About Us

Kia ora! I’m Kim, a Clinical Specialist at EaseUp. Originally from Christchurch, I’ve called Auckland home for most of my life. I’m an occupational therapist specialising in child and adolescent mental health, with experience across a number of different mental health settings. I’ve also worked in tertiary education as a fieldwork lecturer and research fellow. Most recently, I worked as a quality coordinator for multiple teams within a large mental health service.

I’m passionate about improving access to mental health services for rangatahi and truly believe that EaseUp is making a positive impact in this area. I love supporting our kaimahi in their work with rangatahi, engaging with stakeholders, and helping to launch innovative projects.

When I’m not at work, you can find me binge-watching Netflix, reading, baking, or spending time with my husband and two teenage daughters.

Kia ora! I started working with EaseUp three years ago and have loved every moment. I grew up on the Hibiscus Coast and struggled with addiction to substances for 28 years. It wasn't until I met somebody who shared the same experiences as me that I found recovery. This is why I value Lived Experience. I worked in the AODTC for Odyssey as a Peer and then moved to EaseUp. Emerge Aotearoa supported me to study and I qualified as a clinician in 2021. I am now the Service Manager for our North Shore service. I live on the North Shore with my Partner and three Kids. I love fishing and travelling. I believe in holding the hope for our rangatahi until they find it for themselves.

Kia ora, I'm Zara - I'm South African but I have lived in Aotearoa for 20 years. I like to roller skate and crochet in my spare time! I've got a lovely rescue cat named Juniper and a little bunny named Millie. I have a Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, and I'm working as a Peer Support Specialist. Being able to use my lived experience and mental health journey to connect with tangata whaiora has been inspiring for me. It's my goal to create a positive, safe, and non-judgmental space for tangata whaiora to truly be and accept themselves.

Kia ora, I'm Lesley and I live in the beautiful Waitakere Ranges with my family, two dogs and two guinea pigs.  I have worked in the mental health and addictions sector for more than 20 years and love supporting young people to achieve their goals to live their best life.  When I'm not at work I love traveling, reading, being creative and taking my dogs to the beach.

Kia ora! I'm Meg, a clinical specialist at Ease Up. I have a nursing background, working as a hospital nurse in ED and a high school nurse. I was born in the USA, and have lived in the England and Scotland, but Aotearoa is home for me. Being in nature is my happy place and it brings me peace. I love swimming in the ocean, bare foot walks, and climbing trees. I love anime!!! I also love listening to music and playing guitar. I'm here to hold hope for you during times where you're struggling to hold it yourself. I'm super keen to help strengthen aroha and trust within yourself and teach you how to alleviate the struggles and the weight you may be carrying.

Kia Ora, I'm Matt a Youth peer support worker at EaseUp north shore Auckland.

I'm Kiwi as originally from the country and grew up out the back of Pukekohe, I used to do bull riding, rugby, Judo and hocky.

I have lived experience with addiction and am very active in the recovery scene helping and encouraging others that there is hope just one day at a time.

I love the work we do nurturing and empowering youth.

I love getting out on the weekends and going on motorbike rides and having sober fun.

Kia ora, I’m Nicky! I grew up just north of Auckland, semi-rural. I love being outdoors whether it is spending time in nature or going to the beach. I also love yoga, running and painting. I moved to Auckland when I finished high school to go to university and have stayed here ever since. I have a Master’s degree in Behavioural Psychology and postgraduate certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies. I’ve spent many years now working with a wide range of young people in the disability, mental health and addiction field. I really enjoy my current job as a Mental Health and Addictions Clinician at EaseUp because I get to connect with young people, get out in the community and continue to learn more about mental health and wellbeing.

I was raised and still reside in the North Shore of Auckland.

I have joined the EaseUp team this year after completing my social work degree at Unitec Waitakere. I am passionate about working with young people and walking alongside them as they navigate the complexities of life and grow from these experiences.

I understand what it's like to live with the challenges of addiction and mental health as a young man. These experiences throughout my teen years provided me with many learning opportunities and has equipped me with invaluable skills that I hope to share with the young people I work with.

In my free time I love to see my friends, play guitar, eat at restaurants, relax and recover through sauna and swimming. I love going to the gym and going on bushwalks with my partner, but nothing can really beat just chilling out at home.

I am here to support people through their journey in whatever way I can.

I'm a non binary person in a same sex relationship, and I didn't come out until I was in my 30s. Coming out and staying out is hard, and having someone to talk to who has been there and done that can really help.
I started life in Tokoroa, became a science teacher and a parent, and then started my own business selling skulls and skeletons.
My partner and I also foster kittens for the local cat rescue organisation (called PAWS), so our house is almost always full of kittens. 🐱
I'm the Service Manager for EaseUp, as well as doing Peer Support work.