Michael has an Honors degree in Psychology and remains active in lecturing to groups such as the NZ Army Medics, doctors, nurses, counsellors, businesses, schools, and community groups. His first book was placed in every custody suite by the New Zealand Police. 

His love of travel and interest in people from all cultures has seen Michael travel to 39 countries, so far. He is married and has two sons.

Dr Marie Filion, MS, MPhil, Ph.D., is a Metis Canadian who has made New Zealand her home. She has worked hard to establish whanaungatanga by internalising our culture and our people. Marie has worked with a diverse population, including sexual abuse survivors, sexualised behaviors, severe abuse and trauma, ADHD, ADD, LD, anxiety, and depression. She is known for out-of-the-box thinking and an 'energiser bunny' attitude to life.

Karon's career has taken her from business ownership to corporate appointments. Over recent years she has pursued management and philanthropy appointments in the NFP sector. Her background and skillset revolve around client and stakeholder relations, strategic planning, team building, budgets, events and fundraising. Her focus is on elevating an organisations profile in the community and the delivery of service excellence in all aspects of a role.

Karon has two adult children and is learning to paint portraiture from her assiduous fine arts partner.

Simon has significant experience in neuro-psychiatry, including the mental and behavioral disorders of people with epilepsy, acquired brain injuries, learning (intellectual) disability, autistic spectrum disorder, neurological disorders, and deaf mental health issues. He was employed by the Taranaki DHB as a psychiatrist before joining Frontiers of Hope. Prior to this Simon has 30 years experience as a psychiatrist, in England.

Dr Simons C.V.>>

Check back later for Johns image and bio 

Sarah is a third year student of psychology at the University of Canterbury. She is extremely passionate about all aspects of mental health.

With personal experience in the child and youth mental health system, Sarah has seen the gaps in this area and wants to make a difference, she is set to make a change for the sector in the future. 

In her spare time she plays handball and spends lots of time being active. Sarah also listens to music, has written published and sold her first book as a guide to a mental health journey and is hoping to move into clinical psychology as her career progresses.

Check back later for Jasmyne's image and bio 

Megan’s vision for counselling is to offer a safe and nurturing place for clients to work their way through life’s challenges. She is passionate about seeing people understand themselves, use their strengths, and find ways to approach difficulties in life - so they can be their best. Megan uses a person-centred approach and has experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship stress, life transitions and grief. In her spare time she enjoys sports, spending time with family, walking the dog and making Pavlova.

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