About Us

Tēnā koutou, He uri ahau nō Tauranga Moana, Ko Mauao tōku maunga, Ko Takitimu Ko Mataatua ōku waka, Ko Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi ōku iwi. Ko Adele Reweti tōku ingoa. I tēnei wā, e noho ana au i te rohe o Te Tai Poutini. I am a registered social worker with a strong background in Child and Youth Mental Health. My mahi spans therapeutic support, trauma focused knowledge and suicide postvention. At Te Aho, I am currently a Coach and Clinical Advisor with the Aoake Te Rā team, and I’m honoured to be a member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. I’m passionate about supporting our communities with manaaki and aroha, meeting them where they are, and helping create spaces where people can thrive. My approach is grounded in respect, cultural responsiveness, and aroha. I believe in working alongside people, drawing on clinical knowledge, mātauranga Māori and lived experience, to create pathways that honour everyone’s unique journey and mana. People often say I bring warmth and care to the mahi, and I like to keep things honest, kind, and grounded. I am a mama and wife living in Te Wai Pounamu. Outside of mahi, I want to be with my whānau, in the sea or up a big hill, sleeping in the tussocks. Mauri ora e te whānau.

Ko Ben Te Maro tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Horouta waka. Ko Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki ōku iwi.  I’m a registered occupational therapist with a long-standing career in mental health and suicide prevention—particularly working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. At Te Aho, I split my time between my Clinical Advisor and Comms & Engagement roles. My focus is to find helpful ways to speak to our communities about suicide prevention. I believe good communication informs helpful practices that can promote hauora and reduce suicide.  I believe in the collective strength of whānau and community. When we work collaboratively, we can make a real difference.  People often describe me as energetic and optimistic, but I like to think I’m just bringing the good vibes. This mahi can be heavy, but it’s also deeply rewarding when we work together and lift each other up.  I’m a husband and ‘cat-dad’ living in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Outside of mahi you will either find me working out in the gym or experimenting with something new in the kitchen. 

O lo’u igoa o Amituana’i Brooke Brake. No Hāmoa, Nō Norfolk Island, Nō Engarangi ōku tipuna I tupu aki au ki Tāmaki Makarau nō Ngā Iwi Moemoea. E noho ana au ki te Puaha o Waikato. I’m a registered social worker who grew up professionally in South Auckland working in mental health, service development/ improvement and suicide pre and postvention. As part of the Te Aho whānau I work as part of the Aoake te Rā and CDS teams. I believe there is strength in working together to support whānau and communities impacted by suicide loss. People often describe me as quiet, organised and calm. I’m a wife and a busy mama of 4 sporty children living in rural North Waikato. Outside of mahi you will find me being an Uber driver for my children, reading a good book or enjoying the awesome west coast beaches.

Ko Rangitoto te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau, ko Weiti te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara I live in Te Raki Paewhenua — Auckland’s North Shore — where I’m from, and where my roots and community ties run deep. I’m an occupational therapist with experience supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau with their mental health, across both inpatient and community spaces. My mahi has always focused on walking alongside people through tough times, with care and connection at the heart. Joining CASA and the Te Aho whānau feels like a natural extension of that kaupapa. I’m here because I believe everyone deserves timely, compassionate support, and that suicide prevention is something we must approach collectively — with aroha, respect, and shared responsibility. My practice weaves together clinical knowledge, my lived experience, and my commitment to advancing equity for Māori through honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi in both my everyday practice and for broader systems change. Outside of mahi, you’ll find me with my young whānau, paddleboarding when the sun’s out, dancing when no-one is watching, or baking something sweet to share.

Ko Linda Bowden tōku ingoa. I’m a registered occupational therapist with a background in mental health and suicide prevention, particularly working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. At Te Aho, I work in Tō te Rā Postvention Community Support and our Senior Leadership Team. My focus is on supporting communities to implement local solutions to prevent suicide. I believe in working together, and value co-designed, best practice strategies that improve people’s lives.I am a people person and love a good kōrero. I’m a busy māmā living in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Outside of mahi you will either find me at sports with the kids, near the beach or the mountains.

Ko Nicola Cribb tōku ingoa. Ko Tainui tōku waka. Ko Ngati Raukawa tōku iwi. I’ve been with CASA since 2006 and currently support the Aoake te Rā, Toward’s Wellbeing and CDS teams in an administrator role. You will find me hiding in the background (where I prefer to be) supporting others to do their meaningful mahi. I feel lucky to work alongside such dedicated and compassionate people who bring deep knowledge—clinical, cultural, and lived—to this mahi. I am a mother and wife based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, and outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and whānau, reading and walking the dog—especially when the sun’s out!

Kia ora, I’m Amanda Christian. I grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau and now call Te Tai Tokerau (the Far North) home. Walking the beach with my dog and listening to the surf grounds me. One of my greatest joys is visiting my adult children, their partners, and their animals with my husband. I’m a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years' experience working in suicide prevention and postvention. In my practice, I aim to weave together clinical knowledge, academic grounding, and lived experience in ways that reflect Te Aho’s pillars: mātauranga Māori, clinical insight, and the collective wisdom of whānau and communities. This mahi is deeply personal to me. The loss of my 16-year-old daughter to suicide taught me how essential it is to honour and support the bereaved. Even when hope feels far away, I believe it’s possible to find meaning again and to heal. By working together, grounded in hope and patience, and responding with compassion and cultural respect, we can build services tailored to each whānau’s unique journey.

