Training Facilitators Team
Hutt Valley (Te Awa Kairangi)
Fiona Coffey
Fiona Coffey is a Workshop Facilitator based in the Hutt Valley (Te Awa Kairangi), with over 30 years of experience in the health sector, including a dual background as a registered nurse and midwife. A mother of two teenage boys, Fiona holds an adult teaching qualification and a Master’s degree, specializing in trauma-informed practices. She brings firsthand experience of working with families facing deprivation in her midwifery role.
In addition to facilitating numerous workshops, Fiona is a competency reviewer for the Midwifery Council and sits on several expert advisory panels, where she helps ensure the workforce has supportive education tools to enhance practice. Fiona works to empower organizational leaders to create supportive, inclusive environments that promote well-being, resilience, and mental health. While addressing topics like family violence, addiction (such as alcohol and tobacco), and horizontal violence in the workplace, Fiona brings a degree of pragmatism and humor to her role, ensuring that even the most challenging conversations are approached with care and clarity.
She focuses on strengthening workforce dynamics through mentoring, fostering compassionate leadership, and advocating for trauma-sensitive strategies that create holistic workplace cultures where all employees feel valued and supported. Fiona enjoys engaging and learning from the collective wisdom and looks forward to meeting others in her work.
Sean Hindson
As a seasoned professional with decades of diverse experience in the Royal Navy, custody services, and the oil, gas, and geothermal industries, I bring a hands-on, lived-experience approach to Men and Trauma New Zealand. My work ethic is built on a foundation of discipline, reliability, and a commitment to high standards.
I have earned qualifications in M.B.S.R. (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) and as a Prekure health coach, which I’ve utilized in my volunteer work with Taranaki Retreat and St John’s Ambulance Service.
These experiences have sharpened my ability to work under pressure, embrace diversity, and maintain empathy—values I integrate into both my personal and professional life.
I am pleased to be involved and feel privileged to share my experiences with the aim of helping those around me and the broader community.
Auckland (New Zealand and internationally)
Jane Weekes
In 2012, Jane’s life was forever changed when her two-year-old triplets died in a fire in Qatar. This profound loss led her to pursue a Bachelor of Counselling, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Violence and Trauma Studies. She is currently completing a Master of Organisational Psychology at the University of Canterbury.
Jane has since dedicated her career to supporting those navigating loss, working with families after the death of a child or loved one. Her deep empathy and ability to offer hope make her a sought-after trainer and speaker.
With a background in corporate training for Interislander and Qatar Airways, Jane brings a unique skill set, blending professional development with trauma-informed support. Based in Auckland, she works with individuals and organizations across New Zealand and internationally.
Su’a Tavaga Afelē Seuala
Professional Background and Experience:
- Mental Health Expertise: With more than 25 years in mental health, Su’a has built a reputation for his deep understanding and practical experience in supporting Pacific communities.
- Community Engagement: Since 2020, he has served as a contract facilitator and assessor for The Cause Collective under the Nga Vaka o Kainga Tapu program. This role underscores his commitment to culturally grounded practices and the advancement of Pacific family well-being.
- Workforce Development: His recent positions include serving as the Pacific Relationship Manager and later as the Workforce Development Lead – Pacific for Toitū te Waiora, roles that highlight his leadership in workforce and community development initiatives.
- Future Directions: He is enthusiastic about further professional growth and making an impact through his upcoming work with Men and Trauma NZ, aiming to build on his extensive experience to address trauma and mental health challenges in the community.
Polly Gillespie
I was born and raised in South Auckland and Hamilton in very multicultural neighbourhoods. I attended university in Hawaii. (A little after Barack Obama) Where I studied Theatre, English and Linguistics on a scholarship. When I returned home I quickly realised that had not entirely prepared me to join the New Zealand workforce. I was recruited to work for MSD, but on a friend’s recommendation auditioned for Radio NZ, and spent the next thirty years working in radio and television.
Always having a love of writing I was asked to write for Woman’s Day . Soon after writing for The NZ Herald and eventually Stuff. Most of my writing has always been around life and social issues. I’ve often been a keynote speaker for all types of events. From sales conferences to Women’s Refuge.
A couple of years back I did the proverbial pivot, and decided to study psychology, Counselling, and Therapy. Receiving a diploma with outstanding honours.
Along with a lot of life experience I’ve also actively learned body and non verbal language, and I firmly believe that being a truly good Communicator is just importantly about listening as it is talking. In fact probably more so.
Im the proud mum of three wonderful young adult tamariki who all whakapapa to Ngati Raukawa. I also have two beautiful mokopuna. Wellington is my home base. Where I live with my rescue pup Toast, and ginger cat Valentina on the beautiful south coast.
How do I spend free time? I’m an avid pub quizzer, reader of history, and amateur gardener. Confessing I’m better at the quizzing than the gardening.
