Shelley Brill
Summary
I'm a friendly, adaptable person with a varied background of experience, from libraries to hospitality, mental health, community work, arts and conservation.
I’ve worked extensively with children and young people in recreational and supportive roles.
I’m passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where people of all ages and walks of life feel safe, supported, and able to engage fully.
In library settings, I’ve enjoyed helping people access resources, navigate technology, and feel at home in a community space.
I enjoy promoting programs and services that connect people with learning, creativity, and each other.
Whether I’m working one-on-one or as part of a team, I bring compassion, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to everything I do.
I'm especially drawn to roles where I can help foster wellbeing, build community, and make a positive difference in people’s everyday lives.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Kaiāwhina Wharepukapuka - Library Assistant
Dunedin Public Libray, DCC.
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Made sure library shelves, materials, and equipment were well-organized, and used MSU tools to check for and sort out any collection discrepancies.
- Assisted patrons with inquiries, helping them locate books and resources tailored to their needs.
- Handled the check-in and check-out of library materials efficiently at the circulation desk.
- Helped maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that encouraged visitors to feel at home in the library.
- Provided tech support to patrons using computers, printers, and other library equipment.
- Promoted the library’s digital resources, events, home delivery services, and book buses to enhance community access.
- Carried out basic repairs and maintenance on damaged books and materials to keep the collection in good shape.
- Provided friendly customer service by responding to a wide range of patron needs with patience, empathy, and professionalism.
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Koputai Kids After School And Holiday Care
- Role involved driving minibus / large van for pickup of primary aged children around west harbour and delivering them safely to the programme or to events within city.
- Fostered a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn, play, and grow in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop age-appropriate programs that met the needs of diverse learners.
- Managed classroom materials and resources effectively, maintaining an organized space conducive to learning.
- Effectively managed challenging situations or conflicts between participants by implementing problem-solving techniques designed to teach valuable life skills.
Early Childhood Educator
Aurora Tamariki Early Years Care And Kindergarten
- Steiner / nature rhythm based educational support for Tamariki aged 6 months to 5 years of age.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fostered respect, empathy, and cultural awareness among students.
- Fostered creativity in the classroom through art projects, dramatic play, storytelling exercises, organic gardening and creating nutritious plant based Kai.
Nanny
Private Employers
Child & Youth Care Worker
Private Employers
- Provided a safe and nurturing environment for child / youth with disabilities through consistent supervision and positive reinforcement and supported behavioural management.
- Developed strong rapport with family, maintained open lines of communication to ensure the best possible care for their child / teen.
- Provided compassionate care and support during emotionally challenging situations during youth's terminal illness, administering medication, attending hospital appointments and communicating promptly with parents regarding any concerns or incidents.
- Planned and developed goal orientated activities eg. overcoming fears around dogs.
Cafe Cook
The Whistling Frog Cafe And Bar
- Kitchen all rounder, prep, hot / cold sides and running of traditional Italian wood fire pizza oven.
- Assisted management in inventory control, carefully monitoring stock levels and placing orders as needed to avoid shortages.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations by following strict sanitation procedures during food preparation and storage.
- Contributed to a welcoming atmosphere for patrons by engaging in friendly conversation while preparing meals behind the counter when appropriate.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
Tourism Attendant and Restaurant Host
Rainforest Retreat Resort
- Restaurant and bar maitre'de. Kitchen support and general resort housekeeping, training and supervision of wwoofers (volunteers).
- Executed daily tasks such as restocking supplies, processing payments, and assisting customers with questions or concerns.
- Supported event coordination efforts, ensuring successful execution of special occasions for clients. This involved large contiki tour groups.
Family Nanny
Private Home
- Fostered a nurturing and supportive environment for three children aged 8-11 years while sole parent doing mining shift work. This involved consistently addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of each child.
- Managed challenging behaviours calmly and effectively using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage self regulation.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for extracurricular activities, doctor appointments, and other necessary engagements.
- Provided compassionate care for children with special needs, implementing tailored strategies to address unique challenges and foster their personal growth.
