Facilitators

Neuro-Semantic NLP Master Trainer ISNS, Coach IANLP, Fellow Member Trainer IANLP, Licensed Meta-Coach (ACMC)

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.

Registered Clinical Psychologist, MNZCCP, MA(Hons)

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.

David Rudman

BSc (hons) Physiotherapist

Dave is a qualified Physiotherapist with 8 years’ experience and a specialist interest in concussion and traumatic brain injuries. Having started his career in the UK, he completed rotations across a large acute hospital for 3 years, before moving to New Zealand where he has built up experience of working with a vast array of clients with Concussion. He now works on service development, research and as physio of the Concussion service for Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust.

MSW(App), BAPsych, RSW

Denise currently works with Christchurch Resettlement Services with valuable experience working with migrant background people. A registered Social Worker for 13 years with CRS, she has recently taken up the role of their Health Promotion Team Leader. Her focus is on education and programmes which encourage the recovery and maintenance of their client’s wellbeing.

Masters of Hlth Sci., PG Dip. Addiction, PG Dip. Social Work, PG Dip. Management, B.A. Psych

Di is passionate about working with people to support hauora/wellbeing and health, and also teaching and mentoring people for their professional development and growth. She has been working in the mental health and addictions sector for 27 years as a social worker/counsellor. Di was the clinical manager of Stepping Stone Trust (mental health NGO) for 13 years and is in her sixth year at the Bridge addiction service in Christchurch. Di loves learning and is qualified with a Masters of Mental Health, Post Graduate Diploma in Addiction, Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work, Post Graduate Diploma in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

PhD

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. 

PhD HSc, MA, GradDipLT, Cert HE

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).

FRANZCP

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.

PhD, RN, BN, MN(Distinction), PGC(MH), CAdTch, FNZCMHN

Chris is a registered nurse by profession with a background in mental health. She has over 25 years experience in health/disability sectors. Her education portfolio includes mental health, disability, ethics and boundaries, communication and de-escalation, collaborative note writing, and culturally safe practice. Her PhD explored the mental health inpatient experiences of people with intellectual disability and she continues to publish on this and other topics including cultural diversity/cultural safety. She is currently Director and primary Consultant for ‘Pumahara Consultants, Personal and Professional Development Specialists’ and holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer role with The University of Queensland as well as other teaching roles with Universities around New Zealand and Australia.

ONZM, FNZPsS, PhD, DipClinPsych, DipHSM(dist)

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.