Our team of counsellors and mental health advisors

Harriet Sims

Senior Manager Counselling and Mental Health – City Campus

Kia ora tātou! Ko Harriet Sims tōku ingoa. I grew up around central Tāmaki Makaurau, and while I love to travel and have lived overseas, I always end up returning.

I completed my nursing training at AUT in 2014, and I have continued to engage in postgraduate study with AUT over the past few years. I'm really excited to have joined AUT now as a staff member to support students in their education journey.

For more than 10 years, I have worked in and around the mental health sector, as a nurse and as a support worker. As a nurse, I have developed a special interest in therapy and have become more specialised over the past few years. In particular I am passionate about working with the rainbow and disability communities.

I am privileged to now be in a position to lead and support this team to provide a great service to the students of AUT.

Ann Marie Pike

Counsellor – City Campus

My family and I immigrated from Minnesota, USA in 2005 and until 2022, I've been based in Kapiti/Wellington, with our second home now in Tāmaki Makaurau.

On my career path, I've had variable and creative interests like many AUT students. I completed my bachelor's degree in psychology and broadcast journalism in the USA. I worked in television, education and corporate environments in Minnesota. However, once in Aotearoa, while raising our three children, psychology called me back. I furthered my studies with a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health with a speciality in diagnostics and research from Otago University. I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Family Therapy and am a clinical supervisor for student therapists and professionals in practice.

Before coming to AUT, I worked with NGOs and in private practice for more than 18 years in NZ, with specific interests in child, adolescent and family therapies. As an immigrant, I relate with our international student base in those transitional and adjustment needs. I'm a specialist in neurodiversity and am passionate about supporting people through their mental health wellness journeys through person-centred modalities, using blending tools of psychoeducation, creative therapies, developmental frameworks and supportive, solution-focused conversations.

I offer warmth, heart and humour within a safe, holistic, nurturing therapeutic space.

Amritha Zachariah

Counsellor – City Campus

Tēnā koe! My name is Amritha, and I’m from Southern India. I've been fortunate to live in different parts of India and across the world. For the past four years, I’ve called the beautiful city of Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, home.

I hold a bachelor's degree with a triple major in Psychology, Sociology and English Literature, as well as a master’s in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care. I am a Registered Counsellor (PMNZAC). I have about 6 years of experience in the field and prior to working at AUT, I worked at HELP Auckland.

As a woman of colour and migrant, I understand the challenges of navigating spaces which are unfamiliar and where you might not feel seen or understood. And having personally experienced both the joys and challenges of student life, I aim to offer a supportive, empathetic space where you can bring your full self.

My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, culturally responsive and trauma-informed. It is grounded in the frameworks of social justice and intersectionality. I'm all about creating a space where we can honour your unique identity and experiences, and collaborate to explore the impact of systems that try to box us in.

April Etuata

Va Pasifika Arataki – City, North & South Campus

Fakaalofa lahi atu, my name is April. I was proudly born and raised in Grey Lynn, Auckland. I am a descendant of Fineone Hakupu Atua, Niue Island. My cultural heritage, family, faith, connections and knowledge are very much a part of my wellbeing.

If you are reading this, congratulations, you are possibly one of 7 people – my family being the other 6.

Enjoy your time learning here; it is your right, and it aids your personal development. My one pro tip is: wear your regalia as long as possible – it’s not cheap; show everyone that you made it – and persistence really does pay off.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Have courage and be kind (yes, it’s from Cinderella; remember the importance of referencing material), but especially to yourself.

Cristiane Heale

Counsellor – City Campus

Kia ora and hello! My name is Cristiane. Born in Brazil and raised in Aotearoa, I’ve called New Zealand home from a young age. My passion for mental health began early, inspired by a deep desire to walk alongside people in their most challenging moments. Over the years, I've worked in pastoral care, eventually training as a counsellor to formalise my commitment to mental health.

I bring diverse experience, having worked across secondary and tertiary education, private practice and workplace counselling. Each of these environments has deepened my understanding of the unique mental health challenges people face at different stages of life. Supporting people through their toughest times is not just a career for me - it’s a calling that I find deeply rewarding.

I'm particularly excited to work with students, offering a safe, warm and non-judgmental space where they can explore their thoughts and emotions. My approach is centred on creating an environment of trust and empathy where students feel heard and understood. Whether you're struggling with academic pressures, personal challenges or anything in between, I’m here to support you on your journey. Together, we’ll work to develop strategies that foster resilience, growth and wellbeing.

Calvin Wang

Mental Health Advisor - City and North Campus

Kia ora, hello and Nihao, my name is Calvin. I was born and grew up in China. I came to New Zealand 17 years ago. I studied the Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) at AUT. Since I graduated in 2008, I've worked in various type of mental health services/settings which includes non-governmental organisations and the district health board.

I'm passionate about mental health support and students' wellbeing. I was an ex-international student at AUT. I deeply understood and valued that mental health issues and other stressors could potentially impact not only on students' academic performance but also their health and wellbeing.