Resort Assistant
Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge Resort
- Role involved front of house operations in restaurant and bar as well as general housekeeping and grounds maintenance for remote glamping retreat in remote national park.
- Facilitated open communication between departments for effective problem-solving and optimal guest services.
- Contributed to team efficiency by promptly completing side work tasks during downtime periods.
- Managed phone lines, taking reservations, processing takeout orders, and addressing any customer concerns with professionalism.
Mental Health Support Worker
Corstiphine Community Baptist Trust
- Shift management of supported rehabilitation housing. Supporting clients to develop their independent daily living skills in accordance with their individual care plan.
- Provided care and advocacy for people who have complex needs. Facilitated group mediation and individual micro counselling support.
- Completing of essential reports, incident reporting and care plans using medical diaries and government database systems.
- Budgeting and appointment setting. Liaising with social workers, doctors and support services within the community.
- Contributed to positive team dynamics by maintaining open communication with colleagues about shared caseloads.
Activities Assistant
Orokonui Eco Sanctuary
- Assisted in creating and running fun interactive educational lesson plans and creative activities for kindergarten and primary aged children.
- Taught environmental sustainability, predator control and human impact on the New Zealand ecosystems since colonization.
- Guided child friendly tours of the eco sanctuary with plant id and animal identification at a basic level.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations during all activities, minimizing risk of injury to participants.
Residential Support Worker
McGlynn Homes
- Residential support for young adults with disabilities in community housing.
- Delivered compassionate personal care, assisting with activities of daily living.
- Maintained accurate documentation of resident progress, incidents, and communication with family members or guardians.
- Implemented behaviour intervention and support programs.
- Prepared meals and snacks for specific dietary needs. P.E.G Feeding procedures and medication administration. Completing of essential reports and care plans.
Restaurant, Bar and Gaming Attendant
The Grand Hotel
Bartender, Barista And Waitress
Network Bar And Pizzeria
Restaurant, Cafe, Bar And Gaming Attendant
Irish McGanns Tavern / The Queens Beans Cafe
Kitchen Assistant
Seamstress Restaurant And Bar
Bartender And Kitchen Hand
The Cow Bay Hotel And Bar
Pizzeria & Cafe Cook
PK'S Jungle Village Resort
Duty Manager, Bartender and Cook
The Craic Irish Tavern
Acting Store Manager
Time Zone Entertainment Centre
Education
Certificate - Mental Health First Aid
Hato Hone St John
01-2024
Certificate - Safe Talk Suicide Prevention Training
Life Matters Trust
Dunedin, NZCertificate IV - Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing)
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate IV - Horticulture
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate I - Papa Reo
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Dunedin, NZCertificate III - Apiculture
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate - Responsible Gambling Services
Queensland Government
Queensland, AustraliaCertificate - Responsible Service of Alcohol
Queensland Training Solutions
Queensland, AustraliaCertificate - Responsible Service Of Alcohol
Victoria Commission : Gambling & Liquor Regulation
Melbourne, AustraliaCertificate III - Hospitality: Barista, Customer Service
Brisbane Business & Hospitality Training
Brisbane, AustraliaCertificate IV - Human Services
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate IV - Social Services
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate III - Community Support
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate IV - Diversional Therapy
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate - Essential Emergency Management / Diaster Welfare
Red Cross
Dunedin, NZCertificate - Conservation Skills
Department of Conservation
Dunedin, NZCertificate - Responsible Service Of Alcohol
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate - Food Safety & Safe Practice
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZCertificate IV - Creative Studies
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZDiploma of Arts - Film & Digital Photography
Aoraki Mount Cook Polytechnic
DunedinSkills
- Welcoming & Inclusive Approach: Passionate about creating a friendly, inclusive space for everyone; confident working both independently and as part of a team
- Tech-Savvy & Quick Learner: Experience with a range of library systems and tools, including Symphony and Enterprise; always open to learning new technologies
- Cultural Competency: Committed to upholding Tikanga Māori and demonstrating genuine respect for the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday practice
- Team-Oriented & Reliable: Respectful of procedures and responsive to team direction to help ensure smooth day-to-day operations
- Customer Service & Front Desk: Confident handling check-ins, sign-ups, and everyday queries—always with a warm, helpful approach
- Collection Care & Promotion: Keep collections tidy, accessible, and love encouraging patrons to explore all the resources available
- Health & Safety Awareness: Prioritize wellbeing while contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for staff and patrons alike
hobbies and interests
- Beekeeping, bees and all their splendour
- Reading books / listening to audiobooks
- Permaculture and native bush restoration
- Bush walks and foraging
- Sustainable arts, crafts and upcycling
- Cinema and live music
volunteer work past & present
•The Aramoana League
•The Aramoana Conservation Trust
•Red Cross National Disaster Welfare Team
•Waitati Fest - Face Painting
•The Valley Project: Matariki Hunga Nui
•OUSA and West Harbour holiday programs
•Aramoana Supported Horse riding programs
•St Clair Wetlands restoration
•Karitane Estuary restoration
•Department of Conservation
•SPCA New Zealand (Dog Walker)
referees
- Laura Sheppard: Lending services supervisor, City Library.
