Our Team

• 

  Eva Berther-Lindmeier Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

  Learn More

  I was born in Germany, and have lived in NZ for the last 30 years. I spent most of my time living in the Bay of Islands and moved to Invercargill for my degree as a registered nurse. I came to the coast in 2016 and did postgrad study in mental health, working in community and inpatient MH services.

  I am currently working , over the last 18 months, as a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) in a primary care practice. I especially enjoy working in a primary health setting and living on the coast with all its beautiful people and nature.

• 

  Laurence Bell Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

  Learn More

  Originally from the UK I have been in NZ for over 20 years and 5 years on the West Coast. I am a registered nurse with qualifications in teaching, psychology, counselling, career development and community inclusion. I am a fully accredited Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP).

  In the UK I was a Senior Lecturer for the University of York and taught counselling and health psychology, and worked as a Senior Officer for Yorkshire Social Services where I managed Disability Inclusion Services. In NZ I have worked as a manager in Disability Services and as a consultant to the peer support MH services for Nelson’s Health Action Trust as well as contracting to the Quality and Audit team at the Ministry of Health. More recently I assessed Kaiawhina as Vocational Development Facilitator for the then WCDHB and now love working as a Health Improvement Practitioner for West Coast Health at Te Nīkau Integrated Health Centre.

  I am passionate about people, ride an old motorcycle, am a celebrant and with five children and I listen to as much live music as time allows.

• 

  Karla Skates Health Coach

  Learn More

  Kia Ora, I am a West Coaster who spent many years living in the UK and Palmerston North before moving home to Greymouth in 2019. I have a background in pre-hospital emergency care, health and acute community support, and I am the Health Coach at Te Nīkau Health Centre. I enjoy being outdoors and tramping is one of my favourite pastimes.

• 

  Rebecca Smith Health Coach

  Learn More

  I am a NZ Registered Nutritionist and Primary School Teacher. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Nutrition from the University of Otago in 2011.

  Over the last thirteen years, I have worked in various roles in the health space as well as designing and delivering programmes in schools to teach children how to prepare and cook delicious, nutritious food. that look after their health. I currently teach on the West Coast and work in a Primary Care Practice as a Health Coach.

  My mission is to support people to take the next step on their health journey so they can experience better quality of life and more joy. In my spare time you will find me at one of the local beaches or travelling to different parts of the World to surf as this is one of my biggest passions.

• 

  Moira Green Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

  Learn More

  Originally from Wales, I came to New Zealand at 4 years of age and have lived in Lower Hutt, Papamoa, Napier, Waiheke Island, Auckland, Queenstown, Invercargill, Christchurch, Whangarei and now just north of Westport. I have also lived in the USA, UK, Cook Islands and Australia.

  I graduated with a Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing from Hawke’s Bay Polytechnic in 1992 followed by a Post Graduate certificate in Health Sciences (Cancer Nursing) from Auckland University in 2013 and a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) in 2021 from Massey University.

  Prior to gaining my current position as a Health Improvement Practitioner, I spent a couple of years in Australia working short term contracts as a mental health nurse and continue to hold my Comprehensive Nursing registration. I love exploring new places and appreciate the beauty of this planet in its many different forms. 

• 

  Jeannine Colville Health Coach

  Learn More

  I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals on their journey towards improved health and wellbeing. With over 13 years of experience in mental health, addictions, and disability services. I am committed to assisting individuals in attaining their health and wellness objectives.

  I feel very privileged to work in a sector that aims to enhance the quality of life for communities. In my personal time, l find enjoyment in outdoor activities such as walking my canine companion, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in self-care practices.

• 

  Stephen Brassett Health Coach

  Learn More

  I have been living on the coast since 2017 and have been an active part of the Hokitika community, particularly through local theatre groups. I have a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise degree and am on track to complete a Master of Counselling degree at the end of 2024. While here, I've worked in roles developing youth and in supporting healthy lifestyles. As a health coach, I work alongside the clinical team to help you make the changes you choose to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

• 

  Anne Hines Health Promotion Coordinator

  Learn More

  I am a born and bred West Coaster. I come with an event management background. My strength lies in local knowledge with a vast number of contacts. I am passionate about helping people get their best outcome and making our community a healthy one.

