John Marsden, a respected Kaumatua, Reverend, and long-time supporter of Hearts & Minds, has dedicated his life to improving community wellbeing. His career spans banking, education, and health, including leadership roles at BNZ, the Ministry of Education, Starship Hospital, and as co-founder of Te Puna Hauora. Hearts & Minds is honoured to have him as Kaumatua, guiding the organisation’s cultural and spiritual wellbeing.

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā kārangaranga maha, tēnā koutou katoa. As Chairperson of the Hearts & Minds Board and Mana Whakahaere-General Manager at Te Puna Hauora, I bring both professional and personal insight into supporting wellbeing in our community. My commitment to Hearts & Minds is grounded in tikanga that recognises the tapu and mana of people and supporting them with aroha and respect. I bring a passionate focus on enhancing the hauora of people through culturally responsive approaches. Supporting Hearts & Minds allows me to further contribute to a community where mental wellbeing and tikanga Māori work hand in hand. Mauri ora ki a tātou katoa.

My journey with Hearts & Minds began as a volunteer and has evolved through various roles to now serving proudly as a Board Member. With a background in Financial Services and Management Consulting in London, I later combined my professional skills with a passion for social justice in South Africa’s philanthropic sector. Since moving to New Zealand, I’ve worked extensively in the not-for-profit and mental health sectors, including roles with Anxiety NZ and COGS. Currently completing a Master of Counselling, I also volunteer with Lifeline. My ongoing commitment reflects a deep dedication to community mental health and wellbeing.

I am a big believer in the vital role the community sector plays in generating wellbeing outcomes and am honoured to be involved in such an innovative and dynamic organisation that makes a difference where it matters most. Hearts & Minds' belief in the intrinsic value of all people and communities resonates strongly with me, and I enjoy measuring the positive outcomes achieved when people are supported to realise their full potential. My educational background includes a BA in Sociology & English, followed by a post-graduate degree in Sociology, along with qualifications in Public Participation, Psychology and extensive Social & Health Sector training. The continuous learning I gain from the diverse communities we serve is of great value to me, and I am pleased to be part of a talented team committed to making a positive difference for all people.

Ni Hao! Hi, I am Xiaoying. I was born in Qingdao, China. I arrived in Auckland in 2004 with my family. I have extensive voluntary experiences where I was a volunteer librarian in China and a volunteer treasurer in NZ. Learning is a crucial part of my life. I graduated from Shandong University in 1989, majoring in Archive Management. I got my Accountancy Degree from Massey University twenty-three years later. Now I am a CPA qualified accountant. I enjoy my work. I am passionate about contributing my time and knowledge to the community.

I joined Hearts & Minds after relocating from the UK in 2020 with my Kiwi husband and two young sons. Having experienced the challenges of starting over, I deeply value the importance of connection and support for mental wellbeing. My background spans roles in the UK and Australia, including Support Worker, Team Leader in mental health recovery, Community Development Officer, and Inclusion Lead for adults with learning disabilities. I’m passionate about people and community, and I’m excited to contribute to Hearts & Minds’ work supporting wellbeing and resilience across our diverse community.

After returning to New Zealand with my young family, I experienced first-hand the importance of connection and community. Reestablishing ourselves wasn’t always easy, but thanks to friends working in community, I discovered great events and networking opportunities that helped me find my feet. With a Bachelor of Management & Marketing, my career has centred on people - spanning relationship management, communications, management, and policy. I’m delighted to now work at Hearts & Minds, where people and connection are at the heart of everything we do.

Kia ora, my name is Fiona and I am one of the student counsellors here at Hearts & Minds. I feel honoured to be a part of Hearts & Minds, supporting and walking alongside our community and embracing the unique strengths each individual brings to our counselling sessions. My educational background includes a BA in Psychology and Sociology, followed some years later by a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and I am currently completing my Masters of Counselling. I have spent my career working with people from a diversity of backgrounds in the human resources field, across many sectors. I am now finding deep fulfilment supporting our community through all that life brings and am proud to be part of an impactful organisation that creates meaningful change.

I am a Registered Psychologist who has worked with Hearts & Minds for over 20 years. I love being involved with such a positive proactive team and contributing in a small way with the great work Hearts & Minds does in the community. I am also in private practice as a psychologist and work with people with a wide range of issues. Personally I am a mum of three and a grandmother of three and I love to spend my free time doing fun things outdoors, playing basketball or reading.

Nicola Duncan (BA (Hons), PGDip in CBT, MNAC) is a Relationship Counsellor with over 20 years’ experience working for a national organisation before joining Hearts and Minds in 2015. She also enjoys sharing her CBT skills with those who experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and/or chronic pain. She continues to have a small private practice in Browns Bay.

Angie is a clinically registered Creative Arts Therapist, Creativity Coach, Supervisor and Workshop Facilitator. Her clinical roles have been in diverse environments including the areas of special needs, mental health, trauma and disability from stroke and Alzheimer’s. She is passionate about the role Creative Arts can play in supporting and nourishing people’s wellbeing and their ability to live vibrantly. Angie believes in the power of hope and the alchemy of creativity for personal insight, growth and healing. Her sessions invite a playful approach to enable self-exploration in novel ways.

I am a registered counsellor with extensive experience in New Zealand and overseas. I am passionate about my work, and I have worked with a variety of individuals and groups in grief & loss, men's wellbeing, anger management, anxiety and general wellbeing.

