Sarah Thornton

Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Administrator | Receptionist

Email

Phone number

How long have you been with Anglican Family Care and what’s your background in?

5 and a half years. Previously, I was an administrator for a local Anglican church for 11 years.

What inspired you to pursue a career in social work/family care?

The opportunity to show empathy for those who are most vulnerable, and keep their mana intact. I’ve always had a deep love for children and the incredible potential they have. There’s something truly special about being able to work alongside whānau (families), helping them reach their goals and witnessing the transformation that takes place when they’re supported to thrive. It's not just about solving immediate challenges—it’s about creating an environment where families feel heard, valued, and empowered to create positive change. Seeing children and their families grow stronger together reminds me why this work is so important. Supporting the front-line team with the skills I have helps make those transformations possible. I have had a long affiliation with Anglican Family Care, and it's awesome to be able to give back to an organisation that helped me when I needed it.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

Being able to use the skills I have to support the front-line team, whether that is making a poster for an event, creating a resource for whānau, or hosting fundraising events, allows me to contribute in a meaningful way behind the scenes and help make a real difference in the lives of the families we support.

What do you get up to outside of work? What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing?

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Other Management Team Members

Jane Hutton

Practice Manager

Mike Williams

General Manager

Donna Davidson

Fundraising, Marketing & Communications Manager

Other Business Support Team Members

Stacey Hobbs

Reception | Administrator

John Gillanders

Business Systems Leader

Other Practice Team Members

Angela Kelly

Restorative Justice Co-ordinator

Michelle Tukana

Team Leader | Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes

Terri Goddard

Home-based Family Support, Social Workers in Schools and Counselling Service Team Leader | Dunedin