kia ora,
I’m Shirley-Moana
Ngāti Tūwharetoa
I’ve always been deeply curious about people. Growing up in a large extended family with lots of personalities does that to you. Wanting to know what makes people tick opened the door to psychology and I’ve never looked back.
Over the years I’ve acquired a Master’s in Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Positive Psychology, and a Master’s in Coaching Psychology. I’ve also raised two delightful human beings, a fur baby (RIP Gracie) and spent my career helping people navigate the messy, meaningful, in‑between moments of life.
I started in recruitment, then career development, coaching thousands of people — from high school students to corporate leaders, from women returning to work to people rebuilding after prison. Later, I moved into wellbeing and organisational development, leading coaching teams and designing programs for global organisations. Not bad for a high school dropout right?
People who have worked with me often describe me as “supportive”, “amazing” and “warm”. I don’t believe in toxic positivity or “just manifest it” advice. I believe in self‑awareness, honest conversation, and understanding your patterns well enough to make choices that actually fit your life.
Some people come to me in big transitions. Some come because they need a CV that finally sounds like them. Some come because something feels off and they want to understand why.
Wherever you’re at, we work from the inside out — your values, your strengths, your blind spots, your next steps.
I believe people deserve to live meaningful lives. And I have the training and experience to help them get there. I also work with organisations — bringing the same rigour, honesty, and evidence-base to leadership coaching and team workshops.
WHAT ELSE?
I love wandering through Sydney, getting lost in museums and art galleries, and looking up to notice the things most people miss. I read constantly — psychology, fiction, research, anything that sparks curiosity or shifts perspective.
These things (as well as reality tv) keep me grounded, inspired, and connected to the world in the same way I hope my work helps people feel connected to themselves.
Professional Background
Master of Science – Coaching Psychology, University of Sydney
Master of Arts – Psychology, Massey University
Graduate Diploma – Positive Psychology
Recruitment Consultant
Career Counsellor and Facilitator
Wellbeing Facilitator and Coach
Workforce and Organisational Development Manager
Head of Coaching