Jan Spinley has lived and worked in the far north for over 25 years with  her husband Barry. They  live on a small farm near Awanui. She has three adult children and three beautiful  grandsons.

Jan has been involved in the disability health sector for some years with Parent to Parent and on the board since (it’s inception as the Te Tai Tokerau Disability Empowerment Advocacy and Support Trust) of the Tiaho Trust.

She retains her involvement with Parent to Parent as a Parent Support Trainer. Jan worked in community education at Far North Reap and has a DIP Psych, a Dip Child &Adol Psch and a CAT. Jan works as an Advocate for the Nationwide  Health and Disability Advocacy Service based in Kaitaia.