Team
Piki Peer Support
Hope
she/her
I was born in the Wairarapa and still call that home.
I have been involved in Peer Support with Piki since January 2019 as a Peer Support Worker, and now as Service Manager.
My Lived Experience of Depression, GAD and PTSD has seen me head on some intense journeys, however I am very privileged to have been on this journey and now be on a journey to be able to support others on a similar path by saying I hear you, I have felt what you are feeling, and I am here to walk alongside you, with you not for you.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, and being in my own safe space, pottering around.
Lleyson
I was born, raised, and live in the Hutt Valley.
I have a Bachelor of Social Work, but it is personal experience that brings me to this Peer Support role.
For most of my adult life I have struggled with depression, anxiety, possibly bi-polar, and, as of recently, ADHD. I have also had to face up to traumatic life events. I have seen professionals, including my GP, who has been a great help, psychologists, and psychiatrists, to support me to live my best life.
Life can be a challenging and lonely place, but it is also an incredible experience. I like to try and find the best out of bad situations, and use these to grow, to learn, and to keep moving forward.
I am personable, empathetic, and want to do whatever I can to support people to reach their well-being goals.
I am a father to an amazing eight-year-old son – I love watching him learn, grow, and find his way in the world.
In my spare time I like getting outdoors for bush walks, playing squash, learning to run, and watching my son play sport and helping where I can. I also enjoy going to the gym, reading, personal development, as well as being an avid supporter of cricket and rugby.
I am here to support you on your journey however I can.
Bella
she/her
Kia ora e hoa mā, I am a young wahine Māori who has been living in Pōneke (Wellington) for the last 4 years. I grew up in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) and Ōtepoti (Dunedin) but moved up here to the capital city to study Psychology, Criminology and Te Reo Māori at Te Herenga Waka (VUW).
I joined the Piki whānau at the start of 2024 as I loved the idea of being able to dig out the tools in my kete that I have learnt along the way of my own Lived Experience of anxiety, anorexia and PTSD and share them with others who may be experiencing similar situations. I feel empowered by those difficult situations I have experienced, and I would love to be part of someone else’s journey of finding that same feeling.
The ocean is my tūrangawaewae and so I am at the beach any opportunity that I get! I also love cooking delicious kai and sharing it with my whānau and friends, listening to music, and snuggling up on the couch with a film.
Alice
they/she
I have recently made the move to Pōneke after growing up, and studying psychology and education, in Tāmaki.
My passions lye in the field of mental health and addiction, I feel very privileged to be able to weave that into my mahi through Peer Support with Piki.
I have lived experience of depression, anxiety disorder, ADHD, and PTSD which has led me to face massive challenges from a young age. It has given me insight into what it is like to struggle with mental health, which I have treated as a blessing in disguise; I am now able to work alongside Peers and provide reassurance and validation as we navigate and work through goals together.
I also understand what it is like to struggle with identity alongside mental health challenges. Through this, I aspire to create a space where youth can explore themselves freely.
The beach is my happy place, I’m often found by the water with a sketchbook, I also love spending time with my whānau and soaking up the sun on our balcony!
Will
he/him
I was born here in Wellington and have lived here for most of my life.
I have been with Piki as a Peer Supporter since 2021, and it has been and amazing privilege to walk alongside others for a part of their journey.
This Mahi has been a huge inspiration for me to go back to university to get my BSC in Psychology and Māori Science, as well as to train further in advocacy.
I have lived experience with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and ADHD, as well as having supported loved ones through mental distress (namely Anorexia). My journey has taken me through a lot of things, and whilst it has been challenging, it has also provided many opportunities for growth and learning. I have also been on the receiving end of peer support and having some amazing Peer supporters walk alongside me was a massive part of my journey, as such I’m a huge believer in the Peer support model.
I love doing a wide range of things, from walking or running around some of Wellington’s amazing trails, riding motorbikes, training Muay Thai, to connecting with friends, or having cozy day indoors either listening to or playing music.
