Dr Barbara Disley has worked extensively in the areas of mental health and education. As Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, she conducted research and community education programmes with a particular interest in youth mental health, suicide prevention, violence prevention, refugee mental health, problem gambling and patient advocacy. In 1996, she became inaugural chair of the Mental Health Commission, providing advice to the Minister and monitoring the provision of mental health services. In 2002, Barbara joined the Ministry of Education as Deputy Secretary with responsibility for the funding and provision of special education services for children and young people. Barbara now works as an independent consultant. She has a Doctorate in Education and has completed leadership programmes at both Harvard University and Henley School of Management. In 2004 she received The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office-Aotearoa Scholarship to study in the United Kingdom.
