
Who are we?
Voices of Hope (VoH), a mental health charity, was founded in 2017 by Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton, individuals who have personally battled mental illness. Using their past experiences and their passion for content creation, they built a new narrative around mental health. Over the years the VoH has grown into a community of people around Aotearoa and the world, who contribute to the ever evolving mental health conversation.
Both founders actively engage in public speaking engagements at schools, corporations, and conferences, where they openly share their own lived experiences. Their aim is to inspire and educate others, fostering empathy and understanding around mental health.
Our mission
Our mission is to spread hope through the voices of lived experience.
Our why
To provide a safe place for people who may be struggling with their mental health, to feel inspired, supported and empowered.
Our values
-
Empowerment
Creating spaces that empower individuals to share their personal journeys and transform their experiences into positive change.
-
Empathy
Encouraging understanding and compassion towards those navigating mental health difficulties, to create a world where individuals feel heard and understood.
-
Inspiration
Inspiring individuals through authentic storytelling, to promote positive action towards supporting their mental health.
-
Connection
Connecting people through shared experiences, to foster supportive communities and remove the isolation often associated with mental health challenges.
OUR TEAM
-
GENEVIEVE MORA
Co-Founder and General Manager
Genevieve Mora spent most of her teenage years battling Mental Illness. As part of her recovery she has made it her mission to offer hope to those fighting mental illness.
Genevieve co-founded Voices of Hope and through this uses her lived experience to show people that recovery is possible and that there is no shame in having a mental illness. Genevieve is the author of ‘Bite Back - a compassionate guide to navigating Eating Disorders’, sits on the Whāraurau External Eating Disorders / Eating Issues advisory board and is the co-creator of Love your Kite, a global eating disorder resource. Alongside Jazz Thornton (co-founder) she was named in 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 Asia and uses the power of social media to advocate and meet people where they are.
-
JAZZ THORNTON
Co-Founder
Having overcome childhood adversity and multiple suicide attempts, Jazz Thornton has now dedicated her life to speaking hope and creating change in the area of mental health.
Jazz co-founded Voices of Hope and her unique experience and practical message has gained worldwide recognition, being shared through media, international speaking engagements and through documentary feature film, The Girl on the Bridge (directed by Leaane Pooley). Jazz is also the award-winning director of Jessica’s Tree and author of Stop Surviving Start Fighting, My Journey Starts Here and Letters to You. She also won the 2021 Young New Zealander of the Year award, was the winner of 2022 Dancing with the Stars and alongside Genevieve, she was named in 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 Asia.
-
BRADLEY MUTCH
Projects and Campaigns Coordinator
Bradley was a part of the Not Alone campaign from Voices of Hope in 2024 and since then has worked with Jazz, Gen, and Voices of Hope on a range of projects.
He is a passionate youth mental health advocate from Ōtautahi, Christchurch and the co-director of Mental Health Movement, a platform dedicated to sharing stories from Kiwis for Kiwis, with a particular focus on rangatahi and the power of expressing mental health through different forms of creativity.
Bradley took a gap year to focus on mental health advocacy, creating a documentary that centred on vulnerability which went on to win Best Documentary at the 2025 New Zealand Youth Film Festival.
-
EMMA MARTIN
Administration and Operations Coordinator
Emma brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a practical approach to her role at Voices of Hope.
In her role Emma manages the day to day administration and operations of Voices of Hope, coordinates school tours, supports campaigns and projects, and helps deliver events and initiatives across Aotearoa. She works closely with schools, speakers, suppliers and other stakeholders, bringing together her skills and experience to support Voices of Hope’s work to reduce mental health stigma and encourage people to speak openly and seek help.
Outside of Voices of Hope, Emma is a busy mum of two and enjoys spending time with her family.
-
CLAUDIA ROSE
Blog Manager
Claudia Rose is a writer from New Zealand and has written for several online publications. When Claudia is not writing, she’s a tea enthusiast, enjoys reading and spending time with her dog, Wren, and cat, Crystal.
She is passionate about the work that Voices of Hope do. Claudia shares her stories to inspire hope and wants to help others do the same
-
KIRSTEN (KP) PATTERSON
Board Member
Kirsten (known as KP) is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors. She is a lawyer and a Distinguished Fellow of Human Resources. KP is actively involved in supporting not-for-profit governance and is a previous Board Member of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation and Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust.
KP is a mother of two and is passionate about teen mental health. She is committed to helping Voices of Hope provide love and hope to young people across New Zealand and the world.
-
CHRIS TAN
Board Member
Chris is a lawyer with extensive experience practicing in both private and public sector organisations and in governance roles for not for profit entities in New Zealand.
He is committed to seeing Voices of Hope develop and grow its reach to make a genuine difference to people of all backgrounds by spreading a message of hope and advocating for change.
-
STEPHANIE TAYLOR
Board Member
Stephanie is a General Practitioner who has worked in primary care for over 20 years. Stephanie is passionate about shaping the future of mental health care in New Zealand and has both the enthusiasm and experience to ensure that the Voices of Hope can continue to give hope to those that are struggling.
Stephanie is also a mother of three, a Director of Genpro (General Practice Owners Association of NZ) and the Clinical Director of the medical division of Green Cross Health.
-
Anmol Chawla
Board Member
Anmol is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Services Manager at The Psychology Group, where he supports people navigating trauma, anxiety, identity, and life transitions. Originally from India and now based in Aotearoa, Anmolbrings a bicultural and global lens to his work, with a deep commitment to inclusive, affirming care — particularly for LGBTQIA+ communities and those often marginalised in traditional mental health systems.
Passionate about the healing power of storytelling and systemic change, Anmol sees his role at Voices of Hope as an opportunity to amplify diverse lived experiences and strengthen youth-focused mental health initiatives. With a warm, values-driven approach, he contributes both clinical insight and cultural humility to the board’s mission of inspiring hope, connection, and courage across Aotearoa.


