Auckland Central Team

Contact

70 The Drive, Epsom
PO Box 26396, Epsom
Auckland
Ph : (09) 630 5909
Fax : (09) 6305944

The Team

Hayley Sher
Peer Support Team Leader

Hayley emigrated with her family from South Africa nine years ago. Hayley has a background in dental assisting, administration and more recently victim support. Hayley’s experience has taught her that everyone has the potential to realise their dreams, some of us just need someone to believe in us in order to achieve this.

Christine Poto
Peer Support Worker

One of the things that stood out for Christine was seeing advertisements on T.V about depression. Seeing people who inspire others; from sports stars to music artists and so many more well-known people, being open about their illness and showing that there is hope, was really encouraging for her. Her belief in hope and her passion to help and support others is so great. She is thankful to Mind and Body for giving her that chance to be there for others.

Kelly Patangata
Peer Support Worker

Kelly has experienced mental illness in some form or another most of her life. Over the past couple of years she has learnt to manage her symptoms and to appreciate the life she has. With the help of family and a loving partner Kelly has learnt to love the world she lives in and has developed a passion to help others who are affected by mental illness. Kelly believes with love, hope, patience and understanding we can all live flourishing lives. Mental illness need not to be a barrier to happiness.

Rob Williams
Peer Support Worker

Rob has experience of depression and anxiety disorder, as well as experience of addiction to and withdrawal from prescription tranquilisers. He has a background in teaching, and spent a number of years working in Japan, where he experienced job-related burnout and a subsequent breakdown: consequently, he is committed to helping others to overcome similar challenges they may be facing with stress, worry and despair.

Nalin Gupta
Peer Support Worker

Qualified in Engineering, Management, Law, Homoeopathy and Teaching,Nalin has been working as a trainer helping people in gaining self-empowerment in personal and professional life. His mission in life is “be happy and create happiness”. As a migrant, he can be of special assistance to migrants.

Arlette Dias
Peer Support Worker

Arlette ran her own business in Beauty and Hairdressing, and also has some experience teaching Typewriting, Telephone Operating and Personal Beauty Care and Charm, in her own country. In New Zealand she acquired certificates in Teacher Aiding, Office Skills, Community Skills, a diploma in Social Work, and recently graduated in the Bachelor of Social Practice, majoring in Counselling. She is passionate about making a difference in whatever small way she can.

Adrienne Roberts
Peer Support Worker

Adrienne has had several years work experience in administrative and clerical positions, and more recently working in the banking industry supporting clients in Call Centre based environments. She has completed a Diploma in Aromatherapy and has also completed several papers in Community Studies through Unitech. She believes that no matter our age, we have the capacity to grow and learn.

Chloe Shaw
Peer Support Worker

Chloe is a 25-year-old woman who has struggled with mental health issues for eight years. Chloe is now on the recovery journey due to the help and support of mental health professionals, family and friends and believe that she can use her experiences to help and encourage others in similar situations. Chloe feels privileged to be able to support others in her role as a Peer Support Worker for Mind & Body.

Tat Cheung
Peer Support Worker

Tat was born in Hong Kong and migrated to NZ in 2005. In early 2005 Tat was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder but found that medication and support from his psychiatrist and community support workers have helped him a lot. Tat has built a routine for his daily life and this has been the basis of getting well – starting with very small responsibilities and working to accomplish goals. In 2009 Tat set out to write a story in English and eventually has achieved this completing approximately 50,000 words – an accomplishment he is very proud of.