AUCKLAND UNISERVICES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Resource Teacher Learning and Behaviour Incredibly Years Teacher Facilitator / Coach
Adrienne has been an RTLB for 25 years and and IYT facilitator and coach for 14 years. She facilitates at least two programmes a year for IYT and has been a part of IYT Aide programmes. She is also trained as an IY Autism Teacher.
In addition, she coaches RTLB and ECE facilitators face-to-face and online as well as facilitating the running of Taranaki regional IY days.
Job Titles:
- Member of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council
- NZCMC Director
Aly McNicoll has been involved with coaching and mentoring in NZ and Australia for the last 12 years, with a particular interest in training. She has refined techniques for both introducing coaching as a skillset and promoting learning as a way of being in teams and organisations.
Aly is a regular presenter at international conferences (American Society for Training & Development Conference, European Mentoring & Coaching Council Conference) where her specialist skills in peer learning techniques have led to her spending increasing proportions of her time working with clients in Australia, the UK and the USA.
Aly is a member of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council and an international associate of Clutterbuck Associates (UK).
Prior to her corporate training role, Aly has led leadership and management programmes at Unitec Institute of Technology, where she also spent four years training tutors in the staff development unit. She is also a qualified counsellor.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Coordinator
- Registered Occupational Therapist
Clinical coordinator | Wellington Early Intevention Service, MHAIDS, Te Whatu Ora, Capital, Coast, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa
Amanda is a registered occupational therapist with over 25 years experience in mental health sector. She has a passion for working with youth, seeing growth, early intervention and recovery in psychosis.
She has a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
Job Titles:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Co - Founder of CAPA
Ann is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with extensive experience in children and young people's mental health services in the NHS in London. Alongside her friend and colleague, Steve Kingsbury, she co-developed the globally recognised Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) in the early 2000s.
Ann possesses widespread expertise in policy development and service improvement in England and has held various senior leadership roles within the NHS. In addition to CAPA, she collaborates with young people and parents to co-produce further changes, particularly in crisis care and supporting parents and carers.
Ann has lived experience of neurodiversity as her eldest daughter has Asperger's Syndrome, as did her father.
Anna Dickson is a Registered Psychologist who has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and their families. Her specialist areas are trauma, anxiety, parenting, working with neurodiverse children and young people. She is an experienced clinical supervisor and has provided supervision for Massey University Intern Psychologists as well as experienced Psychologists and other Health and Education colleagues. She has worked with Explore Specialist Services where she provided behavioural support to adults and children with neurodiverse conditions. She currently works for the Ministry of Education and in private practice.
Anna is an Accredited Mentor for IYT, Accredited Peer Coach in IYT-A and Accredited IY Parent Group Leader.
Job Titles:
- Regional Coordinator of Tāmaki Makaurau NZPC Branch
- Regional Coordinator, Tamaki Makaurau Auckland Branch NZPC, Auckland City Mission, Stratcom Security
Annah Pickering is the regional coordinator of Tāmaki Makaurau NZPC Branch and has been involved in NZPC since 1999. She is a passionate advocate for sex workers rights globally and has presented on the issue at many local and international events as a representative of NZPC. Annah regularly provides commentary for media on sex workers rights issues, participates in field research, and provides guidance to researchers and policy makers.
Her expertise covers peer support, outreach worker, advisory roles working in areas of youth involved in sex work, migrant sex workers, Needle Exchange programme, supporting workers exiting institutions (in and out of care, exiting prisons, deportees, refugee), working alongside rainbow gender diverse workers, advocating for workers who are rough sleeping, homeless, family harm (domestic violence) working in a complex areas that needs crises intervention and prevention.
Job Titles:
- Director, Professional Insight Limited
Bindy formerly worked as a lawyer at the Teaching Council and conducted investigations for the Veterinary Council and Social Workers Registration Board. She also worked as a contract senior advisor at WorkSafe.
In the earlier part of her career, she was a commercial lawyer at Kensington Swan (Wellington) and Anderson Lloyd (Dunedin) before stepping out of the workforce to raise her daughters.
Bindy has recently been appointed as a lay member on Performance Assessment Committees (competence assessments for doctors).
In 2022 after working at the Teaching Council, Rachel and Bindy set up their own investigations firm and are both licensed Private Investigators. They also provide professional development training on professional boundaries and how to conduct a fair investigation.
Job Titles:
- Project Support Coordinator
Bradley provides project support to the Whāraurau team to ensure events, training and other activities are well managed and executed.
He has recently completed his Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematics and minoring in psychology.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Clinical Practice Manager
Catherine is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in public, private and educational settings. She has been the clinical practice manager at START for the last 13 years where she supports staff and provides community education around the topic of sexualised harm. In her private practice she sees clients of all ages, provides professional supervision, and does a lot of community and professional education in a number of settings.
Job Titles:
- Lead Facilitator INNOV8HQ
Deb Gallon is an experienced professional with a strongbackground in leadership and community engagement. She delivers training that emphasises personal development, effective communication, andcommunity-building. Deb blends practical leadership skills with a passion for cultural dynamics, empowering individuals and organisations to navigate challenges and drive meaningful change.