  When I am not at work you will find me with a paint brush or pencil - dabbling with art, or out on our wonderful coastline.

• 

  Bronwyn Beavon NZ Registered Dietitian

  Learn More

  I grew up in Wellington and after high school moved to Dunedin to study dietetics through the University of Otago. After graduating in 2004, I started my career as a clinical dietitian for Capital & Coast DHB. Four years later we made the shift to Timaru where I gained experience in health promotion and private practice.

  For the last 5 years we have lived on the beautiful West Coast where I work at West Coast Health to support people to make simple, positive changes to improve their health and wellbeing. In my spare time I love to cook and share food with family & friends.

• 

  Alisa Duncan NZ Registered Dietitian

  Learn More

  I am from Nelson and work remotely as a dietitian doing phone appointments and supporting clients through Melon (our online nutrition program). I am a NZ Registered Dietitian and have over 20 years of experience in this field having worked in various clinical and primary health roles in both NZ and the UK.

  I love supporting clients to improve their relationship with food and help them manage nutrition related health challenges they may be facing.

• 

  Martin Greaney PASS Co-ordinator

  Learn More

  I’m proud to say I was born and raised in Greymouth. After spending 7 years studying and working in Christchurch, I then moved back to the Coast and opened my own fitness business from 2010-2022.

  My role at West Coast Health is a physical activity (tinana) advisor, helping people build healthy habits around exercise and movement. I like a good chat and regular exercise as they are great for both my mental and physical health.

• 

  Vaughan Warren Physical/Tinana Activity Advisor

  Learn More

  I am originally from Christchurch but now residing in Hokitika with stops in Nelson and Hamilton along the way. My qualifications include a level 3 and 4 certificate in fitness and my experience comes from having a background in personal training.

  My role here at West Coast Health is Physical/Tinana activity advisor. My passion lies in not only helping people get active but helping them find joy in exercise and create habits for life.

• 

  Amy Bruhn Smoke Free Services Coordinator

  Learn More

  I am from Greymouth, and although not born here, I have lived the majority of my life here. I am in my final year of my Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Health Promotion through Massey University.

  I am passionate about helping people, as well as working towards a healthier West Coast for my two children to be able to grow up and thrive in.

• 

  Erin Turley Breastfeeding Advocate

  Learn More

  Kia ora, I’m from the US originally but have raised my children (now teens) here on the Coast. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies, along with a diploma in Childbirth Education/Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Parenting.

  I’ve been in the Breastfeeding Advocate role since 2013 and am passionate about supporting mums and whānau in their breastfeeding journeys.

Clinical Team

• 

  Marie West Health Pathways Coordinator

  Learn More

  I am a proud West Coaster, returning to my birthplace Hokitika in the 1980’s after my Enrolled Nurse training in Ashburton (in 1978) and subsequent nursing role at Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

  I have continued to work in health throughout the years moving into administration/management roles. More recently I was a COVID vaccinator. Most recently returning as a Health Pathways Coordinator for Canterbury/West Coast, a role I previously held for 7 years.

• 

  Stephanie Blackman Clinical Quality Manager, NZ Registered Dietitian

  Learn More

  I am from a rural central Otago settlement called Becks. I graduated with a Post graduate diploma in Dietetics and degrees in Nutrition and Physical Education. I have worked as a research, public health/community, and clinical dietitian for different health providers in the South Island and Wellington throughout my career.

  I am currently working as the Clinical quality manager. I enjoy trying to live a self-sufficient lifestyle with my family, while enjoying the many outdoor adventures there are to be had on the West Coast.

