Wow what a weekend! This October our AYA Consumer Advisory Group came together kanohi ki te kanohi after nearly 3-years for our annual weekend workshop.
This weekend was filled with so much fun, laughter, whakawhanaunga, mahi, awhi, tautoko and aroha.
We have such a cool group on board. Our members stand as experienced consumers co-creating with us to create change. Continuing to show us the way forward with our kaupapa and mahi.
A massive thank you and expression of gratitude to our consumer advisory group, staff and team for making this weekend what it was.
Mauri ora!
The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .
Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.
Cristal Salatas is the Research & Data Lead for the AYA Cancer Network. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, specialising in Perinatal Sciences. Her research utilises Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse the spatial, nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic determinants of preterm birth risk across New Zealand. Cristal’s research bridges spatial epidemiology, GeoAI-driven risk modelling, and public health policy, ensuring that geospatial insights translate into actionable healthcare solutions.
Cristal has also conducted cancer research at her alma mater (University of Florida), where she developed a successful killing assay for glioblastoma multiforme. Now, she will build on that foundation by leading research and data efforts to support adolescents and young adults facing cancer across Aotearoa.