Jasmine
she/her
I was born and raise in the beautiful Hutt Valley and am lucky enough to still call this home and now raise my little whānau there too. I whakapapa to the beautiful Cook Islands and the Te Tai Rawhiti region. I have recently started as a Peer Support worker but have always been a huge advocate for our rangatahi especially within mental health.
My lived experience of depression and anxiety has seen me through many rough days, months and even years but I am so blessed that I was able to come out on the other side. Now I find myself in a position where I can support our rangatahi on their own journey. Through my experiences I can offer support and walk beside you and be there on the good days and the bad and all the days in between!
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my whānau and friends and have recently taught myself how to crochet! Over the summer I often find myself at the beach and in the winter cozied up on the couch.
Mental Health Practioners
Tū Ora Compass Health
Amber Van Der Heyden
she/her
Porirua
Bachelor of Social Work (Hons.)
PGHealSciCBTAmber has worked in social and mental health services across te rohe o Pōneke (the Wellington Region) since 2002.
Amber practices Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a holistic, strengths based, culturally adapted way, to support clients on their wellbeing journey.
Amber has experience in working with people from the rainbow community, and people of all ages and backgrounds.
Susan Singer
she/her
Porirua
Bachelor of Counselling (Weltec), MNZAC
Clinical Supervision Certificate (Weltec)My name is Susan Singer, born and raised in the city of Porirua of Cook Island and English descent. I enjoy working with young adults (18+) upwards, singles and couples. I have extensive experience as a Counsellor working in a variety of community and institutional organisations such as Salvation Army 12yrs, Rimutaka Prison, Whanau Centre, and Wesley Community in Action, covering issues of anger management, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief and loss, relationships which can include couples, self-esteem, panic attack, self-care and I also offer (Christian Counselling). Justice of the Peace which is Susan’s offering to her local community and is also a Marriage Celebrant a position that she enjoys. Kia Manuia Susan.
Judi Barnao
she/her
Porirua
Registered Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist, programme facilitator; systemic and mindfulness practitioner, based with the Wellington team. I have experience working across multiple contexts including education, disability, and mental health. I have extensive experience working with children, teens, and their families. I have specialised training and interest in behavioural and emotional concerns, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, disordered eating/body image, autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) related issues, and clinical supervision. I use solution-focussed, narrative, motivational interviewing, CBT, functional analysis, mindfulness, and ACT based approaches in my work.
Michelle Ropata
she/her
Porirua
My name is Michelle Ropata I have worked in the primary care health sector for over 30yrs. The last 17years have been with Tu Ora Compass Health as the Mental Health Community Coordinator working in the greater Porirua/ Kapiti Coast area. I enjoy my role and have a real passion for supporting people to make positive changes in their lives. My role as the Mental Health Coordinator is to assist/support clients with their unmet social needs and to access the appropriate services. I provide support, advocacy and network with government and community agencies. I also work closely alongside the GP Liaison Programme. The Liaison service is available to clients with mental health needs who are managed by their GP. It is also available to their whanau, General Practice staff, community, and other social agencies in the greater Porirua Basin and Kapiti Coast area.
Karen Macpherson
she/her
Porirua
Post Grad Cert in Family Therapy
Goodfellow Unit, Auckland University, Advanced Sex Therapy training
Clinical Supervision Certificate
PGHealSciCBTBased in Porirua, team leader Porirua. I have 20+ years experience working in Mental Health, initially starting in private practice. I have been with Tū Ora Compass Health since 2017. I am a member of NZAC I enjoy working with a variety of ages and challenges. I particularly like couples work and working with any issues around sexuality. I also really enjoy working with young single parents which is ultimately systemic family work.
Anna Campbell
she/her
Wairarapa
SWRB Social Work registered
ANZASW Member
Bachelor (honours) in Social Work
PGHealSciCBTI am a registered social worker with mental health and social service experience. Prior to this role, I worked for four years in a Maori non-profit organisation as a Family Start social worker, working alongside families to promote positive parenting practices. My green social work framework encourages human rights and social justice, while my approaches to social work value reciprocity, respect, encouraging bi-cultural practices, strengths-based and solutions focused practices. I have cognitive behavioural therapy training am also a qualified yoga teacher. I enjoy using cognitive behavioural therapy alongside yoga therapies with clients of all ages.
