Staff

Alisa is working for the PHO as a Health Coach for the Melon Programme. She registered as a Dietitian in 2003 and has worked in various clinical and primary health roles in both NZ and the UK. Alisa is passionate about helping people to develop a healthy relationship with food for improved health and welbeing.

Andrew has a background in the youth, mental health, counselling, social work, and addiction fields and has worked on the Coast, in Nelson and in Christchurch. He is a qualified counsellor and has studied mental health and addiction to Post Graduate level. His focus currently is working with 12-19 year-olds with mild to moderate mental health issues in Grey and Westland. 

Beth is a Psychologist with a focus on children, young people and families. She has had experience in the NGO sector working closely with families, children and young people with difficulties in mental health, parenting, and behaviour management. She is passionate about children and young people and supporting them with difficulties they are facing to facilitate change.

Catherine is a Registered Social Worker and Mental Health Clinician with 20 years experience in both Primary and Secondary services. Catherine has a strong passion and background in working with children, young people and their families/whanau, and has spent the past 12 years working at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for the Nelson/Marlboroough DHB.

Danielle has worked in the NGO sector for many years before joining the WCPHO. Danielle's strengths are her links with the community and pulling local people together to share resources to get the best outcome for people and organisations.

Gabriela moved to New Zealand over 25 years ago. Gabriela completed her apprenticeship as a medical assistant in Switzerland.  She continued her professional development (including reflexology, massage therapy, TFH kinesiology, Aura Light, Reiki and other modalities), and subsequently worked for many years in her private natural health practice.  In 2001 Gabriela continued her education and became a certified transactional analyst/psychotherapist CTA MSc.  Gabriela has worked with and for people for over 30 years in private practice and in the primary health sector. Gabriela has a wholistic approach to her practice and a wide range of and experience working with clients with mild to moderate mental illness.

Hayley is a born and bred Coaster. Growing up in Reefton, she developed a love for the outdoors and the beautiful landscape we have here. She studied a BPhEd majoring in Exercise Prescription at the University of Otago and has worked as the Buller Green Prescription Co ordinator in previous years. Hayley is passionate about supporting people on their journey to becoming more active.

Hugh is a Brief Intervention Counsellor for the West Coast PHO. He is a registered Nurse and prior to taking up this postion spent eleven years working in the Community Mental Health Team at Greymouth Hospital. He has recently completed training in ACT therapy and uses this in his counselling sessions. He sees both adult and adolescent clients with mild to moderate mental illness in Buller, Grey and Westland.

Lexine has worked in a variety of Office roles over the past 30+ years, making the move to the Health Sector in 2016. She is enjoying working with the PHO Team and meeting and talking to lots of new people during her working day.

Nancy has worked in Administration Management for NGO Health & Social Sectors for many years before joining the WCPHO as a Kaihautu/Cancer Navigator. Nancy's strengths are working Kaupapa Maori, and indeed with all ethnicities.

Patricia is a New Zealand trained and registered counselling psychologist. Before coming to the West Coast, Patricia lived in Auckland for ten years working at different mental health NGOs. Patricia also worked at AUT University as a tutor for Health Professional Practice and Ethics as well as conducting clinicial supervision for mental health students.  Patricia has a wide range of clinicial experiences from primary care to secondary mental health.

Raewyn is a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has worked for many years with breastfeeding mothers and families with young children. Her commitment is to work collaboratively with others to support families/whanau in nurturing children well and operates from the Buller region.

Rusty came to the PHO on 20th February 2010, making his debut appearance at the Greymouth Relay for Life. He is dedicated to helping West Coasters to stay healthy and live long happy lives. Rusty is the star of the 2012 Real West Coasters Tips for Good Health Calendar. Keep an eye out for Rusty at PHO events.