The Story Behind VOICE

VOICE began with a vision: to create greater understanding, support and connection for children, young people and families experiencing selective mutism.

As a parent of a child and teenager who experienced selective mutism, I understand how challenging and isolating it can feel when someone wants to connect, communicate, and feel happy and accepted for who they are, but their nervous system responds with protection, placing them into a ‘freeze response’ that can inhibit social engagement.

Over ten years ago, when I began searching for answers, I found myself navigating a complex landscape of information, health services and education systems while trying to understand what my child and teenager truly needed. Through this journey, I began supporting other children, young people and families who were experiencing similar challenges.

Over time, I came to understand the complexities of health and wellbeing and the importance of a regulated nervous system. This understanding shaped the evolution of VOICE.

VOICE has grown from its beginnings supporting children, young people and families experiencing selective mutism into an integrated health and wellbeing practice supporting people of all ages through personalised health, nutrition and nervous system regulation pathways.

While the focus has grown, the heart of VOICE remains the same:

Helping people feel understood, connected, confident and able to thrive.

My Qualifications & Professional Approach

I believe ongoing learning is an important part of providing thoughtful, evidence-informed support.

My approach combines health and nutrition coaching, psychology, education and nervous system-informed strategies to support individuals and families in building resilience and wellbeing.

Qualifications & Specialist Training

  • Registered Health and Nutrition Coach (HCANZA)

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

  • Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary)

  • Provisional Clinical Nutritionist

  • Empowered Eating Coach

  • Certified Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider

  • Certified Rest & Restore Protocol Provider

  • Certified Integrated Listening Systems (iLS) training (if completed/appropriate wording)

Ongoing Professional Development

My learning journey is ongoing. I continue to undertake professional development and further study to deepen my understanding of health, nutrition, wellbeing, nervous system regulation and compassionate, person-centred support.

Additional Experience

Alongside my qualifications, I bring over 10 years of experience supporting children, young people and families experiencing selective mutism and anxiety-related challenges.

I have experience collaborating with families, schools and other professionals to support environments where children and young people can feel understood, connected and able to participate.

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Professional Scope & Disclaimer

Health and Nutrition Coaching Support

I am a Registered Health and Nutrition Coach, Provisional Clinical Nutritionist and trained provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Rest & Restore Protocol and Integrated Listening Systems Focus (iLS).

My work combines health and nutrition coaching with nervous system-informed strategies and, where appropriate, listening-based approaches to support health and wellbeing. I work within my professional scope of practice and receive regular professional supervision to support safe, ethical and evidence-informed care.

Scope of Practice

I am not a counsellor, psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist or medical doctor.

I do not:

  • diagnose mental health conditions,

  • provide psychological therapy,

  • provide crisis intervention,

  • prescribe medication,

Collaborative Care

I believe in a collaborative approach to wellbeing and may recommend working alongside other professionals when additional support is appropriate.

When My Services May Not Be Suitable

My services are intended for health, wellbeing and nervous system support. I work within my professional scope of practice and I use my professional judgement to determine whether my services are appropriate for an individual's needs. Where appropriate, I may recommend seeking support from another qualified health professional.

If you are experiencing significant distress, thoughts of self-harm, thoughts of suicide, or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please seek immediate support from an appropriate crisis service or emergency provider.

Crisis & Urgent Support (New Zealand)

If you or someone you know needs urgent support:

Emergency
Call 111 if there is immediate danger or urgent medical assistance is needed.

1737 – Need to talk?
Free call or text 1737 anytime to speak with a trained counsellor in New Zealand.

Lifeline Aotearoa
Free support line: 0800 543 354
Text: HELP (4357)

Healthline New Zealand
Free health advice: 0800 611 116

Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865)