Meet the team

Our team is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of people, family/whānau and communities.

Our Board

Our Board is committed to providing us with best practice governance, expertise, advice and guidance.

John Marsden

Kaumatua

John Marsden is a highly respected Kaumatua, Reverend and long-time supporter of Hearts & Minds. His extensive professional background...
Clayton Rangitutia

Chairperson

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā kārangaranga maha, tēnā koutou katoa. As Chairperson of the Hearts & Minds Board and Mana Whakahaere-General...
Brigid Furness

Vice Chairperson

My relationship with Hearts & Minds spans many years, evolving from volunteer, to Health Support Navigator, to external supporter and now I...
Brenden Rolston

Treasurer

Brenden is the Owner and Chief Executive of ActionHQ, a communications and technology agency specialising in data-driven solutions. With deep...

Our People

Our people are committed to providing an inclusive and safe space that fosters wellbeing and encourages growth.

Amberlee Wharton

Chief Executive

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...
Maria Thorndyke

Clinical Director

Originally from the UK, I came to NZ in 2007 with my husband and my son where we made our home on the North Shore. I trained in the UK, and I...
Dr. Ruth Jillings

Clinical Consultant & Trainer - Psychologist / Facilitator - Registered Psychologist; BA (Hons); PhD; PGDip I/O Psych; PG Cert Child/Ado Mental Health; Primary Cert CBT; MNZPsS; Registered NZCER Tester

I am a Registered Psychologist who has worked with Hearts & Minds for over 20 years. I love being involved with such a positive proactive...
Xiaoying Zhang

Accountant

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...
Jemma Hoyle

Funding Project Manager

Jemma brings over four years of experience in funding and development within the not-for-profit sector. Passionate about community wellbeing,...
Yavanna Hallam

Support Coordinator / Community Engagement

The importance of connection and community was emphasised for me when I returned to New Zealand with my young family after being abroad for a...
Gabby Greene

Support Services Lead

I joined Hearts & Minds as a newcomer to New Zealand after relocating from the UK in November 2020 with my Kiwi husband and two young sons....
Becky Gong

Operational Support Coordinator

Kia Ora, my name is Becky. I came to New Zealand as an international student and have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Business and...

Therapists and Facilitators

Led by our Clinical Director, our Facilitators are a talented group of qualified psychologists, counsellors, and therapists.

Maria Thorndyke

Psychotherapist / Counsellor / Facilitator - Dip PC Couns, Dip Sach Psych, Dip Clinical Sup, Reg ICP

I am a Registered Psychotherapist/Counsellor and Casework Supervisor and have over 20 years' experience. During this time, I have worked in...
Dr. Ruth Jillings

Clinical Consultant & Trainer - Psychologist / Facilitator - Registered Psychologist; BA (Hons); PhD; PGDip I/O Psych; PG Cert Child/Ado Mental Health; Primary Cert CBT; MNZPsS; Registered NZCER Tester

I am a Registered Psychologist who has worked with Hearts & Minds for over 20 years. I love being involved with such a positive proactive...
Nicola Duncan

Counsellor / Facilitator - BA Hons, Post Grad Dip CBT, MNZAC

Nicola Duncan (BA (Hons), PGDip in CBT, MNAC) is a Relationship Counsellor with over 20 years’ experience working for a national organisation...
Karen Venter

Psychologist / Facilitator - MA Clinical Psych,MSocSci Psych,HED

My background is in clinical psychology, education and careers counselling. Some specific interests: Balancing attention to positives with...
Matthew Flynn

Counsellor / Facilitator - MNZAC LLB/Post Graduate Counselling

I am a registered counsellor with extensive experience in New Zealand and overseas. I am passionate about my work, and I have worked with...
Lara Douse

Mental Health Nurse / Counsellor / Facilitator - Dip in Nursing Studies Comprehensive Nurse, PGDip CBT, PGDip Health Management

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...
Sharon Logan

Mental Health Nurse / Counsellor / Facilitator - Hons Mental Health Nursing, PGDip CBT MH Prac

I am qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy model and provide treatment for people with a range of mental health conditions on an...
Becky 异 Gong 龚

Psychologist / Facilitator - BSc Psychology & Post Grad MBA

Becky is originally from China and has lived in New Zealand for over 20 years. In the last 3 years she has worked with Hearts & Minds to...
Sasha Iyengar

Mental Health Art Therapist / Facilitator

Sasha is a registered Art Therapist who specialises in child and adolescent mental health, women’s health, adult wellbeing and...
Virginia Frankovich

Clinical Art Therapist / Facilitator - Registered Creative Arts Therapist MA CAT, PGDipAT, BAPsych, AThR, ANZACATA

Virginia is an ANZACATA-registered Creative Arts Therapist (Clinical) with a diverse background in community arts facilitation and...
Mary McGeever

Art Therapist / Facilitator - MAAT, ANZACATA Reg, BA, Dip Tchg

Mary is a registered Creative Arts therapist with a broad background of experience. Before completing her Master of Arts in Arts Therapy in...
Angie Richardson

Art Therapist / Facilitator - ATCL, Dip Tchng, BEd, MAAT (Clinical), AThR hcpc (UK), Creative Expressive Arts Therapist, Drama Therapist, Creativity Coach, Supervisor, Facilitator

Angie is a clinically registered Creative Arts Therapist, Creativity Coach, Supervisor and Workshop Facilitator. Her clinical roles have been...
Fiona Sylvestre

Student Counsellor

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,...
Bex Davies

Student Counsellor

I am currently completing a Bachelor of Counselling. I understand that life is rarely a straight line, and sometimes we find ourselves...