Dianne is a clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children and families. She has a background in secondary school teaching and playcentre early childhood, before retraining as a clinical psychologist. Her journey with Incredible Years began in 2001 when she completed her basic parent training. Back then, Dianne had a dream to see all parent, child and teacher Incredible Year programmes available in New Zealand and introduced IY to the health and education sectors in New Zealand.
For many years now André has led the advancement of innovative and dynamic kaupapa Māori-based therapeutic resources. He nurtures rangatahi who enter into this field and has maintained an integral role of manākitanga for emerging Māori psychologists, both informally as a leader in clinical psychology, and formally as a lecturer for Otago University and Wintec.
Dr Byron Seiuli is a Samoan clinical psychologist with over 25 years' experience of working in the therapeutic environment in Aotearoa, NZ and the Pacific. As a senior Pacific researcher and health clinician, Byron brings extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of Pacific health, cultural training and supervision, family relationships, suicide prevention, sexual abuse, trauma, grief and loss, adolescence mental health, addiction, and clinical assessment and treatment.
Byron has published on Samoan and Pacific people's well-being and his works on the Uputaua Therapeutic Approach and Meaalofa Counselling methods are well used in therapeutic circles in NZ and abroad.
Byron's current work includes assessment and treatment for ACC, Department of Corrections, Kia Puawai, EAP and private contracts.
Dr Craig Immelman is a child, adolescent, and general psychiatrist in private practice in Auckland, and an honorary lecturer at the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland. He is a graduate of the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and completed his post-graduate training in psychiatry in Auckland in 2001. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatry.
Dr Immelman has broad clinical interests, is a Fellow of the Faculty of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry as well as a member of the section of Forensic Psychiatry (RANZCP). His special interests include Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, eating disorders and youth justice. He also consults to a number of district health boards. He provides expert opinion to courts and holds the designation of Specialist Assessor relating to Intellectual Disability.
Dr Immelman provides expert commentary for Behavioural Disorders Review.
Dr. Emily Cooney has extensive experience working with children and adults in inpatient and outpatient settings across the US, UK, and New Zealand, with a particular focus on dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). She is a senior lecturer at Otago University and an adjunct assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine. At Yale, she co-directed the DBT and DBT for substance use disorder teams within an intensive outpatient program.
Emily served as a research therapist on two trials of DBT under Dr Marsha Linehan and was the principal investigator on two DBT feasibility trials in New Zealand. One examined DBT for self-harming adolescents and the other trialled DBT skills training for men with anger-related problems.
She provides training and consultation in DBT via Behavioural Tech as well as DBTNZ, and her current research focuses on whānau-oriented intervention and people experiencing family violence and suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Job Titles:
- Professor University of Auckland
Dr. Ian Lambie brings over 30 years of experience in clinical psychology, merging practical nursing skills with academic expertise. His journey began as a nurse in acute psychiatric and surgical settings, providing a solid foundation for his transition into clinical psychology.
With a psychology degree from Otago University and clinical psychology training from the University of Auckland, Dr. Ian Lambie specialised in working intensively with adolescents with harmful sexual behaviours and children with conduct problems for over a decade. His approach often involved outdoor wilderness therapy and family therapy, aimed at fostering positive change in young lives.
As an academic, Dr. Ian Lambie has collaborated with various government departments and community groups, using research to drive real-world solutions. Currently serving as chief science advisor for the justice sector, he advises on strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the justice system. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Ian was honoured as an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2020 for services to youth justice and clinical psychology.
Job Titles:
- Registered Clinical Psychologist Co - Team Leader
Jamie is a clinician trained in dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and has recently completed a three-year program in Mahi Wairua Practice under the guidance of Tohunga Wiremu Niania and Kōkā Lesley Niania. Jamie co-developed Tai Ki Uta; a tikanga and matauranga Māori informed skills group in which dialectical behaviour therapy skills are taught over a 16-week period.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Co - Founding Director and CEO of the Psychology Group
- Director and Trainer for DBTNZ
Dr Kirsten Davis has two decades of experience as a therapist, consultant and trainer in mental health and wellbeing across care and protection, schools, private and corporate settings and community mental health. She has a specific interest in adolescent psychology, assessment and treatment of suicidal and self-harm behaviour, and the role of emotion regulation in these and other impulsive behaviours.
Kirsten is a director and trainer for DBTNZ and DBT training Australia (International Affiliates of the Linehan Institute) and is a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) expert.
Kirsten is also the co-founding Director and CEO of The Psychology Group (TPG), a group psychological practice that grew from her vision to bring together an expert team of highly qualified professionals who are dedicated to delivering accessible evidence-based therapies and training to individuals, whānau and professional organisations.
Job Titles:
- E - Learning Designer ( She / Her )
Job Titles:
- Senior Lecturer Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland
Sarah is a registered psychologist and behaviour analyst(BCBA). She is a senior lecturer atWaipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland). For over 16 years, she has provided behavioural services for childrenwith and without disabilities. Sarah's PhD and ongoing research focus onhome-based behavioural interventions to support tamariki to progress from tubefeeding to eating.
