Bright Side health coaches
Our health coaches provide support on a one-to-one basis for AUT students and use a preventative, holistic approach to physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you’re feeling stuck and need direction, suffering isolation, anxiety or stress, or want to better look after your physical and emotional health – we can help you achieve your health goals through personalised guidance and lifestyle changes.
Book a health coaching appointment
AUT students can book a free, accessible, one-on-one appointment either in person or online.
If you have an injury or medical condition that needs assessment, contact the Student Medical Centre. For professional counselling, contact the counselling and mental health support team. If you’re unsure about which service is right for you, reach out to the Student Hub.
How a health coach can help you
A health coach can help you with:
- Low energy levels or fatigue
- Sleep and nutrition
- Feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Anxiety and stress support
- Mood support, including overcoming negative thoughts and emotions
- Understanding your place in the world
- Navigating your life and your goals
Meet your Bright Side health coaches
Dr Dana Toogood
Our health coach Dr Dana Toogood is passionate about guiding people to find connection, purpose and meaning so they can begin to lead a healthy and balanced life. Grounded in her East African roots and international upbringing, Dana combines a spiritual element with an opportunity to explore cultural identity in her health coaching sessions. She takes a holistic, culturally appropriate and supportive approach to helping others reach their personal health goals, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Dana is professionally trained in a vast range of progressive and holistic mind/body healing therapies, which gives her a unique perspective to help others. She has run her own private practice in Melbourne for over 4 years, which contributes to more than a decade of professional experience. Her expertise and dedication extends to group settings, having conducted wellness workshops in New Zealand, Australia and Sudan.
Dana is physically based at AUT’s City and North Campuses and is available to South Campus students online.
Schedule a free health coaching appointment today.
Lama Saga
Lama Saga is dedicated to students’ wellbeing and helping them reach their full potential. He takes a holistic, culturally appropriate, and supportive approach to health goals.
Lama is of Samoan descent and has a deep connection with his Pasifika roots. He recently received the tatau (the traditional Samoan tattoo) as a symbol of this connection. Lama recently worked with Otara Health Charitable Trust helping families navigate their way to a healthy lifestyle. He is entrepreneurial, owning Alexander café and Empire Training Box in Otara. In 2022, his gym was crowned ‘Second Fittest Gym’ in New Zealand.
He has a BA in Sports with a major in Physical Education and has 15 years of experience in the public health sector.
Lama is based at AUT’s South Campus and is available to all students online.
Schedule a free health coaching appointment today.
Counselling and mental health support
Free professional services for students based in New Zealand.
Kete Kōrero
Led by our health coaches, Kete Kōrero is a safe and collaborative space on campus where students can discuss and explore self-care and personal development techniques that cultivate physical and mental well-being, peer support and connection among students.
My wellbeing
Being well has a significant and positive impact on your studies. We encourage you to take a holistic approach to your health and understand how your physical, mental, spiritual and social health form the cornerstones of your wellbeing.
Contact us
Want to find out more about how we can help you reach your potential?
Email the Bright Side team at:
brightside@aut.ac.nz