Meet The Aspire Community Team
At Aspire, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Across leadership, service delivery, operations, and administration, our team works together to create supportive environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered.
Every one of us plays an important role, helping individuals and families access meaningful support, build confidence, and live with greater independence within their community.
Together, we make a difference
Every role at Aspire Community in Hamilton, contributes to positive outcomes and stronger community connections. We're proud to work alongside people, families, and communities, supporting meaningful lives, every day.
DAVID DARLING - Chief Executive
David Darling has spent many years working in the disability sector, with experience across services, government, and the commissioning of supports. Over that time, he has built a strong understanding of how the system works from different angles, and what it takes to deliver meaningful outcomes for people.
He is particularly driven by a belief that everyone should have a place where they belong.
For David, it is not just about services, it is about making sure people can be part of their chosen communities in a real and genuine way.
His work reflects a practical, grounded approach, shaped by time spent both on the ground and within systems that shape how support is delivered.
Outside of work, David enjoys travelling, getting out for a jog, and paddleboarding when he can.
CHARMAINE NIL - General Manager, Finance & Infrastructure
Charmaine oversees the organisation’s financial management, payroll, fleet and property operations, ensuring that Aspire’s resources are managed efficiently. With many years of experience in accounting and payroll, she brings the strong foundation in financial stewardship required to assist individuals to achieve their personal goals and to live life to the fullest.
In her personal time Charmaine enjoys painting and hiking.
KATHRYN NUMA - General Manager Service Delivery
Kathryn leads the Service Delivery team, overseeing the day-to-day operations and strategic implementation of person-driven services. She has over 20 years’ experience in the disability sector, both in her working life and as a volunteer. Kathryn is driven to ensure the Aspire team deliver a quality service that assists the people we support to achieve their goals with the best possible outcomes.
Outside of work Kathryn enjoys spending time with her family, exercise and travel.
TIM BRAY - Community Participation Lead
Tim leads Foundation, Aspire’s community participation programme, helping people build confidence, independence, and practical life skills through real-world and employment-focused experiences. With over 20 years of experience across community engagement, employment, leadership, and systems development, he is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for growth. Outside of work, Tim enjoys running
VIKASHNI NARAYAN - Support Manager
Vikashni is a Support Manager at Aspire Community Support and brings over 7 years of experience supporting people and leading teams. She began her journey at Aspire as a Support Worker, where she gained valuable hands-on experience working closely with the people Aspire supports. Vakashni later progressed into a Team Leader role, supporting staff and helping coordinate day-to-day operations, before moving into her current role as a Support Manager. In Vikashni's role, her focus is on supporting staff development, maintaining high standards of care, and creating environments where people feel respected, valued, and empowered. She is passionate about promoting dignity, inclusion, and opportunities for people to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, and being a grandparent brings her a lot of joy.
CAREA PHILPOTT -Support Manager
Carea is a Support Manager with Aspire and she brings almost 10 years of experience with her from varying roles throughout the disability sector. She is passionate about supporting people to live their best life, ensuring we follow the framework of EGL principals and creating environments where everyone is supported to reach their potential.
Outside of work she is a mum of 4 and loves keeping busy and has a passion for weightlifting.
ROBERT (ROB) KINYUA - Support Manager
Robert works as a Support Manager at Aspire Community Support, providing leadership and oversight across residential services to ensure safe, consistent, and person-centred support for People We Support. He brings experience in people leadership, service coordination, and stakeholder engagement, supporting teams to deliver high quality outcomes that align with Aspire’s values and mission.
Robert is passionate about empowering both staff and the people they support to grow in confidence, capability, and independence.
Outside of work, he is pursuing a Diploma in Leadership and Management, enjoys spending time with whānau, and playing golf.
LEE SAMUEL- Outcomes Manager
As an Outcomes Manager at Aspire, Lee works alongside people, families, and support teams to promote person-directed supports, meaningful outcomes, independence, and self-advocacy, while also leading events, social media, newsletters, and community networking initiatives.
With many years of experience in one-on-one disability support work and private art tutoring for both disabled and non-disabled students, Lee brings creativity and connection into all areas of his work.