• 

  Jennie Bell Nurse Practitioner

  Learn More

  My name is Jennie Bell (Tūhoe), I am originally from the lower North Island and I have lived on the West Coast since 2009. I am a Mātanga Tapuhi – Nurse Practitioner. I started as a Registered Nurse and completed a Masters of Nursing with a focus on rural nursing before completing another year of study to become a Nurse Practitioner.

  As a Nurse Practitioner I can provide health care which includes an assessment, prescribing medicines and making referrals or writing letters and certificates as needed. Within West Coast Health, I work with Poutini Waiora and the primary care practices on the West Coast to provide outreach clinics to rural areas.

  In my spare time I do strongman training, mountain biking and enjoy all the outdoors the West Coast has to offer.

• Dr Emma Boddington Clinical Director

  Learn More

  I grew up and qualified as a doctor in the UK. I came to the West Coast over 20 years ago to work at Grey Base hospital. I liked it so much I stayed. I have since qualified as a General practitioner. I have additional qualifications in Child Health, Obstetrics and gynaecology, Contraception and sexual health, and further studies in general practice.

  I still work part time as a GP, and I am employed by Otago Medical School as one of the Directors of Rural Medical Immersion Programme which trains medical students in rural places throughout Aotearoa. My research interest is rural medical education. I am Clinical Director of West Coast Health.

• 

  Jade Breeze Diabetes Project Specialist

  Learn More

  I grew up in Oamaru, however after living on the West Coast for a decade am proud to call the West Coast home. I am a NZ Registered Nutritionist and have a Master of Health Science (Human Nutrition) (2019) and Bachelor of Sport and Leisure Studies (2013).

  I have experience working in Nutrition Health Promotion, research and project-based work in the food security/sovereignty space and have recently stepped into Diabetes Project Specialist here at West Coast Health. I believe there is no one size fits all approach and am very passionate about supporting clinicians in their practice and members of our community to live their best lives. All people deserve an individualised approach to managing their diabetes and I am excited for my role in supporting this to occur.

  Outside of work, I have a young family and we love tending to our vegetable garden, getting out on the bikes and tramping. 

• Elise Perkins Clinical Quality Coordinator

  Learn More

  I am a Registered Nurse who has lived and worked here, on the West Coast since 2022. I am originally from the USA, where I worked as a nurse for 10 years before coming to New Zealand to live and work. I have worked in many different capacities from Primary Care to Hospital to Research and Teaching to Emergency and Global Health.

  I currently work as the Clinical Quality Coordinator at West Coast Health. I am passionate about health equity and providing high quality care to help people live their best lives. 

  In my spare time, I love tramping, biking, packrafting, and spending time with my partner and chickens.

• 

  Ginny Brailsford Equity Pharmacist

  Learn More

  I’ve worked in most areas of primary healthcare, performing multidisciplinary, patient-facing, management and system-level roles. I believe strongly in lifelong learning, and I strive for a growth mindset. You can expect me to ask challenging questions and seek to understand differing perspectives. I’m thrilled to be working alongside Tayla Cadigan again. As Equity Pharmacists, we support the system at all levels, addressing gaps and barriers to appropriate medicines use and making it easy to do the ‘right thing’. 

  I live on a lifestyle property in Hokitika with my husband and 2 small, brown, noisy dachshunds. When I am not working, I can be found in the garden, walking nearby trails or at the beach – anywhere I can be outdoors amongst the spectacular natural beauty that is Te Tai o Poutini.

• 

  Tayla Cadigan Equity Pharmacist

  Learn More

  Kia ora, I’m Tayla and I whakapapa to Ngāi Tahu - Makaawhio (Bruce Bay, South Westland). I was born and raised in Hokitika and attended the University of Otago for tertiary education before returning home in 2019. I have completed a National Certificate in Whānau Ora and after four years of postgraduate pharmacy study, I am now undertaking the final stages of a Master of Clinical Pharmacy, which has a strong focus on equity for rural Indigenous groups who access healthcare.