Taranaki te maunga e tū kau ana i te pae o te rangi. Kapuni me Tangahoe ngā awa e rere ana i te manawa o te whenua. Waiokura me Tāpereohenui ngā marae, he kāinga noho mō te wairua me te whakapapa. Nō Taranaki ahau, engari kei Te Awakairangi ahau e noho ana ināianei. I’m a registered nurse with a background in hauora Māori, suicide prevention and postvention, and whānau-centred approaches to wellbeing. I’ve worked across both clinical and kaupapa Māori spaces, including as a community health nurse with Ngāruahine Iwi Authority, rangatahi mental health, through my role with Te Aho supporting Māori suicide prevention efforts across the motu. This mahi matters deeply to me. I believe in the power of whānau, taiao, and whakapapa to heal — and that communities hold the solutions for their own wellbeing when supported. My approach is grounded in manaaki, whanaungatanga and tino rangatiratanga. I value relationships, work with integrity, and aim to create spaces that are culturally safe, strategic, and guided by the aspirations of our people. Outside of mahi, I’m happiest spending time with my whānau, learning te reo Rangatira and supporting iwi kauapapa in Taranaki, and connecting with te taiao. I am a bit of a nomad moving between Whanganui, Taranaki, Otaki and Tamaki-Makaurau. I continue to be inspired by the resilience and creativity of our communities.

Kia ora, Ko Cheryl Em tōku ingoa. I’m an Occupational Therapist with experience in mental health, suicide prevention, and postvention. I currently work as a Clinical Advisor for the TWB and Aoake te Rā teams, where I focus on supporting young people and their whānau through both clinical and lived experience knowledge. My work is grounded in a strong belief in the power of whānau, community, and connection, and I’m driven by the idea that we can create positive change when we work together. I’m passionate about walking alongside tamariki and rangatahi, helping them navigate their mental health journeys while also supporting their whānau to build strength and resilience. My approach is always mana-enhancing, non-judgemental, and culturally responsive to ensure every person feels valued and empowered. I live in Tāmaki with my husband and our two children, where we love spending time outdoors, with our two griffons and soaking up the sunshine. I’m a firm believer in the balance between mahi and whānau, and in my downtime, you’ll find me recharging with my loved ones and enjoying the little moments. Mauri ora!

Ko Gabe Couch tōku ingoa. Ko Ingarangi, ko Aerani, ko Marihi te whakapaparanga mai. I tipu ake ahau ki Tāmaki Makaurau, Ōtepoti me Ahitereiria. I’m a registered Clinical Psychologist with experience in mental health, suicide prevention, and postvention. My background spans both public and private sectors, and I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people of all ages. At Te Aho, I split my time between supporting our referrals team and working as a provider coach. I feel deeply honoured to be part of a kaupapa that supports those bereaved by suicide in a way that is empowering, compassionate, and culturally responsive. Holding space for people during incredibly tough times — and helping them feel heard, held and supported — is something I carry with deep respect. Supporting providers in this space is also something I find incredibly meaningful. We learn and grow together, and that collective wisdom is at the heart of Te Aho. My approach is grounded in manaakitanga and equity. I bring both clinical and lived experience knowledges into my work, and try to hold space in a way that’s non-judgemental, kind, and responsive to the unique needs of every whānau and community. Outside of Te Aho, I run a private practice where I work with adults experiencing a wide range of challenges, including those bereaved by suicide. I live in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) with my whānau, where I enjoy the vibrancy and diversity of the city. In my downtime, you’ll find me spending time outdoors and spending time with my whānau. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, Mauri ora!

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!

Tena Tatou, Ko Wylie Timotuha Te Peeti ahau. I am a descendant of Ngati Rangiwewehi Te Arawa waka on my Father side and Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga on my Mother side ko te waka Tainui. I have the privilege and honour to be apart of casa as a Kaitakawaenga and a valued member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. He reo hononga aku kia tautoko nga korero, kia marama, kia awhina, kia ako nga tohu Maori. My role is to support in helping understand, bringing together and in learning the aspects of Maoritanga that coincides with casa.

O lo’u igoa o Avi Nair-Taulisi. O lo’u tina oute sau mai Iva ma Sapapali’i Samoa. Na tamaqu mai na taoni ko Ba e Vitilevu. I’m a registered nurse with a commitment to mental health, especially supporting tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau in the community. Over the years, I’ve also been fortunate to have worked in youth justice and corrections – spaces that have deepened my understanding of how systems can impact (young) people and their wellbeing. At Te Aho, I work across both our Towards Wellbeing and Aoake te Rā teams as a Clinical Advisor. I bring clinical knowledge alongside the wisdom gained from years of walking with whānau through some of life’s toughest moments. I’m especially passionate about supporting our Māori and Pacific communities – holding space for cultural identity, resilience, and the right to thrive. I am bit of an ambivert – I enjoy working closely with others, and I also value the quiet strengths that everyone brings. I believe in the power of working together for better outcomes, listening deeply, and drawing from both mātauranga Māori and lived experiences, alongside clinical practice. I currently reside in Tāmaki Makaurau with my husband. Outside of mahi you will find me huddled up reading a book, cooking up a storm in the kitchen or hanging out with my boisterous aiga (family).