Outside of Aspire, she is passionate about painting and drawing and runs an annual not-for-profit initiative called The Canvas Project, which helps make art more accessible through free canvases and a community exhibition that supports the wellbeing of people with disabilities.
ASHNA NAND - Support Manager
I am a Support Manager at Aspire Community Support, focused on ensuring the people we support receive high-quality, person-directed support while guiding and empowering my team. I bring over 9 years’ experience in the disability sector and have been with Aspire for almost five years. I am passionate about Enabling Good Lives, supporting choice and control, and working alongside people and their whānau to achieve outcomes that matter to them.
I value building strong relationships and supporting people to live meaningful lives, be part of their communities, and grow in confidence and independence.
Originally from Fiji, I bring warmth and positivity to my role. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, snorkelling, and relaxing at home.
NIYA MCGEE - Support Manager
Niya is a Support Manager at Aspire Community Support, where my her key focus is ensuring people Aspire supports receive high-quality, person direct services while also guiding and empowering my team to deliver their best. She is committed to maintaining strong communication, supporting staff development, ensuring compliance, and fostering a positive, respectful environment where both staff and people we support feel valued and supported.
She is truly passionate about the work they do at Aspire. Being part of an organisation that promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion is very meaningful toher, and she takes pride in contributing to positive outcomes for the people they support and their whānau.
Outside of work, Niya enjoys spending quality time with her family and has a strong love for music. Niya would describe herself as a bubbly and humble person, who values kindness, connection, and bringing positive energy into both her professional and personal life.
CHRISTINA (TINA) RANSON - Support Manager
Christina is a Support Manager at Aspire Community Support, She has worked in the disability and health sectors for over 20 years. She has a true passion for smashing barriers and believe with the right support anything is possible. She is deeply committed to helping people achieve their dreams, grow and develop.
Christina is passionate about building open and honest communication, supporting her team to be their best selves and making sure Aspire meets the standards expected of us. She works hard to create a positive environment so that everyone feels respected, valued and cared for. When she's not at work, Christina likes to indulge in wide range of interest, especially plants, politics and all things in nature.
CYNTHIA RANGITAAWA - Support Manager
Cynthia is a Support Manager at Aspire Community Support, where she leads and supports teams to deliver person-centred services that enable people to live meaningful and independent lives. She brings strong experience in staff development, service coordination, and ensuring high-quality support aligned with individual goals and needs.
Cynthia is passionate about creating inclusive environments that empower people to build confidence, strengthen connections, and achieve their aspirations with over 17yrs experience in the disability sector. Outside of work, Cynthia loves spending time with whanau, music and our whanau pets.
Make a difference with Aspire
Working with Aspire can be a life-changing experience. If you are someone who enjoys working with people to help them reach their full potential and are committed to making a positive impact, then YOU might be the person we are looking for.
We are looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a real difference in the lives of those we support. If you are ready to join a team focused on empowering people, we would like to hear from you.
Do I need experience working in disability support to apply?
Not necessarily. While experience is helpful, what matters most is your attitude - we're looking for people who are patient, caring, and genuinely want to help others live their best life. Full training and support is provided once you join the team.
What's the difference between volunteering and working at Aspire?
Volunteering is a great way to give your time and make a difference without a formal employment commitment, while paid roles involve set hours and responsibilities as part of our team. Both are equally valued, and both help us support our community across Hamilton and the wider Waikato.
What kind of roles are currently available?
Our vacancies change regularly and can include support worker positions, residential roles, and community participation roles, among others. You can view our current vacancies on our website to see what's available right now.
What training or support will I receive?
All new team members and volunteers receive an induction and ongoing training to make sure you feel confident and supported in your role. You'll also be part of a team that values collaboration, so you're never navigating things alone.
How do I apply to volunteer or work with Aspire?
Simply get in touch with us or check our current vacancies page to see open roles. If volunteering is more your fit, reach out directly and we'll talk you through the opportunities available.
Not-for-profit organisation
As a not-for-profit organisation, Aspire Community Support is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees who provide strategic oversight and guide our long-term direction. Their focus is on the ‘big picture’ ensuring our values, vision, and goals remain at the heart of everything we do. We are fortunate to have a board that is deeply committed to our mission and the impact of our work.