Kia ora I'm Rosie Brown, a registered counsellor. I work with individuals and groups and have experience working in the areas of anxiety and depression, maternal mental health, stress and burnout, trauma, domestic violence, family harm, relationship issues, self-esteem and confidence, grief and loss. I use several different counselling modalities and it is my vision to create a safe, confidential, non-judgmental, kind and caring space for clients to explore their experiences and gain skills which they can implement into their daily lives. I see my role as a very privileged one which I am passionate about and I undertake on-going supervision and professional development. I was born and raised in Auckland and am fortunate to work in my local community.

I am a Registered Nurse and Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. For over 28 years I have been working in a range of mental health services across New Zealand. I graduated from Massey University with a Post Graduate diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have been facilitating Cognitive Behavioural therapy groups and seeing people for Individual therapy in CBT for a wide range of problems in both private practice and at the DHB. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, perinatal mental health issues and relationship problems.

I am qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy model and provide treatment for people with a range of mental health conditions on an individual basis or in group settings. I really enjoy working collaboratively and alongside people to increase personal insight; supporting them towards their health goals and personal well-being. I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse and Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and have been working in mental health for over 25 years. I grew up in the United Kingdom and have lived in Aotearoa for 18 years, working across different public mental health services and private practice.

Becky is originally from China and has lived in New Zealand for over 20 years. In the last 4 years she has worked with Hearts & Minds to support our community. Becky graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Canterbury, and Postgraduate Diploma in Massey University. She works in a holistic, non-judgmental way and encourages people to find the courage, confidence, and skills to maintain a healthier lifestyle and a happier self. 关于龚异 龚异原籍中国，她已在新西兰生活超过20 年，有着丰富的工作经验。在过去的四年里，她与Hearts & Minds一起致力于支持我们的社区，帮助大家减轻生活压力，积极面对生活中的各种挑战。龚异毕业于坎特伯雷大学，获得了心理学学士学位，并之后在梅西大学获得了研究生文凭。她工作能力全面，会以整体，非批判性的角度鼓励人们找到勇气，信心，维持健康的生活方式，找到更快乐的自我。

Sasha is a registered Art Therapist who specialises in child and adolescent mental health, women’s health, adult wellbeing and rehabilitation. Sasha has a tertiary background in education, psychology and art therapy. Sasha feels privileged to have facilitated both individual and group art therapy in a variety of contexts including mental health and rehabilitation hospitals, palliative care, education and community settings across Australia and New Zealand. Sasha is passionate about the capacity for creativity to contribute to the health and wellbeing of an individual and strengthen social connection and resilience within communities. She maintains a person-centred practice and integrates narrative therapy and mindfulness principles into her sessions. Cultural sensitivity, social justice and empathy lie at the heart of her work.

Virginia is an ANZACATA-registered Creative Arts Therapist (Clinical) with a diverse background in community arts facilitation and theatre-making. After completing her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Auckland, Virginia furthered her training in theatre and improvisation in Paris and London. She later returned to New Zealand, where she earned a Master’s degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy from Whitecliffe College. Virginia has facilitated individual and group arts therapy sessions across a wide range of populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, in settings such as maternal mental health, special and mainstream schools, and community mental health. Passionate about the transformative power of creative arts for self-expression, wellbeing, and connection, Virginia’s workshops emphasize playfulness, curiosity, and community-building. Her sessions prioritize the creative process over the end product, fostering an inclusive, nourishing environment where participants can explore and express themselves freely.

Mary is a registered Creative Arts therapist with a broad background of experience. Before completing her Master of Arts in Arts Therapy in 2017, she primarily worked as a teacher in both Primary and Secondary schools. Mary is passionate about the value of the arts to foster self awareness through self expression, and she loves helping others to discover their own creativity.

I am currently completing a Bachelor of Counselling. I understand that life is rarely a straight line, and sometimes we find ourselves navigating unexpected challenges or transitions. I have previously worked with clients in-person, online and in group settings providing support for anxiety and other mental health challenges. My approach integrates DBT, person-centred, strengths-based, and mindfulness practices, tailored to individual needs. My goal is to offer a calm, safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace, without judgment.

Kia ora, my name is Fiona and I am one of the student counsellors here at Hearts & Minds. I feel honoured to be a part of Hearts & Minds, supporting and walking alongside our community and embracing the unique strengths each individual brings to our counselling sessions. My educational background includes a BA in Psychology and Sociology, followed some years later by a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and I am currently completing my Masters of Counselling. I have spent my career working with people from a diversity of backgrounds in the human resources field, across many sectors. I am now finding deep fulfilment supporting our community through all that life brings and am proud to be part of an impactful organisation that creates meaningful change.

I am currently completing my Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling at the University of Auckland and hold a Master of Arts in Psychology.I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. I believe that each person is the expert in their own life, and that counselling can provide the insight and self-awareness needed to create meaningful and fulfilling change.Outside of my professional work, I am married with three young adult children and a much-loved dog. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and find balance and inspiration in nature.

My relationship with Hearts & Minds spans many years, evolving from volunteer, to Health Support Navigator, to external supporter and now I am proud to serve as a Board Member. I started my career in Financial Services, working in Management Consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Salomon Brothers in London. With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Psychology, I am currently completing my Masters of Counselling at Massey University and currently serve as a Helpline Counsellor with Lifeline Aotearoa. My commitment to Hearts & Minds reflects my deep dedication to supporting mental health and wellbeing in our community.