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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

    John Marsden

    Kaumatua

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

  • Clayton Rangitutia

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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...

  • Yavanna Hallam

    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

    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

    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

    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...

  • Karen Venter

    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...

  • Nicola Duncan

    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...

  • Maria Thorndyke

    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...

  • Matthew Flynn

    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

    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...

  • Mary McGeever

    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

    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...

  • Laverne Robinson

    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...

  • Lara Douse

    Lara Douse

    Facilitator - PGDip CBT,PGDip Health Management,Dip Nursing

    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...

  • Virginia Frankovich

    Virginia Frankovich

    Facilitator - MA CAT (First Class Honours), PGDipAT, BAPsych, AThR, ANZACATA Reg.

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

  • Fiona Sylvestre

    Fiona Sylvestre

    BA Psychology & Socilogy, Post Grad Dip Counselling

    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

    Bex Davies

    Student Counsellor - Bachelor of Arts: Cultural Anthropology & Women Studies, Post Grad Dip Health Sciences Addiction, Sex Therapy Training

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