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Meet our Team

Kirsten Ballantine

National Programme Manager

kirsten4@adhb.govt.nz

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Ellyn 2025

Ellyn Proffit

National Clinical Lead
AYA Key Worker, CNS

EllynP@adhb.govt.nz

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Houston 2025

Houston Murray

Project Manager and Coordinator

houstonm@adhb.govt.nz

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Cristal 2025

Cristal Salatas

Research and Data Lead

cristals@adhb.govt.nz

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AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa Steering Committee

The AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa Steering Committee helps guide and support the Network’s work. It brings together experienced leaders and experts to make sure activities stay focused on what matters most for young people with cancer and align with national health priorities.

The Committee helps set the overall direction, offers advice, and asks the tough questions to keep the work relevant, responsive, and focused on equity, so that all young people with cancer have fair access to the care, support, and outcomes they need, no matter who they are or where they live.

The Steering Committee members are:

  • Dr Tess Luff (Te Aho o Te Kahu)

  • Jess Patten (Starship Child Health)

  • Dr Myra Ruka (Cancer National Clinical Network)

  • Dr Stephen Laughton (National Child Cancer Network)

  • Dr Nina Scott (Hei Āhuru Mōwai)

  • Telesia Brown (AYA Keyworker Working Group)

  • Mikyla Brown (Rangatahi Advisory Group)

  • Eden Dyer (Rangatahi Advisory Group)

  • Isabella Thurlow (Rangatahi Advisory Group)

  • Ellyn Proffit (AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa)

  • Kirsten Ballantine (AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa)

  • Houston Murray (AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa)

  • Dr Richard Sullivan (Health NZ)

  • Bridget Kerkin (Te Aho o Te Kahu)

Kirsten Ballantine

Kirsten 2025

Kirsten officially joined the Network leadership team in 2019 but her involvement with the Network goes back much further. In 2013 she co-authored the 2000-2009 AYA cancer incidence and survival analysis which contributed to the establishment of the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa the following year. She has presented her work in this and other AYA cancer research at international conferences and in academic journals.

She enjoys advancing New Zealand cancer research through conducting statistical analysis for clinician-led studies and supervising summer studentship projects. Kirsten strongly believes in the importance of having ready access to high-quality data to improve the outcomes for all young cancer patients and their families.

Ellyn Proffit

Ellyn 2025

Ellyn Proffit is the Clinical Lead of the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa, with over 30 years in oncology nursing and 18 years dedicated to adolescent and young adult cancer care. As the founding Keyworker/Clinical Nurse Specialist for Midland AYA Cancer Services, she helped shape national standards for AYA care. Ellyn is a passionate advocate, respected researcher, and collaborative leader known for her work across national advisory groups. She continues to provide frontline care as an AYA Key Worker, keeping her leadership grounded in clinical practice.

Houston Murray

Houston 2025

Houston started with the AYA Cancer Network in 2024 after completing her Master’s in 2023. Her research was based on the Child Cancer Counselling Network and her passions lie within the area of patient and family psychosocial support on their health journey. Houston also works for the National Child Cancer Network (NCCN). 

Cristal Salatas

Cristal 2025

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.

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Heidi Watson

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.