Don has worked as a Family Counsellor and School Guidance Counsellor for twenty years. In addition to his Masters in Education, he has a Certificate in Counselling from the University of Canterbury. He is a member of the NZ Association of Counsellors and is a registered Family Court Counsellor.

He has undertaken advanced training in Imago Therapy for couples; completed a Certificate in Community Mental Health with an endorsement in childhood and adolescent issues; Don also teaches the Vision College Family and Marriage programme for their Diploma in Counselling, and is a Course Facilitator for the Myers Briggs Personality Indicators. Don is an experienced group presenter and leads the Triple “P” Parenting Courses here at Home and Family. He also co-facilitates the Step Parent Support Group, which meets monthly at our rooms.

His experience in children’s needs was recognized when he was asked to present submissions on the Care of Children Bill to the Law Commission’s focus group that assessed the new Family Court materials in 2005.

 Don was divorced after ten years of marriage and shared the care of his four children with his ex-wife. Don remarried four years ago and has four adorable small grandchildren.