I ​originally trained in Psychology in the early 1990’s gaining a Bachelor’s degree. After travelling and working overseas, I returned to New Zealand and completed some postgraduate training in counselling and family therapy, including child and adolescent mental health.  After graduating I started as a Family Social Worker in the rural Central Otago area and have worked in the child and family sector for the past 25 years in various settings including the mental health outpatient service, and youth suicide prevention services.

I am a full member of the NZ Association of Counsellors (NZAC) and specialise in abuse, trauma, family violence, children and adolescents, parenting and family therapy.

I am ACC Sensitive Claims registered and  approved to work with children, youth and adults.  New clients can register directly with me for treatment.  My Provider number is PAK318.

During my career I have:

• Worked with Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence / refuge services and was integral in the early development of these services in Queenstown, both as a volunteer crisis worker and employed as Service Coordinator, trainer and supervisor.
• Worked extensively in the NGO non-profit sector developing social services & as a funding contractor in Central Otago.
• Worked for some years in the Child & Adolescent Community Mental Health Service as a family therapist and group programme coordinator.
• Co-founded the Queenstown Lakes Family Centre (now Central Lakes Family Services), a free counselling and social work service for children, adolescents and their families. During the 10 years at the Family Centre I worked as Clinical Manager and later General Manager, as well as sitting on the Board of Trustees.
• In 2011 I worked in Western Australia at a youth suicide prevention service called Youth Focus as a family therapist.
• I currently work part-time at Otago Polytechnic in the counselling specialty degree as a lecturer and clinical supervisor.