  I am also currently an executive member of Ngā Kaitiaki o Te Puna Rongoā o Aotearoa (The Māori Pharmacists’ Association). I have worked in community and hospital pharmacy settings and am looking forward to lending my skills and experience to this new role. 

  I am very excited to be working alongside Ginny.  As Equity Pharmacists, we support the system at all levels, addressing gaps and barriers to appropriate medicine use and making it easy to do the ‘right thing’.

  When I am not working or studying, you can find me travelling, spending time with friends and whānau, exercising or reading! 

Mental Health Team

• 

  Nicola Searle Brief Intervention Service Counsellor, Counsellor

  Learn More

  I am a general counselling practitioner and facilitator. I have been working with individuals, couples and families, and have been a member of the NZ Association of Counsellors since 2000. I trained in and use a variety of therapy models, including ACT, CBT and BIC, which I adapt to each person’s needs.

  I have practiced and taught Mindfulness over this time, and specialise in the science of the brain, how to manage stress, relationships, life changes and difficult emotions. I believe all people can be calmer and happier with coaching, and practice of these skills.

• 

  Patricia Hsu Registered Psychologist

  Learn More

  I am an immigrant from Asia who moved to New Zealand for higher education. I am a NZ trained and registered counselling psychologist post obtaining a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from AUT University in Auckland. I have been working at West Coast Health since 2012.

  Over the last decade working in the Brief Intervention Service team, I have developed a wide range of clinical skills and continue to uphold a strong passion for the mental health brief intervention model in primary health care. I enjoy the beautiful nature of New Zealand.

• 

  Gary Bowden Brief Intervention Counsellor

  Learn More

  I am from Peterborough in the East of England. I have lived and worked on the West Coast since 2007. I qualified as a mental health nurse in 2004 from the University of Central England. I work as a brief intervention counsellor for West Coast Health.

  In my free time I love getting into nature and can often be found running and hiking the tracks and trails around the stunning West Coast.

• 

  Catherine O’Leary Mental Health Clinician, Mental Health Team Leader, Registered Social Worker

  Learn More

  I am from Blenheim but have spent time living overseas and in Christchurch prior to my move to Greymouth in 2020. I am a Registered Social Worker having worked in Mental Health for over 20 years (in both Primary and Secondary Services).

  I am the Team Leader for the Brief Intervention Service and am passionate about supporting people to wellbeing. I love a good book, playing and listening to music and photography.

• 

  Tina Emsden Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator

  Learn More

  I was born and raised in Whangarei but spent years working in a corporate environment in Auckland. I returned to school as a ‘mature’ student and graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) in 2003 and have worked in a number of nursing and management roles since then. I moved to the South Island in 2016 and have never looked back!

  The West Coast is spectacular and is only surpassed by the warmth of its people. Outside of work I love spending time with my animals, reading and am a passionate and seasoned traveler.

• 

  Emma Smith Brief Intervention Service Counsellor

  Learn More

  I am a Geordie lass born and bred in Newcastle in the UK, moved to NZ in 2011 to work in Auckland then moved to Greymouth in 2018. I qualified as a registered mental health nurse in 2007 from Northumbria University and have worked in inpatient units, forensic prison and community teams, and as a court liaison nurse.

  Over the years I have gained a BSc in Psychology from Nottingham Trent University, advanced diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in mental health practice, and qualifications in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy.

  My passion for talking therapies has led me to the Brief Intervention Service role at West Coast Health which I joined in April 2024 and loving it. When not working I enjoy arts and crafts, gardening, and taking long walks with my energetic dog. I don’t enjoy housework.

• Dr Jenni Beckett Registered Psychologist

  Learn More

  I am an experienced psychologist, who is passionate about young people having access to mental health care. I work with youth (12-24) in our online youth mental health service, providing telehealth (phone, video, online courses, dedicated text sessions) to meet rangatahi in their own space and available time, to reduce barriers to accessing support.

