Peer Support
Team
Asian Peer Support Group
Max Chan
I have a background in Law, Sociology and Counselling Guidance. Migrating alone to Aotearoa New Zealand at fourteen gave me a lived experience of the challenges faced by Asian communities.
These experiences deepened my understanding of how migration and isolation affect mental health. The connections I maintain with Asian communities highlight the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to peer support.
Women’s Mental Health Group
Emma
Jackett-Simpson
Counselling gave me the space to heal, reflect, and grow. It offered a safe, non-judgmental environment where I could process challenges, reframe negative beliefs, and build emotional resilience. This personal journey inspired a strong desire to support others navigating similar struggles.
Alongside academic study and extensive self-education, I’ve gained valuable frontline experience working in rehabilitation settings with individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges. These roles deepened my understanding of the human condition and strengthened my belief in the importance of empathy, cultural awareness, and treating each person as an individual.
Now, I’m committed to using my lived experience, professional insight, and passion for mental wellness to help others find clarity, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives.
Asian Peer Support Group
Timmy Li
I’m studying Psychology and Education at Victoria University of Wellington and will be finishing my degree soon. I first came to New Zealand from Shenzhen, China when I was 14, and that journey has shaped a lot of how I see identity and belonging. I’m really passionate about mental health and that’s what brought me to Trauma Recovery Aotearoa — I want to learn, connect, and give back where I can.
Individual Peer Support
Nik Sala
Good with people, I have found a calling finding work in creative and supportive spaces interfacing with people’s disturbance and suffering towards some kind of amelioration, increased self understanding and agency.
Able to hold space for those living with traumatic disturbance and mental health issues, I have skills and experience working with Tangata Whaiora in creative or therapeutic environments and peer support roles (Vincents Community Arts workshop, Te Whare o Matairangi, Men and Trauma NZ, Whakamatutu), employing art as a tool for personal process and healing.
“In my place of work, I see many people work with tangata whaiora utilising art as a tool for engagement, hope, recovery and health. In comparison, Nik’s work with tangata whaiora is unmatched. The care, passion and love that he delivers through his art not only creates engagement, hope, recovery and health but a sense of humanity that can be lost a lot of the time when working with tangata whaiora.”
– Sara Tamati, Former staff member at Te Whare o Matarangi
Coming from a background in personal trauma amidst unresolved intergenerational traumatic experience in my family and broader society, I am familiar with numerous mental health issues intersecting addiction, alcoholism, sexual abuse, suicide, anger and violence, bullying, divorce and broken families, among others.
