Facilitators

Alan is a Master Trainer specialising in the Neuro-Semantic Self-Actualisation Trainings, based on self-actualisation psychology. He trained under the tutelage of psychologist Dr L. Michael Hall PhD, the developer of Neuro-Semantics. He has a Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy (Distinction) and runs a private therapy and coaching practice in Christchurch. In 2015 Alan published his first book; "How To Chill Out", a book on stress management and communication techniques based on coaching and training he developed after the Christchurch earthquakes.

Catherine has worked in both public and private work settings, primarily focused on child and family issues. Currently she has a small private practice and is also the clinical practice manager at START.

Christina is a registered NZ psychologist specalising in maternal mental health and matrescence. Christina works in private practice and co-founded Matrescence NZ, a social enterprise, striving to reduce perinatal distress and enhance mothers and infant health outcomes.

Dr Annette Beautrais has worked in New Zealand and overseas in suicide research, prevention and education for more than 30 years. She is currently Senior Advisor, Suicide Prevention with the Mentally Well Team, Te Waipounamu, Health NZ, and Suicide Prevention and Postvention Co-ordinator in South Canterbury. Her PhD thesis was in youth suicide, and her current interests include translating suicide research into effective suicide prevention programmes, suicide prevention in men, developing local suicide prevention networks, and developing regional consistency in suicide risk assessment and management programmes. She has worked with the World Health Organisation, served on the board of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and is a member of the International Academy for Suicide Research. 

Dr Annie Southern was educated at Oxford University and has a PhD in Health Science from the University of Canterbury. She is a researcher and writer and is well published, with her work spanning both journalism/publishing and mental health fields. Annie uses her lived experience of neurodiversity, multiplicity and alternative states of reality as part of her work and is a Peer Support trainer and a professional member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. She currently works as the Peer Practice Director at Stepping Stone Trust and is a Co-director of The Different Kind of Human Project (a neurodiversity peer community).

Brian is a Consultant Psychiatrist of Old Age with Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha (formerly CDHB). He is currently a consultant psychiatrist in the Older Person Mental Health Service, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha working part-time in the Community Team based at The Princess Margaret Hospital and part-time in ward BG Burwood Hospital. He has a long history of service provision, leadership and involvement with training in the mental health sector in Christchurch.

Dr. Chris Taua is an educational specialist and experienced mental health nurse with a strong focus on mental health, cultural safety, and disability advocacy. Her PhD explored nursing care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experiencing mental distress—work recognised with a Fulbright Award, where she presented at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

As Director of Pumahara Consultants, Chris provides professional development, supervision, and consultancy to staff, teams, and services supporting people with complex needs. Her teaching covers key areas such as mental health, disability, de-escalation, safe and culturally responsive practice, communication, and boundaries. She also leads a team of Associates delivering diverse training topics.

Chris is a passionate educator and sessional lecturer in Aotearoa and Australia, and an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa Instructor, committed to equipping professionals with inclusive, holistic caregiving skills.

Olive has over 40 years’ experience working as a clinical psychologist in the area of Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and related areas. She has published widely in these specialist fields, focusing on sexual education, challenging and offending behaviour by people who have intellectual disabilities, adults and children with high and complex needs, and various aspects of the healthcare of people who have intellectual disabilities. Olive was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in 2008 for Services to Intellectual Disability.

Valerie is a Clinical Neuropsychologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of FASD. She works in a multidisciplinary team in private practice in Auckland, as well as developing services and support for people with FASD and their families. A provider of FASD evidence to NZ Courts so that the effects of the neurodisability can be understood and taken into consideration, she also advises on the care and management of children and young people with FASD in Oranga Tamariki care and in the Criminal Justice system. Dr McGinn is a founding and current board member of FASD-CAN (Care Action Network).

Jacqueline (Jackie) Moore has been an active member of the mental health and addiction sector since 2001 and held the co-chair role at Navigate Waitaha (Canterbury Mental Health and Addiction NGO Leadership Group) for four years. Her experience across a range of roles and organisations provides insight into mental health service delivery, strategic health direction and organisational development.