Employment History:
Part-Time Receptionist, Local Rest Homes

Published Works:

Public Speaking Experience:

Why She is an Expert:
As an expert in the treatment of youth with alcohol and drug-related issues, she offers full compassion and determination daily.

Best Advice:
"Believe in yourself and believe in the work that you’re doing. It’s so important to stay true. Live what you’re preaching. You can’t say one thing to a client and live another way. You have to be true to yourself and towards your profession. Also, take the very best care of yourself because it’s a hard and taxing job at times. You have to really make sure you nurture and look after yourself."

Passionate about:
"I’m a strong believer in the idea that young people should have a voice. We need to love and care for them because they are our future. I don’t think people understand the enormity of that statement."

Biography Excerpt:
Ms. West has 13 years of experience in working with at-risk youth and their families. She is a youth worker and administrator at the Taranaki Young People's Trust in New Zealand. In 1993, her mother started the Taranaki Young People's Trust organization. She believes that every success her clients achieve is also a success of her own. She plans to continue her personal and professional development and training. Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Gandhi are her inspirations and her aim is to instill a belief that dreams are achievable. Ms. West, who is New Zealand Qualifications Authority registered, still values the enhancement of her skill set and the advancement of her education. She is currently pursuing a diploma in social work.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: What aspect of your organization are you most proud of?  
BRIDGET MAREE WEST :  We’re a standalone organization that relies on funding to exist. I’ve done a lot of work to ensure the company’s financial success.

What specific steps are you taking to achieve short- and long-term goals?
We’ve got a small facility and, in terms of client numbers, we’ve grown considerably. We’re looking to move to a new location to accommodate the work we’re doing. Also, we’re constantly updating our training, which is vital to the work we do. Being proactive in personal development is an important part of the work we do. Each year, we plan our personal and professional goals. We continually evaluate and moderate our needs to comply with the needs of the business.

What is the most difficult obstacle or challenge you have faced in pursuit of your goals?
The clients themselves have big issues of often being affected by drugs and alcohol. They don’t necessarily sound or look that great sometimes, so you can’t promote your business using them. They have horrific backgrounds and stories so you can’t put them out there like you can with sports clubs and things like that. It’s the hidden work that you’re doing to get recognition, to obtain the funding that you require, for the work that you need to do with your clients and their families.