The Team
The Team
Tony Clear
Hi …..I’ m Tony ………..and it may well be my voice you hear on the other end of the phone.
I have been living in Palmerston North for many years. I’m the father of a 26 year old son, I’m divorced and my dad is still living.
I enjoy playing bridge, meditation, travelling, toastmasters, walking in the bush and my own company (most of the time!)
I first heard about Manline way back in 1991 when I attended a “Listening & Communication skills” group. I thought that I was a good listener. I discovered the difference between hearing and listening!! My eyes were opened and my journey began. I came on board the committee in 1992 and a year later started work here.
I completed a two year Counseling certificate in 1995 at the “College of Education” and in later years did three years Psychodrama training.
I co-facilitated stopping violence anger management groups here for several years and my current role involves some client intake work, networking, attending meetings and managing the business side of the operation. My schedule has some flexibility which allows me to spend time with men who are in crisis.
I think I am very lucky to be working in a place where the staff and governance board are passionate about challenging, encouraging and supporting men to be all they can be.
Phil Straker
Hi my name is Philip.
I am divorced with three adult children (who I’m very proud of) Daniel, Jessica and Rachel and three wonderful grandchildren Charlotte, Jordan and Rebecca with another on the way. I have been in a relationship with Pauline for several years now. Apart from my family I enjoy listening to music, reading (fiction, science fiction, and fantansy) camping and fixing Daniel, Jessica and Rachel’s cars, (I used to be a mechanic in another lifetime) and spending time with my wonderful friends.
I have been working at Manline for 18 years, gained my certificate in counselling 1994 from Central Institute of Technology, over the past eighteen years I have completed numerous workshops including a four year Bio-Energetic therapy training.
I have been full member of NZAC since 1998 and my official title is Clinical Services Manager. As a counsellor/therapist I spend most of my work day with clients. Another role I have is in-house trainer for our counselors and facilitators. I facilitate a therapy group one evening a week and also co-facilitate stopping violence groups.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me.
Gilbert Taylor
Hi, My name is Gilbert and I have four grown up children; three daughters, & one son, plus one grandson. Two of my daughters are overseas, one in Australia and one in the UK. I have been married to Jane, my second wife, for six years.
I have a diploma in counseling through Wel-Tec, Wellington where I am still enrolled. My goal is to complete my degree in counseling. I have four papers towards this end and plan to complete two more papers (CBT and Introduction to Research) in 2010. I enjoy research and one of my goals is to write articles around counseling issues in plain kiwi language. There is so much literature out there written in very academic format which I believe would not be read by many of the clients I see.
I have dual roles at Manline, I work as a counselor two days a week and I co-facilitate Stopping Violence/Anger Management groups.
Peter Fairweather
Hello, I'm Peter and I have been involved with Manline for many years, originally as a member of the Monday night men's group and latterly as a co-facilitator of the stopping violence/anger management groups.
I am the father of two adult daughters and have two grand children. I was in the NZ army for 20 years and more recently worked at Hato Paora College as a Hostel parent.I currently work as a residential youth worker at the Lower North Justice Residential Centre in Palmerston North.
I hold a certificate in applied counselling and I am currently studying at the Te Wananga o Aotearoa for a Diploma in Social Work.