Our Team
Who We Are
Life has seasons of joy and seasons of struggle... you don't have to navigate either one alone. From marriage preparation to strengthening your relationship to navigating family life to healing from loss, we're here to support you through it all.
Brigid Conroy
Director
I’m grateful to have been chosen to lead the team at the John Paul II Centre for Life. Saint John Paul II’s vision that each person is unique, chosen, and irreplaceable guides my life and my approach to leadership.
With a background in strategic communications and having moved to Christchurch after many years in Hamilton, including work at the Hamilton Diocese pastoral office, a key part of my role is to help share our mission effectively.
As a trained marriage educator, I enjoy helping couples to strengthen their relationships and to create an environment in their home where each person, young and old, can grow and learn how to give of themselves to others in love.
Lara Paterson
Support Worker
As a Support Worker at the John Paul II Centre for Life, I have the honour of walking alongside women and their families experiencing grief after losing a child. My work includes providing support for those struggling with miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, adverse prenatal diagnosis, and abortion healing.
I offer parent care coordination for couples who have received a prenatal diagnosis and grief support after a loss. Accompanying families through these challenging times to find peace and healing is a true privilege, guided by faith, prayer, and the sacraments.
Megan Emery
Support Worker
I feel greatly blessed to serve as a Support Worker for the John Paul II Centre for Life. Having previously served on the Board for the John Paul II Centre for Life Trust, I’ve been aware of this special mission within the Church and the important work undertaken by the trust.
I bring pastoral experience from my previous role as Catholic Chaplain at Burwood Hospital and as a mother and grandmother to my position here. My involvement with the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Christchurch provides a foundation of prayer and friendship that supports my ministry of walking alongside those in need of comfort and guidance during difficult times.
Susan O'Loughlin
Finance Administrator
As a qualified accountant, I am honoured to use my skills to support the day-to-day financial administration of the John Paul II Centre for Life, ensuring responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
Being born and raised Catholic in Canterbury has given me deep roots in this community and its values. After spending time overseas, I returned home in 2013 to help care for my mother, which gave me firsthand experience of how important family support can be during challenging times.
Debra McTague
Special Projects Coordinator
As Special Projects Coordinator at the John Paul II Centre for Life, I help develop and implement initiatives that support our mission. As a mother of five children, this work resonates deeply with me personally.
With a background in psychology and experience in youth work, I bring both professional skills and lived experience to helping the Centre reach and support more families during their times of need.
Jessie Mischewski
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
I connect our community with the Centre’s services through thoughtful communication across all our channels. My background combines experience in early childhood education with communications work at New Zealand Police, where I helped people navigate life’s most challenging moments.
Raised in a Catholic family in Waimakariri, supporting and protecting families has always been central to my life. I’m dedicated to ensuring those in need can easily find our services while helping donors understand the vital impact of their support.
Our Board