Job Titles:
- Psychiatrist
- Fellow of the Royal Australian
Dr Susan Sharp is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry with an Advanced Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She currently is based in Auckland at Te Toka Tumai where she works with children and young people with eating disorders.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Consultant
Dr Delmage is a consultant in adolescent forensic psychiatry and an assistant professor at the University of Nottingham. He is currently based at Ngā Taiohi Unit which is a secure inpatient service for young people who present with mental health problems and risk to others.
He has written book chapters related to aspects of adolescent forensic healthcare and has also contributed to national discussions in the UK related to the minimum age of criminal responsibility, as well as having presented his work which is part of an ongoing PhD in Law at an international conference. He has given evidence in the Court of Appeal and to the Justice Select Committee in the United Kingdom and he has been a member of the National Clinical Reference Group in the UK which has a strategic role in service development.
Job Titles:
- Youth Consumer Advisor ( She / Her )
Eden's role is to advocate and advise on behalf of rangatahi with lived experience. Her focus is on ensuring their voices are reflected in Whāraurau's mahi and beyond.
Her background includes working with various youth advisory groups and panels, as well as within organisations like Youthline and Auckland Council.
Job Titles:
- Registered Mental Health Nurse
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist and Certified Sensory Integration Practitioner
Elen has over 20 years of experience working with children and adults who have diverse needs. She has specialised in autism and sensory processing differences, which has led her to work in leading organisations including Autism New Zealand, The National Autistic Society (UK) and Autism Victoria (AUS).
Elen is passionate about working with neurodivergent people to build their self-esteem through understanding themselves better, as well as upskilling the people and systems around them to be able to provide better understanding and support.
Job Titles:
- Nurse
- Marketing Communications Coordinator ( She / Her )
Helen is a registered comprehensive nurse, and has a Master's in Health Science, Adv. Diploma in Nursing, and is a Cert. Life Coach.
Job Titles:
- Data and Evaluation Coordination Lead
Eva Corson is a German born, New Zealander, who has trained in multi-systemic family counselling before coming to New Zealand over 20 years ago. She has been practising as a family counsellor and social worker since then.
Eva currently works for Family Works Northern and her chosen modality is solution-focused therapy when working with taiohi. She believes it allows her to be creative while not losing sight of the client's hopes, as well as the disciplined and focused methodology of SFBT.
Fiona works as a Workforce Delivery Lead in the youth forensics area, and so is responsible for growing the capacity of the workforce who work with rangatahi who are at increased risk of involvement with the youth justice and youth forensic systems.
She has over 25 years of experience working in the social services sector including specialist youth, alcohol and other drugs, mental health, and homeless services, as well as workforce education.
Fiona has a Master of Professional Practice (Dist), a Post Graduate Certificate in Health Science, Bachelor of Social Services (Dist) and a Certificate in Adult Education.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founding Director of Mauwai
Grayson is a community focused kau-design practitioner, actor, artist, and community event facilitator. He brings together his own lived experience of intergenerational trauma and Parihaka-tanga, with a profound dedication to resilient communities. Grayson intentionally positions himself within resilient communities, viewing adversity as fertile ground for growth.
Heidi Renata, CEO of INNOV8HQ, brings over 25 years of tech and leadership experience, integrating technology with human-centred, bicultural leadership. She delivers training focused on personal branding, leadership development, and values-driven community building, blending her deep cultural heritage with modern innovation to empower individuals and organisations.
Job Titles:
- Registered Clinical Psychologist and Co - Team Leader of Oranga Tamariki 's ( Child Protection Services ) Bay of Plenty
Horiana Jones is a registered clinical psychologist and co-team leader of Oranga Tamariki's (Child Protection Services) Bay of Plenty clinical services.
Job Titles:
- Project Support Coordinator ( She / Her )
Imaan's role is to support the delivery of training by assisting the workforce delivery leads to manage all aspects of the events/trainings that they offer.
Her background is in administration, data and brand management. She has recently graduated from the University of Auckland with a BA in English and Media Studies.
Jackie Burrows is a highly experienced professional with over 26 years in the mental health, addiction, and health services sectors. She has been with He Waka Tapu (HWT) since 2012, starting as operations manager and advancing to chief executive officer in 2017. In her role as CEO, she has led significant projects, including the development of a $5 million community hub, the establishment of a social housing arm and a general practice clinic.
Before joining HWT, Jackie worked with Healthcare NZ Mental Health and Addiction Services as the southern service manager and national operations manager, where she managed multiple regional teams and strategic business planning. Earlier in her career, she coordinated mental health services at Comcare Trust and supported clients in residential settings with PACT Southland and Healthcare Otago. Her diverse roles before 1996, included work in wool handling, fish factories, and dairy farm management, and have contributed to her broad skill set and leadership capabilities. Jackie holds a Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership and a degree in Applied Business Management, among other qualifications.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager ( She / Her )
Job Titles:
- Project Support Coordinator ( She / Her )
As a Project Support Coordinator Jennie is responsible for pre and post event/training coordination and communications.
Jennie's background is in customer support, clinical records coordination, and therapeutic youth mentoring. She has also worked as an editorial intern for lifestyle magazine Verve, and as a crisis response worker.