  I have a broad background in primary care and tertiary education, and use an eclectic range of therapeutic modalities, personalized to meet people’s needs and goals, such as ACT, CBT, mindfulness, narrative, and attachment therapies. My speciality is dialectic behavioural therapy (DBT), which provides people with specific coping skills to manage intense emotions and impulsive behaviours.

• 

  Allie Caddie Brief Intervention Counsellor

  Learn More

  I studied Bachelor of Social Work at NMIT/WINTEC as an adult student. Since graduating I have spent my time working for Odyssey House Christchurch in the Addictions field and currently work one day per week for Meth Help. I was born and raised on the West Coast and moved back to the Coast last year picking up the role as a Guidance Counsellor at a high school. I work from a client centered strengths-based lens using ACT, CBT and motivational interviewing. I have experience running groups such as mindfulness and am trained as a SMART Facilitator. I believe people are the experts in their own lives and enjoy working alongside them as a guide for a better outcome. In my spare time I enjoy walking with my partner and three dogs, photography and catching up on my favorite shows.

• 

  Rachelle Hunt Brief Intervention Counsellor

  Learn More

  Originally hailing from Christchurch, I trained as an occupational therapist in Wellington, before moving to Dunedin to start my career, spending 20yrs there before heading to the West Coast with my whanau in 2008. I’ve always known that our best work happens when our greatest passion meets the greatest need, and for me that’s about helping people find workable tools to take their health up a notch and be in the driving seat of their lives. It's been part of my own story too, which helps keep things real. 

  I love gardening for fresh ingredients, am a musician, a mosaic artist, and a cyclist. I do a bit of writing (slices of the stories of my own and others’ lives), am a wife, a mum, an aunty, and a chicken-keeper, all of which makes life pretty balanced. I reckon life is too short to be taken too seriously, and laughter and finding a bit of joy each day keeps life good.

Health Navigator Team

• 

  Danielle Dawson LTC Health Navigator Co-ordinator

  Learn More

  I have worked in the NGO sector for many years before joining West Coast Health as a Health Navigator. My strengths are my links with the community and pulling local people together to share resources to get the best outcome for people and organisations.

• 

  Adam Gilshnan LTC Health Navigator / Kaiawhina

  Learn More

  With my diverse and extensive vocational history that encompasses hotel management, I transitioned into the role of long term condition (LTC) Health Navigator within the West Coast Health, Health Navigator team in 2007.

  My multifaceted background speaks to a broad range of skills and experiences. In addition to my primary role, I am an engaged participant in sports administration and am the proprietor of a private West Coast Rugby Museum. Complementing these pursuits, I contribute as a freelance rugby writer for publications as diverse as the NZ Rugby News magazine and the Greymouth Star newspaper.

  I serve as the deputy chair and trustee on the board of the West Coast Community Trust and hold the role of media and communications officer with the Greymouth Marist R.F.C., further deepening my involvement in the sports community.

  My professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence, and my involvement in various capacities underscores my dedication to community engagement and healthcare navigation.

• 

  Nancy McNoe LTC Health Navigator / Kaiawhina

  Learn More

  Ko Whakatane te Awa
  Ko Maungapòhatu te Maunga
  Ko Mataatua te Waka
  Ko Toi te Tangata
  Ko Rewarewa te Marae
  Ko Màhurehure te Hapu
  Ko Tuhoe te Iwi
  Ko Nancy McNoe tōku ingoa
  Inaianei e noho ana ahau
  Ki Kaiata i Te Tai o Poutini 

  Born and bred in Whakatane, my whanau settled on the West Coast / Te Tai o Poutini, in the late 1970’s after travelling and working our way around the motu for many months. In Mawhera I met my husband, and we started our family. We have owned/operated a Motorcycle business since 1980 which is still running to this present day (40+yrs). At the same time, I also started working in hospitality with a local Hotel, of which I am still employed as a Payroll clerk. 

