My story

"I believe in embracing every chapter of our story — the highs, the lows, and the lessons in between — because they are all threads in the tapestry of who we are."

The short version: Mount Maunganui is home. Growing up in The Mount gave me a love of life, people, and our laid-back coastal lifestyle. I consider it a great privilege to walk alongside people as they reconnect with who they really are and what they really want. When I'm not working, you'll find me surfing, exploring nature, travelling with my fiancé, reading, listening to good music, or having a good laugh with family and friends.

The long version: I was born and raised right here in The Mount, and while I was this happy, energetic kid on the surface, underneath I was wrestling with my own mental health challenges and some serious health conditions that were honestly life-threatening at times.

From pretty early on, I almost had to become my own 'counsellor' just to make sense of what I was going through and find a way to turn that suffering into something meaningful. Those early experiences lit a spark inside me that enhanced my compassion toward others who were struggling and inspired me to serve and help others.

However, like most good stories, mine definitely hasn't been a straight line! Before the lightbulb found the socket in counselling, I worked as a surf instructor (which was pretty awesome), then jumped into the corporate world doing marketing and sales. I was the Microsoft rep for the region, then moved into business development at companies like MediaWorks and Drake Recruitment.

Eventually though, the story came full circle, and the lightbulb found its socket in counselling. I genuinely love what I do and honestly look forward to every opportunity to work with someone new.