Tracy Skolmen

Background

About Tracy Skolmen

With nearly 30 years of experience in administration—18 of which have been in the education sector—I have developed a diverse skill set spanning Public Relations, Customer Service, Recruitment, Event Planning and Management, Programme Support, Research Centre Administration, and more. My background also includes Accounts, Desktop Publishing, Web Content Development, and Writing for the Web, allowing me to excel in multifaceted roles and adapt quickly to new demands, making me a “Jill of all trades.”Since embarking on my Psychology degree at AUT in 2020, I have been deeply committed to transitioning my career to positively impact New Zealand’s mental health sector. During my second year of study, I volunteered with SHOUT, a UK-based online text service dedicated to providing immediate mental health support. This experience strengthened my skills in empathetic communication and crisis intervention, further inspiring my passion for supporting young people in building resilience and self-confidence as they navigate an increasingly complex world. Mental health is fundamental to well-being, and I am driven by a desire to help individuals, particularly youth and young adults, achieve fulfilment and empowerment in their lives.On a personal level, I married my high school sweetheart in 1995, and we have two accomplished daughters of whom we are immensely proud. Our family are dedicated animal lovers, sharing our home with four dogs and regularly fostering animals through rescue organisations in Auckland. This personal passion for animal welfare has enriched our lives, teaching us compassion, patience, and loyalty.Currently, I provide senior administrative support within my department, enabling academic staff to deliver high-quality education to our students—our foremost stakeholders. I value integrity, responsiveness, and tactfulness, and strive to conduct myself as a creative, ethical, and approachable professional.I believe effective leadership rests upon valuing, appreciating, and supporting one’s team, recognising that leaders stand on the shoulders of those who work with them. My work philosophy is rooted in fostering an environment where every team member feels respected and valued.Balancing full-time work, part-time study, and the management of chronic pain challenges, I have cultivated resilience and adaptability. I am committed to furthering my knowledge, skills, and emotional intelligence, seeking always to balance kindness with accountability, grounded in patience and grace.