I value a client-first, relationship-centred, and non-judgemental approach in the education sector. I also use a strength-based approach.

I'm trained in areas of intervention such as anxiety/stress/mood management skills/strategy, problem-solving, behavioural exercises, cognitive behaviour therapy, solution focused therapy. I have heart to support your health and wellbeing, alongside your study journey at AUT.

Hendon Stephens

Counsellor for Māori - City, North and South Campus

Tena koutou katoa e te whānau
Ko Taumatamahoe toku Maunga
Ko Tinana te waka
Ko Te Ngonge te wai
Ko Te Tahāwai te Hapu
Ko Te Rarawa Te Iwi
No Pukepoto raua ko Rangi Point ahau
Ko Hendon Stephens taku ingoa.

My name is Hendon Stephens, the first Māori, and first male graduate of AUT’s counselling programme. I have a background in the addictions sector, working alongside addicts in recovery with varying degrees of mental health concerns. My experiences have enabled me to work in the community, with youth and within our prison systems using methods from a narrative, cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused, motivational interviewing and strength-based practices.

My practice is a delicate blend of westernised and indigenous principles that represent my way of being and place in Te Ao Māori and Pakeha realms. This connects me to my spiritual roots, which has provided me guidance throughout my counselling practice and personal journey.

“Mā te wairua tātou e kawe, koia rā taku mahi, kia mauritau te ākonga kia rere ki ngā taumata.” “My role is about healing from within, assisting tauira (students) to find their wings so that they can fly.”

Ivy Xia

Mental Health Advisor - North Campus

Kia ora, hello,  你好 !

Ko Lanshan te maunga

Ko Yellow River te awa

Nō Lanzhou ahau

Ko Ivy Xia tōku ingoa

My name is Ivy Xia, and I'm a registered social worker with a passion for empowering people to live fulfilling lives. Though originally from China, my sense of curiosity and adventure led me to call New Zealand home after completing my master's degree in applied social work at Massey University.

Throughout my career, I've been privileged to walk alongside individuals as they navigate life's challenges and discover their inner strength. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in counselling and crisis intervention, I've supported people through issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship challenges, and questions around sexuality and gender identity.

My approach is warm, non-judgemental, and tailored to your unique needs. I strive to create a safe, supportive space founded on genuine care and respect. Drawing from modalities like DBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and CBT, I'll collaborate with you to nurture self-awareness, develop coping strategies and cultivate the resilience to thrive.

Having been an international student myself, I have a deep understanding of the complexities and stressors students often face. I'm committed to helping you care for your wellbeing amidst the demanding journey of personal and academic growth.

I look forward to joining you on your path of exploration, healing, and empowerment. You have immense strength within you, and I'll be honoured to provide support along the way as you discover and nurture it.

Jessie Mathews

Mental Health Advisor - City Campus

Kia ora koutou!

My name is Jessie Mathews, born and raised here in Tāmaki Makaurau. I am a registered occupational therapist and completed my Bachelor of Health Science [Occupational Therapy] and Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions here at AUT. It is a privilege to be back at AUT, now in a role where I am able to support students on their journey through study and life.

Before joining the team at AUT, I was working in the public mental health sector – in an adult community mental health team and in an early intervention team supporting adolescents, young adults, and families. I'm experienced in working with low mood, anxiety, stress, addiction, psychosis, relationship difficulties, identity questioning and more.

I'm passionate about supporting students' mental well-being through a holistic and person-centred approach. My background in occupational therapy informs my work, allowing me to focus on practical strategies and interventions that enhance students' ability to manage mental health challenges while engaging in study and life outside of study. I draw on a range of different therapy models (e.g. CBT, DBT, ACT) to guide my practice.

I endeavour to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive therapeutic space to work collaboratively with students, helping them navigate their university experience with resilience.

Mark Evans

Mental Health Advisor - City and North Campus

Hello, I have been a mental health advisor at AUT since 2020 after I completed my postgraduate training in counselling psychology (also at AUT).

Prior to joining AUT, I worked for almost 15 years in mental health, including as a graduate psychologist for the UK’s National Health Service and then as a dual diagnosis clinician for the Community Alcohol and other Drug Service (CADS) in New Zealand.

I have a particular interest in primary care mental health and improving access to psychological therapy (IAPT).

I strive to empower clients experiencing typical and atypical problems of living to enhance personal, social, educational and vocational functioning.

My practice is informed by a variety of scientific and phenomenological models, including cognitive behavioural therapy and solution focused therapy.

Morgan Daw

Mental Health Advisor - City Campus

Tēnā koe! Ko Morgan Daw tōku ingoa. Hello, my name is Morgan Daw and I have spent much of my life living in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, after immigrating from the United Kingdom in 2004; I consider myself a Kiwi and feel Aotearoa is my home. I'm a registered social worker and studied social work for four years at Massey University alongside studying at AUT for my Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions. After five years of being a full-time university student alongside working where I could, I feel as though I have a solid understanding of the complexities of student-life and the difficult challenges that come alongside it, both academically and the potential impact on the wellbeing of ourselves.