Patosina (Patti) Betham
she/her
Porirua
Registered Social Worker
Bachelor Social Work
Diploma Adult Education
Trainer/Facilitator – The Parenting Place
PGHealSciCBTI have grown up in Porirua and have worked as a Social Worker in Schools (SWIS), Social Worker for Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice), Social Worker with Tū Ora Compass Health since 2017 working with youth 18 – 25 years. I have a passion for people and in saying this I have worked voluntarily with youth over 20+ years prior to becoming a qualified Social Worker. I have Project Managed and run Youth Holiday Programmes, Community events and facilitated leadership programmes in colleges. One of the things I love about being in the role of a ‘talk therapist – reflective listener’ is the privilege of hearing people’s stories and being able to help them to articulate how their lived experiences have influenced their choices whether good or bad. The ‘aki aki te ti’ moments or when they can understand and know what moving forward looks like for them, how their choices have helped them or not is what inspires me.
Brooke Morris
she/her
Wellington
Registered Nurse
Post Grad Cert in Mental Health, Addictions, and intellectual disability
Post Grad Cert with excellence in CBT
PGHealSciCBTI graduated with Bachelor of Nursing in 2014. I have 5 years’ experience with working in mental health primarily working a Te Whare O Matairangi (acute adult mental health ward in Wellington). I started work for Tū Ora Compass health in February 2019. While working within Tū Ora Compass Health, I have enjoyed working alongside and building therapeutic relationships with clients. I enjoy working with a variety of people; however, I have found that I have a passion for working with Piki aged (18-25 yrs ) client’s with anxiety.
Raudnic Samoa
he/him
Porirua
Registered Social Worker
National Certificate Level 4 in Community Mental HealthI have 15 years’ experience working in the rehabilitation and mental health sector. I graduated with a Bachelor in Social Work 2017 and have been working at Tū Ora Compass Health since 2017. I was raised and grew up in Porirua East, attending local primary schools and college. I am of Samoan (father Tauese, Apia) and Tokelauan (mother – Fakaofo) descent. I enjoy working with all people, providing information and support that can help them make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Angel Leavaiseeta
she/her
Porirua
Diploma in Tohu Māori
Studying Social Work at Massey UniversityKia Ora, Talofa Lava and Hello
Ko Angel Leavaiseeta au, I identify as Māori, Samoan and NZ European. I go by the pronouns of she/her. I am from Porirua, Wellington but whakapapa to Te Whanau-a-apanui & Ngati Hāmoa (Samoa) I currently am in my second year in of Bachelor Social Work at Massey University and have Diploma in Tohu Māori. The reason I became a peer support worker was because I wanted to support rangatahi with their journey into independency and give them the opportunity to make the positive changes in their lives. In my spare time I love to travel with family and friends. I enjoy taking the time to pamper myself as well as binge watch Netflix series.
Naomi Afoa
she/her
Wellington
Registered Counsellor
Provisional Member NZACHi, my name is Naomi, I’m part of the Piki team since November 2021. I am NZ-Samoan decent, originally from Wellington. I love our capital city and happily still reside here.
I studied Counselling at Wellington Institute of Technology (Weltec) and became a registered Counsellor and Provisional Member of NZ Counselling Association in 2019.
My values are to build on holistic approaches for learning how to understand people and where they’re at, bring appropriate methods to empower people to understand themselves, discover their strengths and acknowledge what is important to them whilst aiming to create new perspectives. I don’t know everything, but I can surely tell you we have a wonderful team of awesome practitioners whom I know I can reach out to if I don’t have an answer.