  As our children grew, I began working part time for the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society and then onto the local NGO Māori Health Provider in administrative roles, supporting Service Delivery staff. In my current role as Kaiawhina / LTC Health Navigator, my passion is working alongside clients and their whanau to connect and navigate the Health and Social systems within our communities, here on the West Coast.

  I actively seek to attain knowledge and resources, plus offer care and support to assist clients while on their health journeys. In my 15+ years in the role, I have also built strong and trusting relationships with the Clinical providers to West Coast Health. I have accomplished many certificates including the National Certificate in Te Tohu Pokaitahi Hauora Māori. I am proud to say Te Tai o Poutini is my home and it’s environment fills my cup in many ways.

  I enjoy boating, fishing, and diving as well as other activities with lifelong friends such as Netball, Softball, Pool and Darts. I have enjoyed being involved with the annual Greymouth Motorcycle Street Race since it’s inception in 1989. This iconic event takes around 10 months of the year to organise.

• 

  Natasha Jones LTC Health Navigator / Kaiawhina

  Learn More

  I am Tash and I originally come from Nelson but have been living in Kawatiri Westport for 9 years. I work for West Coast Health as a Health Navigator based in Westport.

  Before my Health Navigator role I worked in residential care facilities and in-home care support, I am passionate about empowering others to take control of their health and providing people with support and connections to other services.

Management & Administration Team

• 

  Caro Findlay Chief Executive

  Learn More

  I am a proud West Coaster, born and raised in Greymouth. After finishing my studies at the University of Otago; I spent some time in Wellington and London before returning home to the Coast to be with family and enjoy the advantages of living in the most beautiful part of the world.

  I am motivated by the opportunity to see the West Coast thrive - our people, our communities, our economy, and our environment. I have a background in law, politics, immigration, community development, human resources and health.

• 

  Maggi Forsyth Innovation and Improvement Lead

  Learn More

  I am from Greymouth and have spent time living in both Dunedin and Wanaka. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Sport & Exercise Nutrition from the University of Otago in 2020 and a Masters of Applied Science in Advanced Nutrition Practice in 2022.

  I most recently worked as a Health Coach across the two Primary Care Practices in Greymouth before moving into the role of Innovation & Improvement Lead. Growing up on the West Coast nurtured my passion for endurance sport. I enjoy competing in events such as long-distance triathlon and ultra-running.

• 

  Ayla Tranter Healthy Lifestyles Team Manager

  Learn More

  Originally from Kawatiri, but now settled in Māwhera, I lead the Healthy Lifestyles Programme team, which includes West Coast Health's PASS, Dietetics, Health Improvement Practitioners, Health Coaches, Health Promotion, Breastfeeding and Smoke free Coordination functions. I have previously worked for Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini and the Northern Regional Alliance (responsible for post-graduate training and education for junior doctors across the three former Auckland DHBs).

  I am committed to Pae Ora and working with a whānau ora approach. I have a Bachelor of Commerce with double majors in Management and Human Resources and am currently studying towards a Naturopathic qualification.

• 

  Roz Stuart Administration Manager

  Learn More

  Originally from Southland, I came to the West Coast to teach in secondary education, having completed my Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago and Diploma of Teaching. After 25 years in education, I joined the organisation as Administration Manager.

  Gardening and baking top the list for things I enjoy doing, along with always having a home renovation project on the go!

• 

  Lexine Jarden Administration

  Learn More

  I have worked in a variety of office roles over the past 30+ years, making the move to the Health Sector in 2016. I enjoy working with the West Coast Health team as well as meeting and talking to lots of new people during my working day.

• 

  Sarah Hayden Administration, Receptionist

  Learn More

  I have a background in hospitality and customer service and take pride in delivering a high standard of customer service and will go the extra mile to assist people. My husband and I have two teenage daughters, two dogs and two cats.

  Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family going for walks, paddle boarding, kayaking and travelling.