Before I started here at AUT, I worked in the field of acute child and adolescent mental health for almost five years, both in the non-government sector and for a district health board. I feel as though I have a range of experience in the therapeutic environment, I love working from a systemic and psychotherapeutic approach to anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship challenges, struggles with identity and the difficulties humans experience with gender identity, sexuality and anything LGBTQIA+.

I strive to make the therapeutic space safe and warm by getting to know who you are first and foremost, alongside working transparently with you to reach goals in therapy. I also endeavour to de-colonise the work we do by researching and continuing to educate myself on culture, language and learning indigenous models of practice to assure you are respected and feel empowered.

Sarah Zimmerman

Mental Health Advisor – North Campus

Tēnā koe, ko Sarah Zimmerman ahau. I’m an Aucklander (currently living in the deep West), although I’ve also lived in Christchurch and Wellington, the UK and briefly in Spain. I identify as Tangata Tiriti, which is reflected in my work and life.

I retrained in counselling in 2017-2018, and since then I’ve worked in addictions services, hospice, and with students in tertiary education, as well as privately.
Whatever the context, I support people to untangle what is causing distress or pain; to get still and listen in for what’s truly going on, before we map a way forward together.
I supplement my person-centred counselling training with elements from CBT, ACT, internal parts work, motivational interviewing skills, trauma-informed practice and other modalities as necessary. Whatever you are going through, I know you can come out the other side.
I offer particular awareness and respect around supporting people through religious harm, spiritual questioning, and the intersection of spirituality/faith-based upbringing and sexuality.

Siew Lee Kua

Counsellor - City and North Campus

Kia ora koutou, I'm Siew Lee. I'm a counsellor packed with life and professional skills as evidenced by my work and other life experience.

I thoroughly enjoy nurturing relationships with students and supporting them in their personal development, helping them promote healthy, positive emotional and mental wellbeing, self-confidence and resilience. I'm passionate to reflect the values that AUT espouses – tika, pono me aroha. I uphold these values with integrity, respect and compassion dear to my heart, and have always served my students with integrity and especially deep care.

My ability as a multilingual speaker helps to reduce social barriers and to understand the complexities that students often experience beyond just the language barriers and academic challenges.

I value lifelong learning especially in the field of arts therapy. My Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Therapy at Whitecliffe has enabled me to be artistically expressive and creative. It strengthened my interpersonal skills to be more open-minded, broad-minded, and respectful of others’ personal values.

Zoe Bourke

Mental Health Advisor - City Campus

Tēnā koutou!

Kō Zoe Bourke tāku ingoa. Ko Ngāti Ranginui/Ngāti Pikiao/Ngāti Pākehā te iwi.

I was born in Central Auckland, and after spending 18 years moving around the South Island, I returned to Auckland 10 years ago, and consider Tāmaki Makaurau to be my home.

I am a registered social worker and completed my social work studies through Unitec in 2019. Since then, I have completed Postgraduate studies in Mental Health and Addictions through AUT, and in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through Otago University.

I have spent the last five years working for Te Whatu Ora in secondary mental health services. Throughout this time, I worked in an adult community team as a key worker, in primary care liaison, and in a crisis team. I have completed additional training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) via Behavioural Tech, and have experience delivering full-programme DBT, including providing individual sessions, and facilitating skills groups. DBT is something that I am very passionate about, particularly the intersection between DBT skills and Mātauranga Māori.

I integrate principles of CBT, DBT, sensory modulation and mindfulness into my work, as well as considering the wider systems and communities that we all exist within. I like to take a holistic approach to my mahi, weaving in elements of Te Whare Tapa Wha, and acknowledging that our taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing) is not separate to our social, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

I believe that experiencing disruptions to our mental wellbeing is such a truly human experience, and I appreciate the fact that mental health difficulties can impact anyone at any time in their lives. I have always been drawn to therapeutic work, and love working alongside people to support their wellbeing to flourish, and to awhi them through the journey. Seeking support for your wellbeing can be really scary, but there is so much strength in vulnerability. I look forward to meeting with you and together creating a safe and non-judgemental space to discuss your experiences. Mehemea he raruraru kei a koe, me wewete e koe - if you have troubles, free yourself.

Peter Shimwell

Director Student Health and Counselling - City Campus

Kia ora koutou, I’m Peter. I have the privilege of leading the Student Counselling and Mental Health team here at AUT.

Originally from the UK, I have lived and worked in Aotearoa since 2014 where I have helped develop community health services for children (tamariki), young people (rangatahi) and families (whānau), working with some of the most vulnerable people and groups in NZ.

With a background in youth mental health, education, and community development, my role is to ensure my team is equipped to deliver the very best service to our student community, particularly at times when students might be feeling stressed or overwhelmed in their journey through their studies.

I'm passionate about wellbeing, health and personal development, and I will ensure we work hard as a team to be here to support you when you need us, working closely with colleagues in our academic departments, student support services and external community agencies. We look forward to seeing you across our three campuses; keep well and keep safe.