Lorelei Olafson
she/her
Wairarapa
Bachelors in Psychology
PGHealSciCBT
Postgraduatre Certificate in Addictions and Co-existing disordersKia Ora. I am Lorelei Olafson. I am originally from Canada but have lived in the Wairarapa for more than 20 years working in the mental health field. I started my training as a Mental Health Nurse in Canada and completed my Bachelor of Psychology Degree. When I immigrated to New Zealand I gained my Postgraduate certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and a Postgraduate certificate in Addictions and Co-existing Disorders at Otago University. I have also studied Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Trauma work. I enjoy working with people as I believe that every person is unique and creating his/her own story. My aim to provide guidance and support, and to empower people by developing skills to cope with the difficult times. In my spare time I enjoy bush walks, animals, gardening and reading.
Joanna Morris
she/her
Wairarapa
Registered member of DAPAANZ
BA Psych Massey University
PGDip in Co-Existing Disorders, University of Otago
PGCert in CBT with Children, Youth and Families, University of Auckland
PGDip in Advanced CBT Victoria UniversityKia ora, Ko Jo toku ingoa. I’m originally from the UK but feel blessed to call New Zealand home. I love the beach, swimming and trying to surf and paddle board. I am cis gender and use the pro nouns she/her. I live with my family in rural Wairarapa. I have worked in Mental Health and Addictions services for over 16 years and feel privileged to walk alongside people through their difficult times.
Eve Siania
she/her
Wellington
Registered Social Worker
Talofa Lava. My name is Eve, and my pronouns are she/her. I was born in Wellington but grew up in the beautiful city of Porirua and I am of Samoan descent. I am based in the Wellington team as a Mental Health Professional. I have a Bachelor of Social Work gained through Whitireia New Zealand and have completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions through the Auckland University of Technology. I am a registered Social Worker and a member of the ANZASW. I use a holistic and person-centred approach when working alongside people that supports them to speak openly about their experiences, to feel heard and understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. In my spare time I like to read books, listen to music, sit at Oriental Bay in the evening and spend time with those closest to me.
Megan Chrystal
she/her
Wellington
Registered Clinical Psychologist MSc, PGDipClinPsyc
Kia ora, I’m Megan. I’m a cisgender Pākehā woman who grew up in Tauranga and came to Wellington to study in 2013 (and have loved it here ever since!).I studied at Victoria University of Wellington and graduated with my Master of Science and Postgraduate Diploma of Clinical Psychology at the start of 2021. In the past I have worked as a support worker for people with intellectual disabilities, an Intern Psychologist at an adult community mental health service, and a Clinical Psychologist at a child and adolescent mental health service.
Working with clients to explore and understand the more difficult parts of their lives is a unique and privileged role to be in. I aim to help people build on their understanding of their problems, themselves, and how they can cope with the challenges they’re facing. Some of the tools in my kete to achieve these outcomes are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills.
In my spare time, I like walking around Wellington (often with a bubble tea in hand), opshopping, watching Youtube videos about everything from make-up tutorials to video games, reading, and spending time with my friends.
Nic Allan
he/him
Kia ora! Ko Nic Allan tōku ingoa. I grew up in rural Canterbury, completed study in Christchurch and Wellington, and now work as Clinical Psychologist based in the Wairarapa. I enjoy working with a variety of ages from childhood to adulthood. I strive to understand the uniqueness of a person and their background, to collaboratively come up with a treatment plan tailored to an individual’s needs. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment, which is a gold standard treatment for overcoming trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I also utilise multiple treatment approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to support a person’s therapy goals.
Rae Elvy-Arnold
ia/they/them
Tēnā koutou katoa
I whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitāne iwi. My Pākehā ancestors came from the UK, Denmark, and Germany. I grew up in Whakatū, Nelson. Ko Rae tōku ingoa.I identify as tāhine takatāpui– a Māori non-binary queer person.
I have lived in Te Whanganui-a-Tara since 2009. I love the city’s closeness to both the sea and bush.
After completing a BA (hons) in psychology at the University of Canterbury I went on to specialise in addiction recovery. My mahi has also focused on supporting the wellbeing of LGBTTQIA+ people. I am grateful that I can provide affirming support to young people in these communities through Piki.
I am a parent which keeps me busy outside of work. To relax I read, and for a daily challenge I enjoy completing puzzles- like Wordle and crosswords. To feel good, I dye my hair and wear bright colours- which I’ve learnt is called dopamine dressing!
