Our Staff

Our Employed Staff

Chief Executive/Lead Peer Support Worker - Richard Jeffrey

Richard has a long history working with male survivors, having been one of the founding trustees of New Zealand’s first peer support service for male survivors of sexual abuse in the early 1990s.

He joined the Wellington group in 2014, first as a client, then as a Board member, and he has been employed by the Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata since 2015.

As a survivor of abuse, Richard is passionate about supporting other men to work through the challenges that often accompany abuse.

Richard is a firm believer in the power of peer support, and is dedicated to developing the peer support model.

Richard grew up all over New Zealand, travelling with his family as his father worked at Country Schools. He has worked in a number of successful community organisations, as well as corporate roles in IT and project management. Richard has extensive governance experience, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2018.

Rob McGregor - Peer Support Worker/Counsellor

After two and half decades working my own para-medical clinic managing complex injuries to the lower limb I lost that career due to personal injury.

It meant a few years walking a personal wilderness trying to figure out what life was, and also gave me time to process some abuse events I experienced as a child and young person.

Did that really happen? What do I call that? What does the Law call that? And the questions went on and on...

Now I have names for all that stuff and the accurate interpretations. Now I know how to park those ideas and experiences, and it has freed me enormously to engage in life in a much more meaningful manner.

I first linked up with Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata in August 2017, and in May 2018 joined the staff as a Peer Support worker. My previous counselling and peer support work had all been as a volunteer.

I worked with refugees from Vietnam (1988), a short period with St Stephan's Society in Hong Kong working with drug addicts (1988), community-based counselling and counsellor training with Elijah House (2007-2010), and co-facilitated training programmes with Jubilee Resources nationally and in the Caribbean (2010-2015). I am currently formalising my counselling experience into a Bachelor of Counselling degree.

Most of my work is with men, and my interests are in counselling and managing trauma, abuse, suicide and grief. I have worked with couples, one-to-one and group-oriented peer support work.

I have my own counselling practice - Resolve Counselling.

Justin Meade - Anxiety Counsellor, Relationship and Communication Manager

Hi, I'm Justin. I work with our clients who are having particular issues around anxiety. I also manage Mosaic's relationship, communication, website and volunteer functions.

I work really closely with Richard our chief executive on Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata's strategy and direction, and am passionate about everything Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata does. It's my privilege to serve in this new way.

I run a website and consulting business - Cheeky Upstart. With Cheeky Upstart I work with a number of charities, not-for-profit organisations and social service

providers nationwide that work in the area of sexual abuse recovery and personal transformation. I also run a coaching service called Anxiety Sorted and am a certified SMART Recovery facilitator.

Jared Renata - Field Worker

After coming to terms with some life problems i.e. mental health, Addictions, suicidal attempts and the abuse growing up and sorting the help that I needed, I decided to go back to school to sit health care assistant support work.

In the last few weeks of studying, I ran into Richard at one of the local agencies here.

After a few messages and calls, I got offered the chance to become a field worker for Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata doing what I love doing, supporting others.

Lucas Jones - Youth Worker & Rainbow Liaison

Lucas has been involved with various youth support services all over New Zealand since 2012. Having most recently worked alongside the team at Kapiti Youth Support as one of their youth support and facilitators for their LGBT support service 'Project Youth'.

Lucas first became involved with Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata in 2016. After taking a wee break to study, Lucas has since stepped into the role of Rainbow Liaison and Youth Support Worker.

Lucas is also currently studying towards a Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Music.

He hopes to further this into Music Psychology and hopes to integrate this into his work with social and support services.

Our Pro-Bono Counsellors

Katie Lane - Counsellor

Kia ora. I’m Katie. I have been working with body centred therapies using embedded counselling skills for over 10 years. I’m currently completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and plan to go on to the Masters of Counselling programme.

Passionate about the role of the body in the process of healing, I am also currently training in Somatic Experiencing, a body based approach to working with trauma.

I am a long time yoga teacher specialising in yoga therapy. While initially my work centred around physical rehabilitation and working with those many years of earthquakes, my therapy work became much

more focused on mental health - helping those challenged by and working through anxiety, depression, PTSD, and complex trauma. In the past, I’ve worked with ACC Sensitive Claims and in liaison with psychologists to offer trauma sensitive yoga for sexual abuse survivors.

I am inspired by Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata’s vision and the incredibly important work that they do to support abuse survivors in the recovery process and men’s mental/emotional health full stop.

Gareth Minke - Counsellor

Tena koe

Through my work and experience I'm highly motivated to empowering and helping people by working together to achieve the best possible outcomes.

I have received my Provisional Membership with New Zealand Association of Counselling after graduating with a Bachelor of Counselling, with previous study in Psychology and Biology.

I joined MOSAIC due to the passion behind their goals, vision, and the people they work with.

In my own background, I have worked with a vast array of people from all walks of life with my experience working for Rimutaka Prison, WINZ, Te Roopu Awhina, Laura Fergusson Trust, Enliven rest homes, and Barnardos.

