Leadership Group
The Adventure Therapy Aotearoa Leadership Group
The ATA leadership group is made up of a team of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to the development of adventure therapy as an industry and Adventure therapy Aotearoa as an organisation. Have a read about our team below!
Amy Horn – Chairperson
Amy started her career as an outdoor instructor and has always had a passion for how the outdoors can support peoples growth and development. She slowly worked towards more therapeutic work and has recently completed her Masters in Counselling! She now works at Adventure Specialties Trust as the Adventure Therapy Manager, represents NZ on the International Committee where she is a a co-chair and is our Chairperson.
Helen Jeffery – Treasurer
Helen is an occupational therapist who has worked in a variety of mental health settings over the years. She has maintained an interest in the development of the adventure therapy field, has incorporated elements of adventure therapy into her mental health practice and is an advocate for making elements of adventure therapy mainstream. Helen has also worked as an outdoor instructor and appreciates the benefits of intentional use of facilitated outdoor experiences for groups. Helen currently works as a senior lecturer at the Occupational Therapy school at Otago Polytechnic.
Meg Ryan
Meg has followed a trail of adventure through guiding, instructing and is now working as the Course Design Manager for Outward Bound New Zealand. Her passion for working with people to develop a deeper connection with themselves, with others and with nature has led her to pursue a Masters in Psychology at University of Canterbury. She is motivated to develop effective and informed ways of supporting the growth and well-being of New Zealanders.
Taina McClutchie
Tēna Koutou Katoa.
E pokarekare ana nga wai o Waiapu.
Ka hiki whakarunga ki toku maunga ko Hikurangi.
Kei reira nga tipuna e tu marohirohi ai e mataiho mai ki runga i a matou nga uri o Ngati Porou, a, no Te Tairawhiti.
Ko Taina McClutchie awau.
Kia Ora everybody, my name is Taina McClutchie. I am a mataora on the East Coast of Aotearoa in Turanganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne). I have a back ground in Sociology, Pacific Island Studies and Social Work, previously working with Mama and Pepi in an addiction and mental health service Te Hiringa Matua, and currently working with vulnerable youth in education at Turanganui-a-Kiwa Activity Centre.
It is a privilege to join you all with Adventure Therapy Aotearoa (ĀTA) on this journey of learning together and sharing whakaaro to edify us in understanding by cultivating an active learning culture. I hope to learn how you incorporate Te Taiao within your practice and wananga some future possibilities.
Ka tuku mihi mai nga hihiri o te Tairawhiti e whatoro atu ki nga hau e wha o Aotearoa, tena koutou, tena koutou, huri no ate motu tena ra tatou katoa.
Mauri Ora