Jennifer Clarke
she/her
Where you are from: Southern California
How you came to Wellington: Moved here for partner’s gov’t job in 2004, been here ever since
Studies/Qualifications/journey to your current role: Most of my previous work experience was in educational settings – classrooms, university campus life, ESOL teaching – so this was a mid-life career change when my children were a bit older. I graduated with Bachelor in Counselling Studies with Distinction in 2018 and have been with Piki/Tū Ora since 2019.
Why you are a counsellor/peer supporter: I enjoy being a counsellor because I get to play a small part in someone’s change journey – I love that! I often explain that this process is like my time as a driving instructor (minus the extra brake!) – the client lets me sit in the passenger seat of their vehicle and we navigate their GPS together to help them get to where they want to go.
Hobbies/what you do in your spare time: Try to stay active depending on the season, host meals and play board games with my family and friends, spend time with my church community, and make plans for travel opportunities to visit family and friends in other places.
Deb Stringer
she/her
Wellington
Grad Cert in EMDR – University of Otago
Grad Cert in Health Sciences (CBT) – University of Otago
Masters in Applied Social Work – Massey University
Kia ora my name is Deb Stringer, and I am a registered social worker and service lead for the Tū Ora Mental Health Team in Wellington. I am of Samoan descent and am originally from Ōtautahi (Christchurch) but have been in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) for the past 15-years so consider Wellington home.
I started my social work career at Tū Ora Compass Health as a mental health practitioner back in 2020 but popped away in 2022 to complete a stint with the Wellington Central Adult Community Mental Health Team. In September 2023 I returned to the fold (Tū Ora) as therapy and working with young people is where I feel I can contribute to the most.
As well as my qualifications listed above, I am also trained, and draw on other modalities including DBT and ACT. This year I hope to undertake more study in EMDR and learn more about poly vagal theory and the connection between mental and physical health. When it comes to my work, I always take a strengths-based approach and work hard to meet people where they are at when they come to our service seeking support.
Explore NZ
Rachel Moriarty
she/her
Hello, my name is Rachel Moriarty. I identify as a Pakeha heterosexual, cisgender female. I am a Clinical Psychologist and work part time for Piki. I’m from Wellington and trained at VUW. I’ve worked in a number of places for 25 years (including private practice, in the DHB and in a suicide prevention service). I’ve also learnt from my lived experience of mental health difficulties. I’m a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP) and registered with the NZPB. Through CBT and other types of therapy I help people to understand themselves, (their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours) and identify whether there are patterns or cycles that might be keeping them stuck or in distress. I encourage learning strategies, changing behaviours, and shifting perspectives so people can carry on caring for their wellbeing after we have finished. In my spare time I love reading crime novels, hanging with my cat and being in nature.
Ivor de Vries
he/him
Hey there, my name is Ivor and I’m a registered psychologist with a background in neurodevelopment and attachment and work part-time for Piki (through Explore) and in private practice. I live in the Wairarapa with my wife after spending a decade in Wellington before returning to live and work locally around the turn of the millennium. I was born in Friesland and value my minority Frisian heritage, as well as appreciating the Dutch and New Zealand influences that have helped shape my perspectives and values. I consider myself a Kiwi after 36 short years in this amazing nation but remain grateful on a daily basis to call Aotearoa my home. Counselling and psychology for me are about supporting individuals to develop their confidence, understanding, resources, and strengths to help tackle the typical and not-so-typical challenges life likes to throw at us. It is crucial that this support happens in a safe, validating, and supportive environment. The brain development period of late adolescence and early adulthood can be a tricky one which includes self-discovery and separating your identity of those of your family of origin while you start your own journey into adulthood.
Belinda Buxton
she/her
Tēna Koe, ko Belinda tōku ingoa. I identify as a pākehā, heterosexual, cisgendered female. I was born and grew up in Wellington and have spent time living in Ireland, the UK and Shanghai. I have two young sons who teach me a lot about managing INTENSE emotions on a daily basis – both theirs and my own.
