Our People

Kia ora, I am from Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi ki Tauranga Moana. I am a Clinical Advisor on the Aoake te Rā team, a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. I have a background in mental health and am also a social worker. I am passionate about the mana of whānau and supporting people to be courageous. I now live on the West Coast of the South island with my wee whānau where we enjoy exploring the mountains, ocean and rivers of Aotearoa. Mauri ora whānau!

Kia ora I am a registered psychologist; Educational and Counselling scopes. I bring Lived Experience to the Aoake te Rā Clinical Advisor role, having lost my own daughter to suicide. This compels me to reduce suicide in our communities; be a voice for and connect with bereaved others. My intention is to educate, inspire, be strength focused, and hopeful.

Talofa lava, Ni sa bula vinaka and kia ora koutou, I am of Samoan descent through my mother from the villages of Iva and Sapapali’i (Samoa) and Fijian/Indian heritage through my father from the village of Ba (Fiji). I am a Registered Nurse with a background in CAMHS, Community Mental Health, Youth Justice, Corrections/Forensic Mental Health and Tertiary education spaces. I work as a Clinical Advisor for the Towards Wellbeing team and the Aoake Te Rā team. I am passionate about serving + walking alongside our Māori and Pacific communities to empower them to thrive. Outside of mahi, you will most probably find me fiddling around in the kitchen baking up a storm, cooking waaay too many portions of kai or reading a book.

Kia ora, ko Belinda Buxton tōku ingoa. Ko ngāti pākehā te iwi. I am a clinical psychologist with a background working with rangatahi, young adults and their whānau. I love supporting rangatahi to be well, connected and confident in themselves so they can bring all the amazing gifts they have to offer to our community. I am a clinical advisor for the TWB whānau and appreciate being able to support those working hard to strengthen the hauora of rangatahi and communities throughout Aotearoa. I was born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and can still be found there exploring the hills, beaches and coast with my partner and two young children. I love tramping and time in the outdoors, travelling, dabbling in the garden, a good book, and connecting with others over kai.

Kia ora. Ko Ben Te Maro tōku ingoa. I’m an occupational therapist with a background in mental health. I am a Clinical Advisor on the CDS and Aoake te Rā team and a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. I’m interested in social equity, and CASA provides me with opportunities to assist rangatahi and their whānau realise their full potential. When I’m not working you can find me exercising, baking/cooking and exploring outdoors.

Tēnā koutou, Ko Ngā Ruahine, me Ngāti Ruanui ōku iwi. I am a registered nurse with a background in acute child and adolescent mental health and work as a clinical advisor with the Aoake te Rā and CPRS teams and a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. I am driven by a vision of empowered and self-governing individuals, whanau and community. Ko te manu e kai ana I te miro nōnā te ngahere. Ko te manu e kai ana I te mātauranga nōnā te ao.

Outside of my mahi I enjoy being outdoors and connecting to the whenua and moana.

Kia ora. Ko Bex Petrie tōku ingoa. I am a Social Worker with a background in mental health, suicide prevention and postvention. I am currently working as a clinical advisor for the TWB and Aoake te Rā teams. I live in Taupō where you will find me with my whānau enjoying the mountains and lake. Mauri ora!

Ko Ngongotaha te Maunga Ko Waiteti te Awa Ko Te Wai Mimi o Pekehaua te Puna Waiora No Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Tura Te Ngakau, Ngāti Ngararanui ōku tūpuna Ko Te Arawa te waka Ko Bree Solomon tōku ingoa Kei te noho au ki Rotorua

Tēnā koutou katoa I am a daughter of Te Arawa te pito o te ao. I am a mama and a valued wife

I am the Clinical Manager on the CPRS team. I am a Registered Addictions Specialist with a background in Mental Health & Addictions and bring Leadership experience. I am passionate about honoring the voices of all peoples and holding hope until such a time that they can hold hope for themselves. Hutia te rito o te harakeke, kei hea rā te kōmako e kō? Kī mai ki ahau, he aha te mea nui o te Ao? Māku e kī atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata

Kia ora, I am a Registered Social Worker living in Rural Northern Waikato and work as a Clinical Manager for CDS, 2IC Project Lead for Aoake te Rā and Clinical Advisor for CPRS. I have a background in Child and Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and 4 young children in the sunshine, reading and baking.

Kia Ora, I am an Occupational Therapist with a background in mental health, suicide prevention and postvention. I am currently working as a clinical advisor for the TWB and Aoake te Rā teams. My passion is working alongside young people and their whanau. Outside of this mahi I love hanging out with my hubby and our two little kids, being outdoors, and enjoying the sunshine.

The Mana and Tapu of all people make us unique as individuals and I believe that we are created to be connected to others. I am passionate about encouraging whānau to provide a lifestyle, which encourages and nurtures personal, corporate and spiritual growth within the communities they live in.

Kia ora I am from Waikato Tainui living in Christchurch and a current Board member of CASA and a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. I am married we have a son who is working hard as a musician in the Wellington scene to make his mark. In my spare time I am interested in making short documentaries of interesting characters I meet every day. I enjoy travelling, good food and cold ale with my lovely wife Rose.