- Elspeth Moody: Youth services supervisor, City Library.
- Shona Ledgerwood: Information services supervisor, City Library.
- Roxanne Urwin-Barrett: Evening / weekend supervisor, City Library.
- Emma Carradus, personal referee, PH: 027 355 3462.
- Kelcie Watkins-Dooley, personal referee, PH: 022 170 2034.
- Tahu Mackenzie, Education facilitator and employer at Orokounui Eco Sanctuary, PH: 021 065 1314, tahu@orokonui.nz
- More references available upon request if required.
Timeline
Kaiāwhina Wharepukapuka - Library Assistant
Dunedin Public Libray, DCC.
03.2024 - 03.2025
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Koputai Kids After School And Holiday Care
Early Childhood Educator
Aurora Tamariki Early Years Care And Kindergarten
Nanny
Private Employers
Child & Youth Care Worker
Private Employers
Cafe Cook
The Whistling Frog Cafe And Bar
Tourism Attendant and Restaurant Host
Rainforest Retreat Resort
Family Nanny
Private Home
Resort Assistant
Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge Resort
Mental Health Support Worker
Corstiphine Community Baptist Trust
Activities Assistant
Orokonui Eco Sanctuary
Residential Support Worker
McGlynn Homes
Restaurant, Bar and Gaming Attendant
The Grand Hotel
Bartender, Barista And Waitress
Network Bar And Pizzeria
Restaurant, Cafe, Bar And Gaming Attendant
Irish McGanns Tavern / The Queens Beans Cafe
Kitchen Assistant
Seamstress Restaurant And Bar
Bartender And Kitchen Hand
The Cow Bay Hotel And Bar
Pizzeria & Cafe Cook
PK'S Jungle Village Resort
Duty Manager, Bartender and Cook
The Craic Irish Tavern
Acting Store Manager
Time Zone Entertainment Centre
Certificate - Mental Health First Aid
Hato Hone St John
Certificate - Safe Talk Suicide Prevention Training
Life Matters Trust
Certificate IV - Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing)
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate IV - Horticulture
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate I - Papa Reo
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Certificate III - Apiculture
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate - Responsible Gambling Services
Queensland Government
Certificate - Responsible Service of Alcohol
Queensland Training Solutions
Certificate - Responsible Service Of Alcohol
Victoria Commission : Gambling & Liquor Regulation
Certificate III - Hospitality: Barista, Customer Service
Brisbane Business & Hospitality Training
Certificate IV - Human Services
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate IV - Social Services
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate III - Community Support
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate IV - Diversional Therapy
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate - Essential Emergency Management / Diaster Welfare
Red Cross
Certificate - Conservation Skills
Department of Conservation
Certificate - Responsible Service Of Alcohol
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate - Food Safety & Safe Practice
Otago Polytechnic
Certificate IV - Creative Studies
Otago Polytechnic
Diploma of Arts - Film & Digital Photography
Aoraki Mount Cook Polytechnic
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