I studied psychology at Te Herenga Waka – VUW and have been a registered clinical psychologist since 2017. I have previously worked in Child and Family, and Adult, Mental Health services; an Eating Disorder service; and in Corrections (prison) settings. I have experience using CBT, ACT and EMDR therapies and DBT skills work.
I joined Piki in 2019 and love working with people navigating the journey from adolescence into ‘adult’ life (whatever that means!). I know this can be a really confusing, stressful and anxiety-provoking time. I see my role as being someone who can support you to both discover and utilise your existing strengths and values and develop new skills to enhance confidence and wellbeing. I try to take a holistic approach to therapy that considers how our bodies, minds, relationships, culture, values, goals and environment all work together to create our sense of identity, meaning, purpose and wellbeing in life. I know that therapy is hard work. It involves learning and change that, though hugely valuable, can also be confronting. To support this important mahi, my focus is on building a relationship in which you feel listened to, understood, valued and safe. My hope is that we can also find space to have a laugh and enjoy ourselves a bit along the way.
I enjoy learning, spending time in the great outdoors, lazy days at the beach (or on the couch) with whānau and friends, and opening myself up to new experiences and ways of seeing the world.
Massey University
Mark Pope
he/him
Senior Counsellor/Psychotherapist.
Kia Ora I’m Mark. I was born in Ashburton and grew up and studied in Canterbury and Massey University Manawatu. I have been a resident of Petone since I came to Wellington for work.
I come from an Irish Catholic farming background and I share a deep interest in horse racing with my wider family. I love to return to my few acres and old cottage in Mid Canterbury when I can.
For 30 years I have worked in Secondary schools in Wellington and the last ten of those were as a Guidance Counsellor. For the last five years or so I have worked as a counsellor/psychotherapist at Massey Wellington. I love this work. it’s always a joy to work with younger people. I also have a small private practice and I work one day a week for an EAP provider. More recently I completed many years of training to be a psychotherapist.
Primarily, Counselling is about relationship and an exploration of the many challenges we face in life. I like to think I bring hope as well as humour to my counselling work. I use several therapy models and enjoy working with diverse peoples.
Outside of counselling I love the arts and craft scene, good coffee with good friends and breeding and racing horses.
David Stockdale
he/him
Kia Ora, my name is David and I was born and raised in Wellington. I grew up around Island Bay and have affinity for its beach and shoreline and I still visit it to this day. I plan on traveling in the future, but for now I have made myself very comfortable in this windy little capital.
I’m a relatively young counsellor with roughly 6 years’ experience in the field. I started out working in schools and community agencies, primarily with child and their families. Later I shifted to phone and crisis counselling, eventually running my own practice for a time. Massey has been my home more recently and I’m really loving the atmosphere and energy this place has to offer.
For me counselling is about the shared sense of curiosity and compassion. We often find deep and difficult challenges in our life and sometimes its hard to see a way out. Counselling offers us a space to be heard and explore our own perspectives and decide on our own answers.
Happiness for me is friends at the beach or a rainy day at home with nowhere to go.
Te Awakairangi Health Network
Te Awakairangi Wellbeing Team is a team of health professionals including social workers, nurses, alcohol and other drug clinicians and psychologists with a range of skills and experience in mental health and counselling assessment and talking therapies. Our team provide brief counselling or psychological therapies in person or virtually, resources and information to help you help yourself and the option of group programmes. We provide services in central Lower Hutt and various locations around the Hutt Valley.
Victoria University of Wellington
Mauri Ora at Victoria University of Wellington has a range of counsellors – click the link to their staff profiles here.
Evolve Wellington Youth Service
Evolve is a Youth One Stop Shop (YOSS), supporting rangatahi in Te Whanganui-a-Tara to thrive, connecting them to timely, accessible and engaging health, wellbeing and support services. We are based right in the middle of the CBD.
Our dedicated Healthcare, Social Support, Counselling and Admin teams support over 4,000 young people in the Wellington area. You can find a link to information about our counselling team here.
Looking for support?
We understand that mental distress affects each person differently. Piki supports Rangatahi through the unique issues they are facing in their everyday life.