ABOUT CSS
Catholic Social Services
AN AGENCY OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH
Catholic Social Services, reflecting the Gospel and the social teachings of the Catholic Church,
will promote human dignity, equality, participation and respect for human life, through the provision of services that support families and individuals on their life journeys.
- Our Mission Statement -
Catholic Social Services (CSS) is an agency of the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch delivering social services in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Underpinned by Catholic Social teaching, we work to assist the Catholic Bishop and broader Catholic community across the Diocese, to fulfil the gospel imperatives to stand with and serve the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised, and to work for a just, equitable and compassionate society.
We offer high quality programmes at absolutely no charge, to anyone in need. Our practitioners are members of their respective professional bodies to which they are accountable. The Agency works within the guidelines of the Privacy Act (2020). All our clients can expect a caring, safe environment, respectful and non-judgmental treatment, cultural sensitivity and complete confidentiality.
Meet the CSS Team
Our team of practitioners and administrators are highly experienced, passionate and committed about providing social services to our community. Our team consists of professional counsellors, psychologists and administrators and you can be assured of a safe and caring environment with complete confidentiality.
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Catholic Social Services Manager
Luis Arevalo MPhil
Luis is a trained social worker with a background in community social work and elderly care. A fierce advocate for social justice and human rights, Luis looks at the structural inequities in society as a way of informing his ongoing practice and how social service should be delivered.
Clinical Leader & Group Facilitator
Ingrid Vargas
Ingrid has a social work background with over 30 years’ experience in social service provision and is particularly passionate about family and women’s issues as well as subjects of inclusivity and diversity. Ingrid promotes and upholds the values of human rights and social justice - challenging any form of discrimination and oppression.
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Receptionist/Administrator
Robyn Glubb
Robyn provides a professional and welcoming reception at the front desk. With many year’s experience under her belt, Robyn creates a compassionate, sympathetic and inclusive environment for clients.
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Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Melwyn Rodricks MNZAC, Certified Practitioner IANLP, ISNS
Originally hailing from India, Mel found his vocation as a counsellor in New Zealand. Trained in several modalities, Mel applies his simple philosophy of ‘whatever works, do more of it’, to his work because ‘there is no such thing as Failure, only Feedback’. You can choose.
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Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Rebecca Pettitt
Rebecca has been with the CSS team since 2012. Rebecca trained at the University of Canterbury and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology before completing a Masters in Education with a certificate in counselling. Rebecca works with individuals, children, and families using a variety of modalities.
Child and Family Psychologist
Rebecca Adams B.A (Ed & Psych), M.A., PG Dip (ChFamPsych)
Rebecca completed her training as a psychologist through the University of Canterbury, gaining a Master of Arts in Child and Family Psychology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology in 2021. Rebecca has expertise in psychological assessment and intervention with children and families.
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Educational Psychologist
Jenny Devine BA (Hons), MEdPsych, PGDipEdPsych, GDipTchLng (Primary), MNZPsS
Jenny completed her Primary Teacher training through the University of Canterbury before completing her training as an Educational Psychologist through Massey University. Jenny has held a variety of roles across the public, private, and not‑for‑profit sectors with expertise in psychological assessment and intervention with children, whānau, and schools.
Child and Family Psychologist
Jillisa Wainwright BSc, MSc, PGCertEDPsych, PGCertHealSc,
PGDipChFamPsyc
Jillisa completed a Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Otago before completing her training as a psychologist through the University of Canterbury, gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology. Jillisa has experience providing psychological assessment and intervention with children, young people, and families.
Our practitioners are members of the professional bodies to which they are accountable.
“We are so very grateful for this service. Thank you!!!
She helped me restore my kete. I was lucky to get a counsellor that I clicked with straight away”.
- Counselling Services Testimonial -