Since 1989, Community Living has supported disabled people to thrive as part of the community.
We are a not for profit organisation with more than 30 years experience in the disability sector. Our services are individualised and led by the people we work for. Based in Hamilton, we work with communities throughout the middle of the north island including the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki.
Community Living Limited is a subsidiary of Community Living Trust. Click here to visit the Trust website.
Meet Ko Tātou Tēnei
Ko Tātou Tēnei is a board advisory group made up of people supported by Community Living
Meet the leadership team
David Oldershaw
Chief Executive
David joined in February 2023 after more than 20 years leadership experience in various sectors including health, business startups, manufacturing and distribution.
David is committed to supporting people to live the lifestyle of their choice. Prior to his current role, David was a business consultant working on a variety of projects for commercial and not for profit clients.
He has been Chief Executive of Pinnacle Midlands Health Network and a Director of Anglesea Clinic Urgent Care. David holds a Master of Commerce from the University of Auckland and is also a trustee of Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service.
Kelly Olsen
Group Manager - Organisational Capability & Development (OCD)
Kelly has over twenty years senior leadership experience and a post graduate diploma in Management Studies from the University of Waikato. She has a collaborative management style and believes in strong communication and transparency.
Kelly has worked at the Graeme Dingle Foundation (a not-for-profit organisation responsible for delivering experiential educational programmes into low decile schools) and has owned and operated a number of businesses.
Her heart however is in the not-for-profit sector and she seeks fairness and equality for all people, regardless of colour or creed.
Kelly is responsible for our Organisational Capability & Development (OCD) team, which includes HR, training, marketing/communications and Health and Safety roles.
Saffron Mitchell
General Manager – Community Options
Saffron believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.
Born in the mighty Waikato, Saffron hails from Cook Island, Aititakian and Scottish decent.
A passionate advocate of social capital and justice, and supporter that everyone has something to contribute. In support of this, is committed to developing others talents, skills and knowledge and trusted partnerships. Ensuring that our community is one that supports its members to thrive through employability, diversity and connections.
With over 18 years in senior leadership positions and extensive experience across health, social, community, education and the business sectors. Supporting Quality Assurances in 2019 and becoming a CQL Personal Outcome Measures Practitioner Saffron is passionate about people receiving quality services that are person directed so people can achieve their hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Saffron holds a MBA, PG.DipPH and BSOcSci from the University of Waikato.
Frances Oliver
General Manager – Business Operations
Hailing from the Rural King Country originally, Frances is excited to return in 2021 to the Community Living family to lead our Finance, Property and the Administration and Rostering teams.
Frances lead the Finance function from 2013 until 2017 when she went to WaikatoLink and the University of Waikato for 3+ years and enjoyed being part of the Commercialisation and Tertiary Education Space. Previously
Frances has worked in Audit and lead the Finance and Administration functions in the Private Business sector. Frances has a particular passion for seeing projects to their completion working alongside internal and external stakeholders.
Frances is a CA of 25 years and has a BBS-Finance from Massey University. Frances enjoys e-biking and getting away on holiday in her spare time.
Denise Gemmell
General Manager – Professional Services
Denise has over 15 years of strategic leadership experience as well as a deeply personal and genuine passion and connection with the disability sector.
Recognised as a strategic and visionary leader, Denise enjoys inspiring others and delivering positive and best-practice outcomes.
In the role of General Manager for Professional Services, Denise brings strong change and financial management skills, with a proven experience delivering transformation and innovation programmes across organisations.
Denise holds a post graduate in Leadership and Management studies from the University of Waikato and is responsible for our Therapy, Children’s Service – Te Puna Awhina, Disability Liaison and RIDSAS Teams.