The main counselling approaches I centre on are Person-Centred Therapy and Narrative Therapy, while I also incorporate Te Whare Tapa Wha, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Fonafale, Solution-Focused Therapy, Grief and Loss, Group Counselling, Therapeutic Community, and Art and Music Therapy.

Outside of work I'm passionate about music, art, social justice, and making the world a better place!

Nga mihi.

Fiona Ryland - Counsellor

My name is Fiona Ryland I am a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZCA).

I have been a counsellor for 6 years now since graduation.

I spent 11 months working in Rimutaka Prison and 5 years in working at Te Roopu Awhina ki Porirua Trust (TRA).

I am passionate about walking alongside people helping them discover themselves in the difficult times they go through, and I'm delighted to be a part of the counselling team at Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata.

Our Other Amazing, Passionate Volunteers

Liv King - Social Media Manager

Hello! My name is Olivia and I am a recent graduate of the University of Otago with a BA in Psychology. I have a huge passion for community work; particularly when it comes to organisations focused on mental health.

Being a 21-year-old I’m no stranger to social media and have developed a passion for using it for good. This has most recently come in the form of volunteering to help charities boost up their social media profiles and content!

I also love writing and try and incorporate my writing skills into any roles I take on.

I hope to continue working in social media and content development for more amazing charities and companies!

Ali Pickering - E-Newsletter Writer

Hello! I’m Ali.

A design and anthropology student, I am truly passionate about cultivating positive experiences in the world around me. Creativity, sustainability and community are at the core of how I wish to achieve this.

I wanted to be a part of Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata so that I could use my time to give back in a way that is meaningful to others. This organisation is vital for giving support to our community, and those among us who are struggling with trauma and mental health.

I am thankful to be able to join the team at Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata in creating a difference in the lives of people all around us.

Saskia Ymker - Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

Hi everyone, I’m Saskia. Caring about people’s health and well-being has always been really important to me.

I am currently working towards a Master of Science looking at the interplay between our genetics and our environment and how that affects our neurobiology.

I look forward to doing what I can to help out at Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata as I know the work they do is so essential.

Kia kaha.

Hannah Strawbridge - Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

Hey, I’m Hannah.

I am currently completing my BSc/BA majoring in Psychology and Criminology.

I’ll be mainly involved in outreach with Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata, but also peer support.

My interest in Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata stems from my passion about doing my best to help others and listening when needed, which is why I think MOSAIC is the best place for me!

I hope that once I have completed uni to be able to work as a rehabilitation officer within prisons, or in an environment where I can really help people!

Ged Alloway - Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

I recently completed my undergraduate in Law and am now pursuing postgraduate studies in psychology.

I have always wanted to work in a field where you can use your experience and skills to make people's lives better. In the future I hope to work in counselling or as a registered psychologist.

I decided to work with Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata because men are at risk of mental health issues for so many different reasons. I want to do whatever I can to assist in this relatively overlooked area where so many good people struggle!

Rayna Blood - Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

Kia Ora,

After four years of youth work, I recently made the decision to dive back into study with the aim of heading towards clinical psychology (fingers crossed) and research into the generational effect of trauma with a core focus on Māori and Pasifika.

Like anything I do, this decision stems from my passion for mental health, helping empower others to thrive in life.

Although I am new to the team here, as of March 2019, I knew from the moment I stumbled across Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata, their kaupapa was one I hugely resonated with.

Through my work and personal social circle, I have supported a number of teenagers, friends, and family who all were/are at varying stages of their recovery journey. In particular, empowering male survivors and seeing change in how their stories are handled is something dear to me because of the additional societal and social hurdles they can face in their journey.

It really is my privilege to work alongside the team here and the community we support.

Chris Kelly - Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

Hey, I’m Chris! A recent(ish) psychology graduate, I am passionate about mental health and helping others. I have always been interested in mental health and mental health education.

I believe developing men’s understanding of mental health and emotions is central to dealing with and overcoming psychological issues that we face as men.

I am hoping to return to postgraduate studies in clinical or educational psychology in the next few years but for now am involved in several community organisations.

The work being done here at Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata with male trauma and mental health is incredibly important and I am really excited to be part of this amazing organisation!

Annalise Wynn - Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

Hello! I’m Annalise and I am currently in the Forensic Psychology Masters programme. I recently completed my undergraduate in Psychology and Political Science.

I was drawn to Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata because of its special and essential role providing support for male survivors. This is so important given the difficulties men often face in seeking help, through no fault of their own.

I love working with people and hearing them bravely share their stories. I look forward to helping and supporting in whatever way I can!

Sophia Chapman - Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

I’ve wanted to be a clinical psychologist since I was a teenager. So far, I have received my BA in Psychology and Religious Studies, and my BSc Honours in Psychology (First Class).

I plan to return to study to complete a Master’s in Psychology, and then (hopefully) achieve entry into a clinical psychology training programme.
I am passionate about mental health and well-being.

I have struggled with mental illness throughout most of my life (as have many people close to me), and I am forever grateful to the mental health professionals, family, and friends who supported me through

the darkest times. Their support enabled me to find the strength I needed to become the person I am today.

I strive to do the same for others.