She has a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in psychology and communications.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Communications Advisor ( She / Her )
As the Marketing Communications Advisor, Jenny is responsible for the strategic development of Whāraurau's brand and marketing with the aim of ensuring the organisation is recognised in the sector as a leader in training and professional development.
She has an extensive background in marketing and communications and has worked in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. She has been responsible for the development and roll out of community investment programmes that supported the brand of a large energy company and has worked on multiple branding projects.
Jenny has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland
"Our young people are our future and the rise in youth suicide rates in New Zealand is shocking. These are just two compelling reasons why I've chosen to work in this space. If I can, in some small way, positively impact the lives of young New Zealanders, I will have satisfied a key goal for my life."
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist and Researcher from Tāmaki Makaurau
Jess Stubbing is a clinical psychologist and researcher from Tāmaki Makaurau. Jess is based at the Koi Tu youth mental Health Research team, and conducts work focused on improving our understanding of and response to young people's mental health and wellbeing needs.
Jo worked therapeutically as a social worker from 2007 and holds postgraduate qualifications in mental health and cognitive behavioural therapy. Much of Jo's clinical experience has been with young people and families who have experienced trauma. Jo has also conducted further research in the areas of collaborative and trauma-informed care and youth mental health.
After working in mental health services for 16 years, Jo now teaches in the postgraduate mental health programme at AUT. She has undertaken PhD research on effective ICAMHS care for young people involved with Oranga Tamariki.
Job Titles:
- Workforce Delivery Manager
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Advisor at Mana Mokopuna
Jordaan is currently an advisor at Mana Mokopuna (Children and Young Peoples Commission). He has worked in various roles across the youth, community, and education sectors, including positions at Te Ruunanga o Kirikiriroa, NZ Police, MSD social sector trials, and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Hood-raised and creative, Jordaan is a passionate advocate for rangatahi across the motu.
Job Titles:
- Programme Coordination Lead ( She / Her )
Job Titles:
- Delivery Manager
- Workforce Delivery Manager
Job Titles:
- Data and Evaluation Manager
Julliet is responsible for leading data analysis and evaluation activity for Whāraurau and for providing technical expertise across our data collection initiatives. She is also responsible for heading the evaluation of all Whāraurau training, event, and online course activities.
Julliet began her career in youth mental health research, piloting a depression prevention study in students in high schools in Auckland. She has been with Whāraurau for 20 years, originally joining when it was the Werry Centre.
She has a Masters in Science - majoring in psychology.
"I'm a huge advocate for prevention and early intervention, and working at Wharaurau and in the infant, child and youth mental health sector allows me to contribute to and support the work that I have always firmly believed in."
Karlie is a registered social worker and co-existing practitioner. She has worked in the psychosis area for six years and has also been a member of the New Zealand Early Intervention in Psychosis Society since 2020. She is passionate about early intervention and recovery in psychosis.
Job Titles:
- CEO of the Young Neurodiversity Champions
Kartini Clarke is a 22-year-old student at the University of Auckland and the CEO of the Young Neurodiversity Champions. She is studying Law with a special interest in employment law and neurodiversity in the criminal justice system. Kartini brings her lived experience as a former CAHMS user and was diagnosed with ADHD just before her 20th birthday. She aims to create an understanding of neurodiversity in the general population, to focus on the strengths rather than the deficits of the conditions, and to help build a neuroinclusive education system.
Job Titles:
- Trainer & Implementation Specialist
- Trainer for IY Classroom Dina
Kathleen is a trainer for IY Classroom Dina, Teaher Classroom Management, and Incredible Beginnings Teacher programe. She provides on-going implementation support and consultation, as well as doing fidelity reviews for accreditation.
Kelly is a registered midwife and holds a current practicing certificate. She has been working in the maternal and child health sector for over 10 years.
She has a demonstrated history of working in the medical practice industry as a clinician, project manager, and consultant. She is adept at leading multidisciplinary teams both in the public and private sectors. By merging her experience in clinical midwifery alongside her desire to see all children and families thrive, she is able to deliver safeguarding education and training that offers the sharing of knowledge, as well as feasible ways to use new skills in clinical practice.
Kelly's other roles include pregnancy to parenting educator for the NMDHB, casual core midwife, and project lead for the Well Child app.
She holds a Bachelor of Science, post-graduate certificate and diploma in Midwifery from Ara and Otago Polytechnic Institute of Technology respectively, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Women's Studies from the University of Hawai'i
Job Titles:
- E - Learning Designer
- Learning Designer
Kieran is responsible for designing and developing online courses in collaboration with workforce delivery leads, principal advisors and subject matter experts. He also manages and operates Whāraurau's learning management system.
Kieran previously worked in education and community development roles, facilitating learning as well as developing and coordinating programs.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (with First Class Honours) in Sociology.
"My role is important to me because I feel it can make learning and professional development more accessible to a range of learners, whether that is geographically, temporally or at an appropriate learning level for those supporting some of the most vulnerable in Aotearoa."
Kim Milne is a parent to a young adult with FASD. She found she has had to educate all those interacting with and supporting her son. Kim has a keen interest in mental health and FASD-informed practice and is motivated in her mahi to address the many inequities facing people with FASD and their whānau.
