengthens adult confidence, capability and practice. She is passionate about supporting the adults around tamariki and rangatahi to create safer, more inclusive environments where children feel valued, protected and able to thrive.
As a mum, step-mum and proud ‘Omie’ to five grandchildren, Stella believes every child deserves to grow up safe, respected and free from harm.
Outside work, she is happiest near the ocean — spearfishing, boating, camping or simply enjoying life by the sea.
Matt Wall
Finance Manager
As a registered Chartered Accountant, Matt brings a wealth of experience in commerce, auditing, and accounting from his work both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
He now uses his financial expertise to support charities across Aotearoa through his own accounting, finance, and advisory business.
A keen sports fan, you’ll find Matt following any kind of sport when he’s not buried in spreadsheets — or spending quality time with his young family.
Training and Facilitation
Megan Gallagher
Megan is a passionate teacher, health educator, coach, presenter, and writer who has dedicated much of her career to supporting learners and educators in primary and secondary schools.
With a Master of Education specialising in teacher wellbeing, she spent several years with Life Education delivering health and wellbeing programmes across the motu, eventually moving into the role of National Education Manager.
Today, Megan brings her wealth of experience to Jade Speaks Up as a facilitator and also runs her own coaching consultancy, Ignite Your Spark.
Jade Speaks Up is not a statutory care or protection agency. If you have concerns about a child’s safety or welfare, please contact Oranga Tamariki or the Police.
Oranga Tamariki: 0508 FAMILY (326 459)
Police: 111
Connect
Connect with us for updates on our training, practical resources and work to strengthen adult capability and create safer environments for tamariki and rangatahi.