Community-based services, Education / training, Leadership, Private practice, Residential, Schools

AOD specialist treatment, Assessments/brief intervention/screening, CEP, Corrections / justice, Cultural practice, Gambling, Grief & loss, Harm reduction, Older adults, Rangatahi, Trauma-informed care, Whanau

Kia ora, I am born and bred in Upper Hutt where I have raised my own family. I am descended from Nga Puhi in Whangarei, Tuhoe in Ruatoki, Ngati Porou in Tikitik and Ngati Kahungunu in Wairoa. I spent the first 16 years teaching in Kohanga reo with my children and attained a Diploma in EC Education, then moved into schools and college as my children grew. In my last 10 years of teaching I specialised as a contract Maori teacher at schools in my community, and also delivered professional development Maori for schools and other organisations. I upskilled during ths time studying Adult Education at Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Weaving and Kapahaka with Te Wanaga o Raukawa. For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed learning, teaching and competing in Kapahaka through our local marae where my mother was our tutor. I began in the addiction field at Rimutaka Prison DTU 8 years ago and found it a good fit facilitating groups for therapy and pycho education. I retrained through Te Taketake in Dunedin and hold a L7 Diploma in Addictions and CEP counselling. I did a years placement with Oratoa Community Addicitons Service in Porirua and moved over to The Salvation Army Bailhouse as Addictions clinican for two years. I have held the role of Clinician/councellor with Oasis - Reducing gambling harm team since August 2022 and cover Wairarapa, Hutt Valley and Wellington regions. It is my passion, privellage and great pleasure to support people in addiction back to wellness, and connection. To see them live full and fulfilling lives with purpose and meaning is my motivation.