Kim holds qualifications in history, political science, international politics, social work, and business management, and has worked for the government in various capacities for many years.
Kim Thomson is an accredited Incredible Years Teacher Mentor, accredited Autism Teacher Peer Coach, Registered Educational Psychologist and Early Childhood Educator.
Her areas of interest are Incredible Years Teacher and Parent, Early Intervention
Kim is passionate about mentoring and supporting Incredible Years workforce development.
Job Titles:
- Project Support Coordinator
In her role as a Project Support Coordinator, Laura provides behind the scenes support and logistics to both the Christchurch and wider Whāraurau team to ensure the delivery of training and other events.
She has previously worked in administration roles for the Ministry of Social Development, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, a mentoring charity and an advocacy charity for people with physical/intellectual disabilities. Laura has also worked for an event company.
Laura has a Bachelor of Arts in music composition for film and media.
"It's important for me to be a strong foundation for the wider Whāraurau team so that we can always be moving forward, together, alongside the mental health workforce. I'm proud that my role with Whāraurau allows me to work with and support so many different people who are all working towards achieving better youth mental health outcomes."
Lee Taylor Burt is a mentor for the Teacher Autism programme in New Zealand. She has a teaching background in kindergarten and has specialised in early intervention. She currently delivers the Incredible Years parent, teacher, teacher autism and Incredible Beginnings programmes. She trained in and previously delivered the Dina Dinosaur small group programme. Lee peer coaches group leaders delivering the parent, teacher and teacher autism programmes.
Leigh Henderson is a geneticist and toxicologist who has had a career in academia, industry and government. She is a lived experience FASD expert as a result of the probable FASD diagnosis of a family member. She is Chair of FASD-CAN, the national organisation for families and professionals who support individuals with FASD, and the individuals themselves. As such she has an in-depth awareness of the mental health and addiction issues affecting many people with FASD.
Job Titles:
- Incredible Years Teacher Programme Mentor - in - Training and Peer Coach
Lisa is a Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour from Ōtautahi Cluster 35. She has a Masters in Specialist Teaching and has workedwith a diverse range of young people, their family/whānau, as well as school eams in special schools and mainstream settings.
She first trained in the Incredible Years Teacher programme in 2013 and is an accredited group leader and peer coach.
She is also trained in the Incredible Years Autism Teacher programme. Lisa is a member of the Incredible Years Teacher Practice Team and supports group leaders from around the country with their questions about IYT practice and delivery to ensure the programme is delivered with fidelity.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Nurse Manager of Maternal, Infant, Child, Adolescent Mental Health and Addiction Services ( MICAMHAS ) Te Whatu Ora Whanganui
Before her current role, Liz served as the clinical nurse coordinator at MICAMHAS for nine years and as a clinician for seven years. In 2023, she briefly worked as a youth forensic liaison nurse for Capital and Coast DHB in Palmerston North, Whanganui, and Levin. She also has experience with the crisis team in Whanganui, and with elderly mental health patients in the UK.
At MICAMHAS, the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) model of care has been evolving over the past nine years to include key performance indicators (KPIs), a comprehensive booking procedure, care bundles, and the full CAPA process. Due to the small team size, all clinicians, including Liz, engage in Choice and Partnership appointments, ensuring a collaborative, client-led approach that keeps clients and their whanau at the centre.
Job Titles:
- Specialist Facilitator Altogether Autism
Lynne joined Parent to Parent and Altogether Autism in 2014as a coordinator and worked as a facilitator for PRISM. Lynne currently works as a contracted facilitator for Altogether Autism and has been providing accessible online training for educator's parents and professionals in partnership with the "Safe for Children" educational platform since 2019.
The workshops that Lynne facilitates range from introductory professional development training in supporting autistic tamariki, to more in-depth training around supporting autistic rangatahi. She also provides inhouse training specific to groups requesting professional development through the Safe for Children platform. She has had experience presenting to various groups such as the NZSTA around inclusive education and served for several years on a high school board. Lynne also collaborates with other organisations within the community and other providers within the Safe for Children network.
Lynne has a lived experience of supporting someone with autism and is passionate about educating and creating more awareness about autism to support whanau.
Job Titles:
- Project Support Coordinator ( She / Her )
Maddy's role is to support the wider Whāraurau team to successfully deliver training and professional development to the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health sector.
She has previously worked with the Ministry of Justice in Wellington and has had a range of other customer service roles.
Maddy has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Political Science with a minor in Commercial Law.
"My role is important to me because through it I can contribute to the mental health space by providing support to projects that, in the bigger picture, create a ripple effect outwards for the workforce."
Marthinus is a clinical psychologist with a range of experience in clinical work, research, and teaching across public, university, and private settings. Clinically, he has worked in roles ranging from child adolescent and family services, through to inpatient and forensic services. He has experience in conducting clinical and neuropsychological assessments, as well as delivering a wide range of cognitive, behavioural, and acceptance-based therapies, with a particular focus on dialectical behavioural therapy.