My name is Dion Howard, and I am thrilled to be a part of the team at CASA. I have spent the past 25 years dedicated to adolescent mental health. As a mental health professional, I am committed to supporting young people and helping them navigate life's challenges, and now to supporting those who support them. In my 'other life', the ocean and surfing is one of my greatest passions, or getting into the hills, mountain biking, with my family. I look forward to connecting with others who share my passion for mental health and wellness.

Kia Ora koutou, I am an occupational therapist, with a background working in child, adolescent, family, whanau mental health services, both inpatient and in the community. I am excited to work for CASA, as I am passionate about ensuring people are able to access the best and most timely support, in order to live full and meaningful lives. When I'm not at work, I will most likely be spending time with friends and whānau, including my young family. I also really enjoy paddle-boarding, dancing and baking.

Kia ora, I am a Registered Clinical Psychologist based in Auckland and work as a Clinical Advisor on the Aoake te Rā team. My motivation has always been in working with young people and their whanau to improve wellbeing and mental health. Outside of work I spend my time enjoying my three young children, whānau, friends, food, music and the great outdoors!

Kia ora, Ko Jane Haste toku ingoa. I am a Social Worker and have been with CASA as a Clinical Advisor since 2010 and a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. My passion is for youth wellbeing and the professional support and development of social workers and our profession. I am from the Manawatu where you will find me with my whānau sharing kai.

I am the Operations Manager for CASA and work behind the scenes supporting the team. I can be contacted in relation to matters concerning: Human Resources, Contracts, Privacy, Systems, Legislation, Invoicing, the Casa Website together with Health & Safety. I am based in Wairarapa and when not at work I love spending time with my family and following equestrian pursuits.

Kia ora, my mahi with CASA has mostly been as the Clinical Manager of the TWB team. As a Clinical Psychologist, working with and for youth has always been a passion for me and when not working I am hanging out with my own three youth and hubby, enjoying the beach and to-ing and fro-ing from 101 sport activities!

I'm Lauren and I am a Clinical Psychologist on the TWB as a Clinical Advisor and Trainer. Working with young people and their families is a passion of mine. I love spending time with my kids and family, tramping, and exploring NZ and the world. My favourite quote is "Oh the places you'll go" - Dr Suess

I was raised in Wellington, trained there in clinical psychology, and have been consulting for TWB since 2002 and a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. I now live with my family on a small cooperative farm under the umbrella of the Anglican Church. I’m happy running in the Tararuas, swimming in the local river with my kids, and digging spuds. Tui tui tuia.

Having been involved in the TWB pilot, I have been working with this great team for over 10 years. My faith means I am committed to making the world a better place through whatever opportunities present themselves. Having had a variety of roles, I enjoy identifying what works, and evaluating and using information to inform decision making. As Chair of the CASA Board I work closely with our Chief Executive to ensure that governance and management are well aligned to CASA's vision and strategic goals.

I have a varied background in working in private consulting, for the DHB and in the corporate sector. love identifying problems and finding solutions that are unique and helpful. I enjoyed teaching and delivering training to groups from all walks of life. Outside of CASA, I work as a clinical psychologist in Auckland and like baking, travelling and spending time at the beach with my dogs and whānau

Kia ora, I am an occupational therapist with a background in mental health and suicide prevention. I am 2IC Clinical Manager on the TWB and CPRS teams and a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. I believe in the hauora and wellbeing of all and enjoy working collaboratively to achieve systems change. When I am not working at CASA you will find me chasing toddlers, at the beach or with my whānau.

Kia ora, I am a clinical psychologist based in Wellington. I’m passionate about building connections and relationships and working alongside people to support their mahi and make positive changes. I believe it is important that psychology is accessible to everyone regardless of their background, delivered in a way that is relatable. One of my favourite quotes is “wherever you go, go with all your heart” and this drives both my work and personal life. I am passionate about viewing wellness from a holistic perspective, which includes applying cultural expertise to my mahi.

I am the Chief Executive of CASA have been with CASA since the beginning. My work has always been in mental health including as a social worker, clinician, manager and researcher. I enjoy working in areas where there is the capacity to develop creative, effective approaches which is why I love working for CASA. Other important parts of my life are my family and friends, exploring the beauty of our world, enriching myself through yoga and enjoying photography and gardening.

I have nearly 30 years’ experience in the public service and NGO’s consulting where I empower and enable people, programmes, and organisations to improve culture and outcomes. I am passionate about wellbeing and heartled leadership, and taking a holistic approach to uplift and heal our people and community. I live in Carterton, Wairarapa with my husband and two children on a lifestyle block. I have many generations in the Wairarapa community, and also have connections to Rapaki Marae, Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke, Ngai Tahu.

Ko Mark tōku ingoa. It’s a privilege to serve the CASA team as a member of the Board. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with an incredible diversity of leadership roles in operations, finance and technology, across a range of sectors from banking to hi tech to tertiary education. Whilst working at Victoria University, I experienced first hand the mental health anguish faced by many of our rangatahi. The need for CASA’s services has never been higher. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with our family, tramping, biking and actively contributing to our local church.

