Chrissie was raised in Ōhope Beach where her love for the water stemmed from an upbringing involving ocean swimming, surfing and surf lifesaving. 

Following completion of a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree at Otago University that specialised in cytogenetics and microbiology, Chrissie was soon back on the ocean, working as a tour guide on Whakaari/White Island. 

She returned home after living, traveling and working in the UK where she met her partner Scott, and in 2006 Chrissie started her long career in ambulance, qualifying as a paramedic in 2012. She is now excited to extend her professional practice as a registered paramedic when working with patients of the Ranolf Medical whānau.

Chrissie is also currently completing a Bachelor of Laws degree with an interest in bioethics and end-of-life medical law.

Now living in Pukehina with Scott and three active boys, Chrissie spends any spare time (when not doubling as an uber driver) at the beach where the whole whānau are actively involved in the community, particularly Pukehina Surf Rescue.