Marthinus has a MBSc, MSc(Dist), & PGDip Clin Psych,(Otago) PhD (ANU), DBT-LBC, MNZCCP
Job Titles:
- General Manager - Services Youthline
Megan is a passionate advocate for youth mental health and addictions, and has a keen interest in health equity. Her career journey has been driven by a desire to tackle health inequalities and address the social, cultural, and geographical factors impacting hauora | wellbeing.
With a diverse academic background and experience spanning the public, private, and NGO sectors, Megan has navigated roles ranging from frontline clinical positions to quality improvement and strategic leadership. Her core philosophy revolves around maintaining a people-centred approach in all endeavours.
Michelle has worked in the social service sector for 14 years, spending 10 years at Mirror Counselling Service as a child and adolescent counsellor, intake coordinator and the current Co Kaihautū Oranga - clinical team leader for the counselling team. Additionally, Michelle is an intern as a Child Play Works Child Centred Play Therapist.
Michelle's passion is working with children who have experienced relational and developmental trauma and attachment work with parents and caregivers.
Job Titles:
- Programme Delivery Manager ( She / Her )
Michelle has overall accountability for the effective delivery of workforce development solutions and works in collaboration with the senior management team to achieve this
Michelle has experience in education, healthcare services management, policy, gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI); both nationally and internationally. She has led teams and designed, developed and delivered education programmes in nursing, specifically - child and youth health, disability, mental health and transitioning to employment. Michelle managed the NZ Medical Treatment Scheme across six Pacific Island countries and designed, developed and taught a post graduate qualification in child health nursing for Pacific nurses in Fiji and Tonga. Michelle was also clinical nurse director for Kidz First and Women's Health in Counties Manukau, and an academic and clinical lecturer in nursing at Manukau Institute of Technology.
She has a Master of Nursing, Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Cert. Arts and is a Registered Nurse
"This role is important to me because I am able to support an amazing team that works nationally to build an incredible workforce within the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health and alcohol and other addictions space."
Mike Smith is a dedicated climate activist and social worker known for his advocacy for environmental and social justice. With a strong focus on Maori and community empowerment, Mike leads grassroots movements, challenging systemic inequalities and fighting for a sustainable, equitable future for all.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder of the FASD Institute
- Registered Clinical Counsellor
(Fatima) Natascha Lawrence is a registered clinical counsellor, BC registered play therapist, certified synergetic play therapy supervisor and EMDR practitioner. She is a BIPOC first-generation Canadian settler of mixed Asian ancestry, an ADHDer, Queer and has a mobility disabilitydue to a chronic pain neurological condition.
With almost 20 years of experience, Natascha specialises in neurodiversity, particularly with FASD. Natascha has experience working with clients across different modalities and systems, including schools, hospitals, community mental health, and private practice, and has worked with individuals from birth to adulthood, couples and families.
Dedicated to enlightening the world to see through the beauty of a neurodiversity lens, Natascha is the co-founder of the FASD Institute, which provides counselling, supervision, and education to clinicians, individuals, and families. Natascha is the creator of the Empowering Neurodiversity (END) Model™, a framework that guides clinicians on dismantling racism, ableism, oppression, and decolonizing their practices to empower neurodiversity.
Most importantly, Natascha is the parent of two incredible neurodivergent children, one who has FASD.
Natascha has an M.A., RCC, BCRPT
Job Titles:
- Project Support Coordinator ( He / They )
Neil provides logistical and organisational support for events and trainings delivered to the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health workforce. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure all aspects of work are completed to a high standard and on time.
Neil has previously worked for other non-governmental organisations such as Ember Korowai Takitini, ADHB and Be. Lab to support our workforce and communities in the mental health and disability sector.
Neil has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
"I believe Whāraurau's work is important as it provides accessible learning opportunities and spaces for our workforce to continue to grow their skills and capabilities so that they can support our communities to thrive."
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to CEO, Executive Administrator Tūhoe Hauora
- Toi Kaiāwha, AOD Counsellor, Senior Practitioner Tūhoe Hauora
As a kaimahi of Tūhoe Hauora for the past 8 years, I've been privileged with many great learnings and opportunities to grow as a leader within a Kaupapa Māori organisation. In my executive assistant role, I have gained insight into what it takes to be a great leader that not only manages an organisation but also supports employees and ensures we provide the best service to the whānau we work with. In leading our administration team, I am to demonstrate the leadership qualities that have been role modelled to me.
Henare's career shifted from working as a tyre fitter in Whakatāne to becoming a clinical AOD counsellor at Tūhoe Hauora. He discovered a passion for helping youth through coaching rugby which led to a role at Tūhoe Hauora, where his dedication was recognised instantly. Pursuing further education, he now supports rangatahi and their whānau in overcoming addiction. He is of Tuhoe descent and deeply committed to the community wellbeing of our whānau.
She has previously worked as a project coordinator for Migrante Aotearoa, which is a grassroots non-governmental organisation that supports Filipino migrants. Nicole is also actively engaged in human rights activism.
Job Titles:
- Service Cultural Advisor and Cultural Coordinator
Patrick Mendes has worked in adult and child/adolescent areas of mental health for the past 16 years. He has worked at two of the three Auckland CAMHS services (Kari Centre ADHB and Whirinaki CMDHB-2008-9) during the last eight years and provides a full range of cultural experience and interventions. He has particular expertise in the child and adolescent field working with Māori rangatahi (young people), and their whānau.
