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
Operations Manager
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...
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...
Stephen Baker
Project Manager Shared Vision
Greetings! My name is Stephen and I am pleased to take on the role of Shared Vision Project Manager for the North Shore and Rodney regions. I...
Yavanna Hallam
Support Coordinator
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 Coordinator
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...
Our Facilitators
Led by our Clinical Director, our Facilitators are a talented group of qualified psychologists, counsellors, and therapists.
Dr. Ruth Jillings
Clinical Director - 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 and Minds for over 20 years. My role is to assist the facilitators with any issues...
Nicola Duncan
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
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...
Laverne Robinson
Facilitator - BsSocPrac Counselling, Cert Sup Coaching, ANZCAL
Kia ora. I am a mother of two, qualified counsellor, coach and supervisor with a background in supporting rangatahi (youth) and whanau in a...
Matthew Flynn
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...
Sasha Iyengar
Facilitator - MAATh, GradDipPsyc, ATHR
Sasha is a registered Art Therapist who specialises in child and adolescent mental health, women’s health, adult wellbeing and...
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Maria Thorndyke
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...
Mary McGeever
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...
Becky 异 Gong 龚
BSc Psychology & Post Grad MBA 心理学学士 & 工商管理研究生
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...