I have always provided support to the best of my ability, but wanted to be able to do more. This is what inspired me to study psychology: being able to connect with people who are struggling, and helping to make a meaningful, positive difference in their lives. This is also why I chose to work with Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata!

Cayla Taljaard - Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

Hey! I’m Cayla

I am in my second year of studying a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, and I’m working towards becoming a therapist one day.

I am extremely passionate about helping people cope and work through personal problems and adversities they may be facing.

I very much believe that by giving people a safe and comfortable environment in which they are able to share what there are dealing with, it can be extremely healing and therapeutic.

This drew me towards Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata, as one of their primary values is to help male survivors in their recovery process.

I will mainly be involved in student-based support-group facilitation.

Meg Nalla- Outreach & Campus Support Group Facilitation

My name is Meg. I am doing my Graduate Diploma in Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington.

I tend to find happiness in simplest things life has to offer and I believe helping someone in need is perfect way to brighten both my day and theirs.

Being a survivor of anxiety and depression changed my perspective of life and strengthened my empathy towards anyone going trough hard times. I hope to become a clinical psychologist and offer help and support to as many people as I can.

Jessica Cooper - Outreach & Promotions

I am currently in my fifth and final year of a LLB BA undergraduate degree majoring in Law and Criminology.

I am passionate about being involved in a service that not only provides help to survivors in a non-discriminatory and caring manner, but also actively seeks to eradicate incorrect stereotypical assumptions about sexual abuse. I believe Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata offers a very special yet extremely necessary service.

I will be predominantly involved in the outreach and promotions programme with Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata.

Jessica Howard-Bowring - Outreach & Promotions

Hi, I’m Jessica.

I am extremely passionate towards rehabilitation and helping Whanau find a voice. I am currently finishing a double BA majoring in Psychology and Criminology at Victoria University.

My passion towards helping people achieve happier lives is what drew me in to volunteering at Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata, and, I think an organisation dedicated to helping Men is very special, and necessary in our day and age. I’ll be mainly involved in outreach with Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata.

Crystal Lancaster - Crisis Support/Administration

Why: I have always been passionate about the importance of empathy and support no matter if it's a hill or a mountain.

Role: I make graphics and support working together.

Hobbies: Huge Harry Potter Nerd above all things. I like art, trees and Hermionie's Infinite Purse.

Career Goals: To be paid for my art that I make in my office/conservatory, but realistically, just to get paid in general.

Ailish Leydon-Lyons - Researcher & Writer for Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata

I’ve just finished my undergraduate degree in Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy and am currently doing a Certificate in Restorative Justice at Victoria University.

I am incredibly passionate about human rights and changing the social, political and systematic problems which works to oppress and silence people.

I have previously been on the executive for the Victoria University Just Speak group, a youth led organisation focused on criminal justice reform, and was heavily working on restoring prisoner voting rights.

I am currently the Women’s Officer for the VicLabour executive, the Victoria University branch of the Labour party, working to bring about effective progressive change.

Myself and a few others started Mute R. Kelly Wellington, the local branch of the Mute R. Kelly movement, aiming to completely mute artist R. Kelly who committed physical violence, rape, emotional abuse, cult-like practice, child porn, child marriage and pedophilia over decades to numerous young girls and women.

We contacted all local bars, clubs and radio station requesting them to not play any music by R. Kelly. I am also currently the comms person for the Thursdays in Black executive, a student led campaign to eliminate rape and sexual violence, in terms of fundraising, raising awareness, holding marches, enforcing that universities have effective sexual violence policies and giving survivors a platform to share their stories.

Our Contracted Graphic Designers

Esther McDowall - Graphic Designer

I’m currently in my last year at Massey University studying Graphic Design. It’s a privilege to be able to use my skills for organisations like Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata that are making a real difference in our country, and with our people.

Considering the amount of stigma in NZ around sexual abuse for males in particular, the work Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata is doing is not only necessary, it is invaluable.

I’ve grown up surrounded by mostly guys and males, so issues to do with them are never far from my mind or heart.

I hope to give the organisation a visual edge so to give the best possible opportunity for reaching people in need of help.

He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.

Luke Pickering - Graphic Designer

My name's Luke Pickering I'm a 4th-year student studying Design at Massey University.

I'm a tech enthusiast and love playing hockey on the weekends. What that all means is that I love to make things. I'm project oriented, the more ambitious the better, If its interesting and exciting I'll learn whatever skills necessary to get it done!

I'm passionate about mental health and so is Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata, together with the Newtown staff we are working to expand Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata's services and reduce the distress of New Zealanders.

Trung Truong - ICT Manager

I am currently conducting research in Computer Science at Victoria University of Wellington.

I joined Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata as an ICT manager in February 2018. My work includes reducing ICT costs by migrating the paid services into the free-for-charity Google GSuite, improving insights with Google Analytics and Google Data Studio.

I also focus on increasing the website reach through free Google Adwords, and making recommendations for computer configurations.

I am delighted to be part of the work that Mosaic-Tiaki Tangata has been doing and feel great to see more people become aware of its services.

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