Hailing from Ōtautahi, Christchurch, Danielle McEachen recognised the need for Peer Support in Perinatal Mental Health after the birth of her second child. This prompted her to undergo Intentional Peer Support training, marking her introduction to Thriving Madly —a mutual support community to which she actively contributes through peer support, administration, event planning, and providing support to the community.

Through Thriving Madly, Danielle has undergone numerous trainings within the Lived Experience space, the most recent being Mataora Training with Te Whare Wananga o Te Kurahuna. She also holds a BA in Psychology and Education and a Certificate in Relaxation Massage.

Danielle currently works for Te Kete Pounamu, the National Voice for Māori, with Lived Experience of Mental Health and Addiction. As part of the Te Kete Pounamu team within Te Rau Ora, she works alongside the National rōpū to amplify the voice of Māori with lived experience of mental distress and addiction.

Danielle works with key stakeholders to create opportunities for Māori with lived experience to initiate and lead change at local, regional, and national levels.