Who we are
The HPSAANZ Executive Committee 2026
Chloe Davisdon NZHPSReg PRESIDENT Waitakere Hospital Hello my name is Chloe Davidson and I work at Waitakere Hospital in Auckland. I have been a Play Specialist for the past seven years and an early childhood teacher for the 8 years before that. I have really enjoyed how much I have learnt volunteering on the executive committee for the past six years and getting to know play specialists around Aotearoa. 
Elroy Pinto NZHPSReg TREASURER & EXECUTIVE OFFICER Starship Hospital Hi, my name's Elroy and I am a registered Senior Hospital Play Specialist. I have worked in both the Cardiology and Oncology/Haematology Services at Starship over the last 6 years and am looking forward to working with both the HPSANZ Exec and our members. 
Karen Taylor
EXECUTIVE OFFICER Whangarei Hospital Kia ora koutou, Ko Karen Taylor toku ingoa Ko Parker te Whanau Ko Whangarei toku kainga noho I have been a Hospital Play Specialist at Whangarei Hospital since 2007, where I am based on the General Paediatric Ward. This is my first year on the Exec, and I look forward to working with HPS from around the country, and contributing to some of the HPSAANZ goals for the near future. I am more than happy to share /express thoughts and ideas from other services around the country, so please feel free to contact me and discuss. I look forward to learning more about our Association and the direction our Profession is heading for the future. 
Cara Davidson
EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Wilson Centre Kia ora, my name is Cara Davidson, and I work at the Wilson Centre, Children’s Out of Home Respite Service, and the Children’s National Rehabilitation Service on Auckland’s North Shore. I have worked in this role for several years and bring a background in Early Childhood Education, having completed my degree in 2008. I previously served on the Executive Committee from 2021–2023 and am looking forward to once again working alongside the Executive Officers as we continue to support the growth of the association and strengthen our profession. 
Melinda White NZHPSReg
EXECUTIVE OFFICER Christchurch Hospital Kia ora, Talofa. My name is Melinda White and I am the Team Leader of the Hospital Play Specialist Team at Christchurch Public Hospital. I have been in this role for nine years and prior to this was a Qualified Early Childhood Teacher and Manager mainly working in community-based centres. I have recently been on the Hospital Play Specialist Registration Council which I have found very rewarding. I have a huge passion in ensuring we are strengthening our profession and continuing to grow, ensuring all services feel supported. |
Vicki Davis SECRETARY & EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Wilson Centre Kia ora my name is Vicki Davis and I work at the Wilson Centre for the Children's National Rehabilitation Service along with Children's Out of Home Respite Service for Waitemata DHB here in Auckland. I have been at the Wilson Centre for many years and prior to this I was lucky enough to experience working as a Play Specialist for 2 1/2 years in a hospital in England. My background is early childhood education and before becoming a Play Specialist I worked for Barnardo's as a visiting teacher 
Lisa Horgan NZHPSReg EXECUTIVE OFFICER & COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR Kia ora, my name is Lisa Horgan and I am a Registered Hospital Play Specialist. After spending the past 8 years at Waikato Hospital on both Medical and Surgical wards I have recently moved to Christchurch with my family. Prior to Waikato I spent 4 years living and working in Melbourne, Australia where I was fortunate enough to begin my journey in this incredible career. As I move into my fourth year on the executive, I feel grateful for the networks I have built and continue to grow, and the shared passion we all have for our profession. 
Janelle Cunningham EXECUTIVE OFFICER Southland Hospital Kia ora, Talofa Ko Janelle toku ingoa. My name is Janelle Cunningham I am one of the Play Specialists on the Children’s Ward in Invercargill/Murihiku. I started as a Training Teacher in Dunedin on the Children’s Ward in 2001 with Jacqui. After 22 years working in various roles within the ECE Sector and Social Services I returned to become a reliever and, then work alongside Allana. In 2023 I become one of two Play Specialist job sharing the role here in Invercargill. I am love being a Play Specialist, supporting our whanau and building whanaungatanga with whanau and our MDT Team. Joining the Executive team is truly a privilege alongside my role and beginning journey as a Play Specialist, I look forward to filling my kete and working together learning more about our profession. 
Blake Wilson
EXECUTIVE OFFICER Christchurch Hospital Kia ora, ko Blake tōku ingoa. I am a Hospital Play Specialist based at Christchurch Hospital and a member of the executive committee for the Hospital Play Specialist Association. I am passionate about supporting tamariki and helping them to navigate the challenges of the medical environment with confidence, understanding, and care. I bring a strong background in primary education, having worked as a Primary School Teacher and contributed at a governance level within that sector. In my role on the executive committee, I am committed to advocating for the growth and recognition of Hospital Play Specialists. I am particularly passionate about supporting wellbeing within the workforce and strengthening the systems that enable our practitioners to thrive. I am proud to contribute to a service that makes a meaningful difference for tamariki and their whānau, and to stand alongside the incredible professionals who champion this work every day. |
The HPSAANZ Registration Council 2026
Ana Smith NZHPSReg
HPS REGISTRATION COUNCIL MEMBER Kidz First Kia ora my name is Ana Smith and I am the Team Leader of the Play Specialist Service at Kidz First. I have worked at Kidz First for over 20 years and am currently working on our medical ward and in ED. I am a registered HPS, certified Child Life Specialist and recently gained my provisional Teacher Registration. I have worked in the past as a child life specialist/play specialist in the US and England, as well as utilising my skills during medical missions to China and Sri Lanka. I am looking forward to contributing as a member of the Registration Council and helping to refresh our registration documentation. |
Nicky Boyd NZHPSReg
HPS REGISTRATION COUNCIL MEMBER Whangarei Hospital Hi, my name is Nicky Boyd. I have been a Hospital Play Specialist since 2007. I worked at Starship children’s hospital for 15 years. My time at starship was spent in a number of different areas, but I spent the majority of my time on ward 26B (medical specialties). 26B is where I developed a passion for working with children and families over long periods of time. I feel humbled and privileged to have walked beside many families during their hospital journey for months, sometimes years at a time. I hold these memories close to my heart. For the last 4 years I have been working as an HPS 2 days a week, at Whangarei hospital on the children’s ward. I have enjoyed the experience of working within a regional hospital and strengthening my skills in developing relationships quickly in the acute setting. I am about to start my second term as a member of the Hospital Play Specialist Registration Council. I have been a registered HPS since 2011. I joined the HPSRC as a way of giving back to the profession, volunteering my time to support applicants in reaching their professional competency, and validating the complex and uniquely special role of an HPS. Keep up the good work team! |
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Paula Perham NZHPSReg
HPS REGISTRATION COUNCIL MEMBER Starship Hospital Kia ora My name is Paula Perham, and I am a Registered Hospital Play Specialist and qualified Early Childhood Educator. I currently work as a senior HPS at Starship Child Health in Tāmaki Makaurau, where I have spent the past 13 years specializing within surgical services. I have two key passions: advocating for infants in hospital and supporting my HPD colleagues in strengthening their clinical practice. The registration of HPS gaining registration has always been a strong conviction of mine and I have been fortunate to be part of the HPS Registration Council for the past 5 years. I am excited about the opportunities ahead to continue strengthening and advancing our profession. |
Jane Thwaites NZHPSReg
HPS REGISTRATION COUNCIL MEMBER Christchurch Hospital |
Additional HPSAANZ Representatives
- Allied Health HPSAANZ Representative: Debbie McDougall - Tauranga Hospital
- ECAC HPSAANZ Representative: Nicky Woollaston
Email: [email protected]
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