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.

Anne has worked in the NGO sector for the past 6 years before joining the PHO. Anne is a born and bred West Coaster, thru and thru. Anne's strength lies in her local knowledge and a vast number of contacts.

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.

Caro is a proud West Coast, born and raised in Greymouth.  After finishing her education at the University of Otago; she spent some time in Wellington and London before returning home to the Coast to be with family and enjoy the advantages of living in the most beautiful part of the world.  Caro is motivated by the opportunity to see the West Coast thrive - our people, our communities, our economy, and our environment.  She has a background in law, politics, immigration, community development, human resources and health. 

Chelsea is a counselling practitioner who originates from South Africa. Chelsea has just moved to the West Coast and previously resided in Rotorua. Her strengths are working within a trauma-informed approach across multiple cultural contexts. Chelsea is excited for her new role and very much looking forward to exploring the South Island and appreciating each day in all its beauty. 

Erin provides breastfeeding support and education for West Coast mothers, whanau, and health professionals.  Breastfeeding is a skill that both mum and baby learn together and having the right information and support available makes it far easier to reach breastfeeding goals. As a Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting Educator with a BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies, Erin is passionate about helping women make informed choices at all stages their breastfeeding journey.

Gary qualified as a registered nurse in mental health in the UK in 2004 after working in the NHS in the mental health and addiction services moved to the wonderful West Coast in 2007.Gary spent 12 years working for the West Coast DHB working with community mental health, child and adolescent mental health service and the alcohol and drug service before joining the West Coast PHO in 2019.Gary has a post graduate qualification in addiction and co existing mental health problems. Gary is a keen trail runner and loves the combination of exercise and being in nature and in his free time can be found on the trails all around the West Coast.

Joanne has worked in a variety of administration roles over the past 30+ years. She is enjoying working with a team of people who are dedicated to the health and well-being of people on the West Coast.

Laurence has experience and qualifications in nursing, teaching, counselling and career advice. He has extensive experience within the health and disability sector both in the UK and New Zealand. Passionate about person-centered approaches. He is committed to improving health outcomes through efficient and effective behavioural support in primary care.

Martin has a background in Exercise Prescription and previously worked as a personal trainer for 15 years. Martins speciality is mobilisation, movement, and helping people with exercise that are unsure where to start.

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.

I am a Registered Nurse of 30+ years, with recent experience in being the Care Home Manager of a 70 bed Aged Residential Care Facility.

Prior to my yearlong sojourn into Aged Care, I was the Quality and Patient Safety Manager at the former WCDHB. I also filled the role of Nurse Manager Strategic Services for several years. I have a lot of experience in Clinical Governance and have been involved in many projects with the Health Quality Safety Commission.

I am married to Dave; a Builder and Gold Miner and we have a blended family of 9 kids and 20 grandchildren (so far!). My interests include cooking, reading (a lot of recipe books), Quilting and trying to grow vegies in my new vegepod.

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.

Stephanie has been a NZ registered Dietitian since 2006 and has experience in clinical dietetics and healthy promotion across primary and secondary services. Stephanie works as a body and weight inclusive dietitian, walking alongside people to explore nutrition and lifestyle challenges in a non-judgmental,self-caring way that suits an individual's stage of life and personal aspirations.