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.

Claire has worked in the West Coast health system for the last seven years; my roles have all focused on prevention & I am extremely passionate about supporting & building healthy communities.Iam originally from Otago but now call Greymouth home & feel very grateful to be living on the Coast with my family & enjoying all the benefits of having the beach, bush & mountains right outside the door.

Denise is a Registered Nurse and her work life and professional development has been focused on working with young people and adults in support of their mental health and wellbeing in a variety of settings. Denise is excited to have recently moved to the wonderful West Coast. Denise's out of work life involves getting out and exploring the beautiful place.

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.

John has worked in mental health and addiction services in Otago for many years, and more recently on the West Coast. The smokefree services coordinator role involves working with health providers in both the primary and secondary care sectors to help meet the national targets around access to advice and help to quit smoking. The coordinator also works with the West Coast Tobacco Free Coalition to promote smokefree environments and policies, and to support workplace initiatives.

Megan is a community based Health Navigator, covering the Karamea, Buller and Reefton regions. She has worked within the community based health sector for the last 10 years and has been working with the West Coast PHO since October 2007. Prior to that Megan was an Occupational Therapy Assistant working for the WCDHB based at the Buller Hospital.

Nicki is a general counselling practitioner and facilitator. She has been working with individuals, couples and families, and has been a member of the NZ Association of Counsellors since 2000. 
Nicki has trained in and uses a variety of therapy models, including ACT, CBT and BIC, which she adapts to each person’s needs. She has practiced and taught Mindfulness over this time, and specialises the science of the brain and how to manage stress, relationships, life changes and difficult emotions. Nicki believes all people can be calmer and happier with coaching, and practice of these skills.

Pauline is a registered nurse with both primary and secondary experience. She worked for the West Coast DHB for over 15 years including 11 years in primary care at Buller Health Medical Centre. 

Whilst at Buller Health Medical Centre, she spent the last 6 years as Clinical Nurse Manager, charged with leading the nursing team through the development of nursing services and long term condition management clinics to provide, maintain and stabilise patient care through on-going GP shortages. Pauline has a Masters of Health Sciences, Nursing-Clinical.

Roz joined the PHO in 2019 having previously worked in secondary education. Roz is looking forward to working in the Health Sector and is enjoying being part of a team dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our community.