Ko Tracy tōku ingoa.I tipu ake au ki Ōtautahi. Nō England, Scotland, ōku tīpuna Ko Craig taku tane. Ko Isla taku tamāhine. Kei te noho au, e mahi ana i Ōtautahi I am a registered psychologist (Child and Family) with a long-standing background in private practice, supporting tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau through trauma, parenting challenges, mental health struggles, and parental separation. I’ve been part of the Te Aho whānau for many years now, contributing to suicide prevention and postvention mahi across different teams. My current focus is with our Aoake te Rā service, where I support Providers to uphold the values of our kaupapa and offer strong, compassionate care to those bereaved by suicide loss. I deeply believe in the collective strength of whānau and community—and in the unique wisdom and power that those impacted by suicide loss bring to this kaupapa. Their voices and experiences are central to shaping a future where suicide is no longer part of our story. People often describe me as organised and passionate, but I like to think I’m simply doing my part in the collective effort to prevent suicide in Aotearoa. As Freud said, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”—and I truly believe in our shared potential to create meaningful change. You’ll most often find me in my happy place—anywhere in my caravan. I love winding down after mahi by cooking something special in the kitchen for my whānau, getting lost in a good book, or tending (sometimes successfully!) to my vegetable garden.

Kia ora, ko Bex Petrie tōku ingoa. I’m a Social Worker with experience in mental health, suicide prevention, and postvention, and I currently work as a Clinical Advisor for the TWB and Aoake te Rā teams. My mahi is deeply connected to my commitment to whānau and community wellbeing, and I believe in the power of both lived and clinical knowledge in creating meaningful change. I am passionate about working alongside tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau, and I strive to bring a values-led, mana-enhancing approach to every aspect of my mahi. My focus is always on creating a space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to make their own decisions for better mental health. I live in Taupō with my whānau, where we enjoy the beauty of the mountains and lake. In my downtime, you’ll find me spending time outdoors, recharging, and reflecting on the world around me. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, Mauri ora!

Ko Kirsty louden tōku ingoa. Nō Scotland, nō Ireland, nō England ōku tīpuna. He tangata tiriti ahau. I grew up beside the beautiful moana of Te Whanagnui-a-Tara and it’s where I call home. I’m a Clinical Psychologist and Project Lead for Aoake te Rā, a national service supporting whānau who have been bereaved by suicide. I’ve worked in suicide prevention and postvention for over 20 years now, drawn in part into this mahi through losses within my own whānau. My mahi is grounded in hope, connection, and the belief that healing is strengthened and change happens when collective strengths and knowledge are woven together. I try to bring a values-led, relational approach to my mahi and feel very fortunate to work alongside so many across Aotearoa who are committed to this kaupapa. I’m a mum of three and enjoy time with whānau, hanging out by the sea, or reading a book on the couch.

Ko Hineiti Monika tōku ingoa, e mōhiotia ana au ko Nate. He uri ahau o Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa, me Tuwharetoa hoki. E noho ana au i Turanga-nui-a-Kiwa. I’m a registered social worker with a background in community social work and suicide prevention and postvention. At Te Aho, I share my time between the Community Postvention Response Service and Aoake te Rā. I’m also a member of Ngā Pou Ārahi. Across these roles, I walk alongside those supporting whānau and help encourage community-led, culturally grounded responses. Lived experience sits at the heart of how I work. I believe healing can be collective — and when we keep whānau who matter most at the forefront, we’re always moving in the right direction for suicide prevention. People might describe me as an advocate, but I like to think I’m just someone who cares enough to show up, speak up, and stand alongside others when it counts. I’m a boy mum, part of a big whānau, and surrounded by a tight-knit circle of friends here in Gizzy – the first place to see the sun. Outside of mahi, you’ll usually find me tuning into a good podcast or at a whānau event.

Ko Sarah Morrison tōku ingoa. Ko Kapuni te Awa. Ko Ngati Ruanui me te Ngāruahine ngā iwi. No Te Hāwera ahau. Ko Te Whanganui-a-Tara taku kainga. I’m the Service Administrator for Te Aho, the friendly face helping onboard providers and supporting our team from my home in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara. I am passionate about streamlining processes, data integrity and providing a professional and accessible service. Being Takatāpui and neurodiverse, I understand the importance of representation and accessibility. I love working behind the scenes to support the mahi of this organisation to achieve an Aotearoa without suicide. I am an enthusiastic patron of the Wellington Performing Arts scene, particularly if it involves feather boas and lip syncing. I enjoy embarrassing my friends and partner with overly sincere karaoke performances, and sampling the best food offerings in my travels. I also make most of my clothes (Spotlight hates to see me coming!)