Lesley is a social sciences tutor in the Humanities area teaching on the National Certificate in Mental Health and the Bachelor of Applied Social Science (social work) from WINTEC. Lesley is the Programme Co-ordinator for first year social work. Her interest in research began while undertaking Master in Social Work through Massey University and writing a thesis on the lives of rural women in the Wharehuia/Te Popo community.
In 2009 Lesley, in collaboration with the Taranaki District Health Board, researched maternal mental health and what women who have experienced post natal distress find helpful in their recovery. She subsequently carried out an evaluation of an intensive social work service for Taranaki Women's Refuge.
Lesley is interested in qualitative research particularly that which is informed by feminist and post-structural research ideology, which lead to using life stories within her master’s research. Life stories also hold an interest for Lesley both within social sciences and historical research.
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Research Publications and Presentations
Journal Publications
Pitt, L. (2007, July). Not a hybrid but a Pakeha and proud.Te Iarere Wavelength Issue 2, Autumn 2007, 21-26.
Pitt, L. (2006, November). Three poems from Patriarchs, paddocks and the personal. Te Iarere Wavelength Issue 1, Spring 2006, 7, 14, 61.
Pitt, L. (2005). Social work registration: knowledge and power. Social Work Review, XVII (3), 41-42.
Exhibitions, Catalogues, Competitions & Performance
Pitt, L. (2007, March 30). Poetry reading (author and reader). 92.3 Most FM, New Plymouth.
Newspaper & Mazaine Articles, Reviews, Features & Commentaries
Pitt, L. (2008, March). Review of Klett-Davis, M. Going it alone? Lone motherhood and late modernity. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work Review, XX (1), 62-63.
Pitt, L. (2008, June). Review of O’Brien, M. Poverty, policy and the state: Social security reform in New Zealand. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work Review, XX (2), 95-96.
Pitt, L. (2007). Review of Lohmann, N. and Lohmann, B. (eds.). Rural Social Work Practice. Social Work Review, XVIX (1), 68-69.
Pitt, L. (2007, November). Review of Leibrich, J. (ed.). A gift of stories: Discovering how to deal with mental illness. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work Review, XIX (2), 78.
Pitt, L. (2006). Review of Nash, M. and Stewart, B. (eds.). Spirituality and social care: contributing to personal and community well-being. Tu Mau II Social Work Review , XVIII ( 1), 58-60 .
Pitt, L. (2005). Review of Adams, R., Dominelli, L. and Payne, M. (eds.) Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates. Social Work Review,XVII (3), 50-51.
Scholarly Activity
Public Addresses & Interviews
Pitt, L. (2008, February 29). Feminist Theory. Paper presented at Taranaki Women’s Refuge. New Plymouth.
Pitt, L. (2008, October 17). Rural Social Work. Paper presented at Council for International Fellowship. New Plymouth.
Contribution to Research Environment
Pitt, L. (2008-2010). Research Co-ordinator, Department of Humanities, Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. New Plymouth.
Membership Of Institutional Research Committee
Pitt, L. (2008-2010). Committee member.