Tēnā koutou e ngā rangatira, ngā tangata whenua o te Ao. Greetings all distinguished indigenous peoples of the World.

Ko Takitimu raua ko Kurahaupō ngā waka,
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu rātou ko Rangitāne, ko Ngāti Raukawa ngā iwi
Ko Renata raua ko Heketa Te Awe ngā tangata,
Ko Miriama Scott te ingoa.

I am of Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne descent through our mother and Scottish and English descent through our father.

I was born in the Cook Islands, where there is a close association with the Takitimu waka, the canoe of the Ngāti Kahungunu tīpuna, to whom I whakapapa.

While I am a registered social worker, my education is in Sociology, Anthropology and History but due to the ‘strong’ encouragement of a kaumatua, Turoa Haronga, because I was facilitating learning on a social work programme, I completed competency to practice social work and then registration as a social worker.

My passion and commitment are to progress tangata whenua knowledge and skills in any field of practice and to challenge mainstream / generic services, where constraint of the legitimacy to practice as the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa may be evident. In keeping with this commitment, I also work to tautoko all indigenous peoples in the same endeavours.
Mauriora!

Kia Ora, He uri āhau o Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, me Ngāti Porou hoki. I am a mum, a whanau member, a community member, and a kaimahi. I work in the Aoake Te Rā and CPRS Tō Te Ra spaces. I have a background in community social work and suicide prevention and postvention. I care about whānau identifying their strengths, being a strong advocate for the voiceless, indigenous practices and matauranga māori. I love a good road trip but you can usually find me on the East Coast, in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne enjoying time with my tino tāongā, my children.

I have worked for CASA since 2006 and currently work as the administrator for Aoake te Rā, TWB and CDS. I enjoy working with a great bunch of people and supporting the work they do. In my down time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, horse riding and walking the dog.

He uri ahau o Ngāti Uepohatu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Te Rarawa hoki. E tipu ake au ki te Rohe ō Tara, ki te whenua ō Ngāti Tai.

I am a clinical advisor for the Towards Wellbeing programme and a valued member of Ngā Pou ārahi ō CASA.

I came to this mahi through my whānau and that’s what keeps me going. I am a total believer in whānau ora.

Mā te rongo, ka mōhio, Mā te mōhio, ka mārama. Mā te mārama, ka mātau. Mā te mātau, ka ora.

Kia ora, ko Kāi Tahu tāku iwi, nō Kaikoura ahau, engari nō Ōtautahi tāku kainga ināianei. I have been dedicated to mental health for the past 20+ years in various roles for Private, DHB & Kaupapa Māori NGO sectors. My roles at CASA are Clinical Advisor for the CDS and Aoake te Rā team and a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi . It is a privilege to walk alongside tangata, supporting and empowering them forward to enhanced resilience. Outside of this mahi, I am a Director of a Mental Health Kaupapa Māori organisation – He Waka Tapu, and otherwise I enjoy my whanau, puppy & adventures to new places. Mauri ora.

I am a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Wellington. I love working with CASA and have worked in TWB and in other training programmes we provide. It's a privilege to be able to support people who are working so hard for the communities wellbeing. When not working I enjoy gardening and keeping up with my three boys.

I’m a Registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience particularly in trauma management and recovery. I’ve worked with CASA since 2007 supporting communities in the aftermath of suicide. My work highlights to me the taonga that is whanau and friends.

Kia ora koutou and Talofa lava, Ko Ngāti Wai te iwi me, oute sau mai le nu’u (village) o Malie (Apia, Samoa). I am also of Puerto Rican descent. I join the TWB team as a registered nurse with 13 years of acute experience in infant, child and adolescent mental health. I'm dedicated to improving the oranga and outcomes of rangatahi Māori and Pasifika, and working collaboratively with others, particularly whānau to achieve this. Mā mua ka kite a muri, Mā muri ka Ora a mua. Outside of my mahi, you’ll find me - camera in hand, possibly barefoot at the beach with my tamariki and kuri, or at a netball court.

Kia ora, Malo e lei lei and Hello. I am a Registered Social Worker and Family Therapist living in Auckland and work as a clinical Advisor for TWB. I have been a qualified Social Worker for 21 years working in New Zealand and England. I have a background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) as well as Care and Protection Services. I am passionate about working with Maori and Pacific families. Outside of this mahi, you’ll find me hanging with my whanau, being active and enjoying the outdoors.

Talofa lava, I am of Samoan descent, born and raised here in Tamaki Makaurau/Aukilani (Auckland). I work as a Clinical Advisor for the CPRS team and the Aoake Te Rā team. I am a Registered Nurse, worked mainly in Mental Health, with a background working in Forensic Mental health and General Inpatient Mental health services (Acute). My passion is empowering and working in partnership with young people and their families, specifically our Māori and Pacific communities. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children as well as my extended Aiga (family). Above all, my faith in God keeps me strong and grounded.

I'm a Clinical Advisor (Registered Psychologist) for the Aoake te Rā team, based in Christchurch. I love being part of a team that enhances and promotes individual wellbeing and passion for life. In my world, family, friends, reading, and dancing keep me sane.