His current role includes working in a multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrist, clinical psychologists, social workers, and nurses to ensure quality access, assessment and therapy for Māori whānau entering the Regional Youth Forensic Service. He works across the Taiohi Tu Taiohi Ora clinical teams hosted by the Regional Youth Forensic Service, including making first whānau contact for assessments, as well as working directly with rangatahi and their whānau.
In a wider scope Patrick Mendes is responsible for the provision of cultural competence training for mental health staff to ensure quality and cultural integrity at the Kari Centre.
Patrick Mendes has a Bachelor of Social Science degree majoring in Māori and Psychology from Waikato University (1996-1999).
Job Titles:
- Director at Meth Education and Solution Services and Clinician for AOD
Motivated by a strong desire to make a positive impact in the field of mental health and addiction, Peter pursued higher education and attained an undergraduate degree along with postgraduate qualifications. He is an AOD clinician, clinical supervisor, consumer representative, and a facilitator of inspiring and empowering training opportunities not only for professionals working in the sector, but our young people within schools and alternative education environments, also in places that many would deem hard to reach communities.
In 2006, while still studying, Peter co-founded the Counties Manukau Alcohol and Drug Consumer Network, which has since evolved into the DRIVE Consumer Network. His involvement in this initiative allowed him to work closely with Counties Manukau to develop the pioneering AOD Peer Support contract, a significant milestone in consumer-led support services.
For a decade, from 2007 to 2017, Peter contributed his expertise to ABACUS Counselling Training and Supervision Ltd. This valuable period provided him with the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most experienced addiction and mental health specialists in Aotearoa. Peter's work has extended to various organisations in the public and corporate sectors, including the New Zealand Police, Oranga Tamariki, Youthline, schools, Odyssey House, Pathways, Matua Raki, Emerge Aotearoa, Salvation Army, Health Promotion Agency, Fonterra, Fletchers, Auckland City Mission, and many others.
In August 2017, Peter established Meth Education and Solution Services Limited (Mess NZ) to continue contributing his expertise to the sector throughout Aotearoa. Pete's most passionate about preventing our rangatahi entering systems and developing the capacity of communities and whanau to selfheal. His dedication and passion for the field remain unwavering as he strives to make a meaningful difference.
Trainings provided by Pete Thorburn of Meth Education and Solution Services Limited (MESS NZ) are DAPAANZ points approved, demonstrating their alignment with professional development standards. Furthermore, participation in this training may qualify for recognition of professional development with other registering bodies.
Job Titles:
- Senior Advisor and Educator Shine
Rachel has been a senior advisor and educator at Shine for over three years, and previously has worked in a frontline capacity with people experiencing family violence in the community.
Rachel spent time in Duluth with the Domestic Abuse Intervention Programme and was involved with the Palmerston North Women's Refuge, both as a volunteer and a member of the Board of Governors.
Rachel has a Master's Degree in Social and Community Leadership.
Job Titles:
- Senior Investigations Manager
A social worker for 23 years, Ruth has a wide range of experience working with children, youth and their families in both non-government and government organisations. Ruth is passionate about creating healthier and safer communities where children and young people can thrive.
Job Titles:
- Autism Specialist Facilitator Altogether Autism
- Specialist
Sanam Bagherian is autism specialist facilitator and has a strong interest in autism and neurodiversity. Her Ph.D. focused on autism, which included delivering psychoeducational programmes to support parents with autistic children for several years, and more recently has worked with autistic adults.
Sanam has published over six studies and presented at events including the 5th World Congress on Positive Psychology (July 2017). She is passionate about sharing up to date, in-depth and reliable neurodiversity and autism information, and developing practical strategies for the community.
Job Titles:
- Resource Teacher Learning and Behaviour ( RTLB ) Te Parirau O Tainui Waka Morrinsville Intermediate Firth Primary in Matamata
Sandra is primary trained and has taught at various levels through to intermediate and worked as a resource teacher special needs prior to the RTLB service being established. She was part of the original "Green Group" who trained in 1998 with the consortium of universities and has worked in primary, intermediate and secondary as an RTLB. She trained in the Incredible Years Teacher programme in 2010 as a Peer Coach for the Teacher programme in 2012 and is accredited in both. She is currently working towards accreditation as a mentor in the Teacher programme to support RTLB in their delivery at primary level.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager for the Incredible Years
- Workforce Delivery Lead ( She / Her )
Shelley is the project manager for the Incredible Years® programme . Her role is to develop and ensure the delivery of Incredible Years® training to the workforce. This involves managing a range of stakeholder relationships, including sub-contractors, MOE staff and the Incredible Years® front-facing workforce. She also plays a significant role in website and database development and maintenance.
Her background is in medical virology, website and database creation / maintenance and project management.
Shelley has a National Diploma in Medical Technology (Virology) and a National Diploma in Information Technology (Website development) from University of South Africa.
