Reo Va'a
Wainuiomata
Summary
Experienced professional with over a decade in mental health and addiction counseling, including as a Senior Practitioner AOD Counsellor at Takiri Mai Te Ata Mental Health & Addiction Service. Committed to culturally sensitive empowerment, team leadership, and community collaboration, driving positive change and guiding individuals toward recovery and resilience.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Hauora Team Leader – AOD/CEP Clinician
The 502 Rangatahi Ora
06.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic and clinical leadership to a multidisciplinary team of counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and students, fostering a high-performing, culturally safe, and whānau-centred environment.
- Deliver comprehensive AOD/CEP services to Rangatahi and whānau, including assessment, formulation, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions grounded in Kaupapa Māori and trauma-informed practice.
- Drive the development and implementation of clinical frameworks, policies, and procedures that reflect best practice, cultural integrity, and service excellence.
- Build strong partnerships with health providers, community organisations, and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated, holistic support and improved outcomes.
- Lead group programme design and facilitation across key areas such as mental health, addictions, family violence, anger management, youth justice, and early intervention, while championing continuous quality improvement through outcome evaluation and data-led insights.
Senior Practitioner AOD Counsellor
Takiri Mai Te Ata Mental Health & Addiction Service
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Deliver specialized counseling for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) addiction at an advanced level, tailoring support.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand individual client needs and challenges effectively.
- Develop personalized treatment plans aligned with client concerns and goals, demonstrating expertise.
- Provide ongoing advanced support and guidance to empower clients through their recovery journey.
Senior Practitioner Counsellor
Kokiri Marae
01.2014 - 01.2022
- Lead counseling sessions within the Māori community, emphasizing family dynamics and utilizing culturally sensitive approaches.
- Conduct group therapy sessions aimed at strengthening family relationships, fostering resilience, and addressing intergenerational trauma.
- Provide advocacy, support services, and collaborate with community leaders to develop culturally relevant interventions and raise awareness about mental health and family well-being.
Social Services Team Leader
Kokiri Marae
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Direct and oversee a team of social services professionals in providing comprehensive support to individuals and families.
- Develop and execute strategies to optimize the performance and outcomes of social service initiatives.
- Collaborate with community partners to coordinate services and address intricate social challenges, while fostering staff growth and excellence through mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Education
Diploma - Applied Addictions Counselling
Te Taketake Moana House
Graduate Diploma - Counselling Practice
Wellington Institute of Technology
Graduate Diploma - Professional Supervision
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Certificate - Mauri Ora
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Bachelor of Social Work - Bi-culturalism in Practice
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Diploma - Social Work
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Secondary School - undefined
St Patrick's College Silverstream
Skills
- Effective engagement with High-Risk, Hard-to-Reach whanau facing multifaceted challenges
- Skilled in Mediation resolution and de-escalation techniques
- Collaborative Multi-Disciplinary Teamwork abilities
- Experienced in Mentoring and Role Modeling
- Strong in Collaboration & Networking within the community
- Development and implementation of Whanau/Individual Care/Health Plans
- Proficient in Safety Plan creation
- Programme Development & Facilitation expertise
- Advocacy proficiency in Criminal Justice, Youth Justice/Care and Protection, and Corrections systems
Timeline
Hauora Team Leader – AOD/CEP Clinician
The 502 Rangatahi Ora
06.2024 - Current
Senior Practitioner AOD Counsellor
Takiri Mai Te Ata Mental Health & Addiction Service
01.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Practitioner Counsellor
Kokiri Marae
01.2014 - 01.2022
Social Services Team Leader
Kokiri Marae
01.2010 - 01.2014
Graduate Diploma - Counselling Practice
Wellington Institute of Technology
Graduate Diploma - Professional Supervision
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Certificate - Mauri Ora
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Bachelor of Social Work - Bi-culturalism in Practice
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Diploma - Social Work
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Secondary School - undefined
St Patrick's College Silverstream
Diploma - Applied Addictions Counselling
Te Taketake Moana House
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