"I am committed to supporting the implementation of evidence-based parenting programmes to ensure great long-term outcomes for all whānau and tamariki. I enjoy helping people to develop their skills that will also help their communities."
Job Titles:
- Poutohu Matua ( Māori ) Principal Advisor ( Māori )
Job Titles:
- Nurse
- Member of the Whāraurau
- Māori Advisor ( She / Her
Te Aroha is a member of the Whāraurau cultural advisory team. Her role is to provide cultural support and guidance to the wider Whāraurau team. As part of this she engages with Māori stakeholders and promotes Māori infant, child and youth initiatives. Her role is also focused on enhancing communication and information sharing with key Māori stakeholders, with the aim of improving the cultural competence of the workforce.
Te Aroha is a trained nurse and has worked for the Growing up in New Zealand longitudinal study as a Māori engagement interviewer. She is also a documentary director and so uses storytelling as a way to engage, and create change.
Job Titles:
- Counsellor and MI Practitioner Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers ( MINT )
Tipene Pickett has been an alcohol and drug counsellor forthe past 20 years. He possesses his own recovery story and has worked acrossvarious settings, including governmental, NGO's, and in a private capacity. Hehas a background in group facilitation, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention,as well as Tikanga Māori based ways of healing, including Te Whare Tapa Wha(the four sides of the house), Powhiri (process of engagement), Poutama(Journey of healing and enlightenment), Pātūwatawata o te Marae (The palisadesof the Pā), and others.
As a practitioner and trainer of trainers in MI, Tipene wasexposed and "converted" into an MI practitioner in 2002 when a well-knowninternational trainer of trainers and researcher - Terri Moyers - had themutilise it on themselves. The changes that occurred in Tipene in a very shortspace of time were profound, leading to a desire to become familiar with this counsellingmodality.
Having undergone two train the trainers trainingexperiences, one MINT-endorsed in 2010 with Steve Martino and Joel Porter, andthe second being a MINT-endorsed Train the Trainer training in 2013 in Krakow,Poland, Tipene has a special interest in the relationship between Tikanga Māoriand MI. He has developed a model utilising the Pātūwatawata and Pōwhiriprocess, which includes the conversation of change that MI offers by making itTikanga consistent and acknowledging both the indigenous and western worldviewand processes.
As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network ofTrainers, Tipene is part of a global community of people who share a similarvision of change and scrutiny of professional practice to be the most effectiveclinicians possible by embracing the way of being MI offers.
Tipene holds a P Grad Cert Health Sciences, BA Soc Sci -Psych & Anthro, is a Member of Motivational Interviewing Network ofTrainers (MINT), and is a DAPAANZ registered practitioner and supervisor.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Consultant
Ursula McCulloch is a consultant clinical psychologist working with Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - Waitaha Canterbury in the Children Under 5 Team and the Paediatric Feeding Team. She has many years of experience in working with children in child and adolescent mental health services and has acted as a consultant to schools in Canterbury. Ursula is a subject matter expert for Leading Lights, an online mental health and wellbeing resource for schools. She provides training to psychiatry registrars on family therapy, as well as doing trainings and webinars on working with restricted eating and ARFID.
Job Titles:
- Project Finance Administrator
Vicky's role is to assist Whāraurau with finanical planning, forecasting, variance analysis and budgeting across all projects.
She has a background in banking and credit control, and has worked as an assistant accountant within the construction, government and service sectors.
Vicky has a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and is currently studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (CA) with CAANZ. She is a provisional CA member and also has a Diploma in Music.
"By supporting the Whāraurau team to manage project funding, I feel I'm playing my part in building the capacity of the workforce working with our young people. Making sure we maximise the way we use funding means we can make the greatest impact possible."
Job Titles:
- Researcher
- Researcher at Te Pou
Wendy has been a researcher at Te Pou for the past eight years and is also a PROSCI and APMG international change manager. Te Pou is a national centre of evidence-based workforce development for the mental health, addiction, and disability sectors in New Zealand. In this role, Wendy is responsible for finding and utilising research evidence to support Te Pou's work across various projects and teams, to support the development and implementation of evidence-based practices.
Wendy's skills and knowledge have been honed through a range of academic and operational experiences, drawing from a dual-sector background in both education and public health. In the health sector, she has held previous roles involving research and the facilitation of change in District Health Boards (DHBs) and Primary Health Organisations (PHOs).
Zeddy is responsible for overseeing the Triple P Programme. This involves supporting lead providers in funded regions can support their workforce to roll out the programme and in doing so, enhance parenting practice. As part of this Zeddy works with a range of stakeholders who are instrumental in the success of Triple P and these include trainers and researchers so that the programme is up to date, best practice.
Previously Zeddy has worked with people in criminal justice settings (prison and community based), addiction and mental health services (both residential and community-based treatment) and with children in care.
She moved to Aotearoa, New Zealand after attending a Cutting Edge Conference 2018. Since then, she developed a passion for working with kaimahi and completed a Certificate of Addiction and Mental Health Supervision. Most recently, Zeddy worked as a programme manager in the social recovery at Odyssey in Auckland. She supported services to implement strengths-based approaches to enhance kaimahi practice and best support tāngata whaiora accessing support for addiction challenges.