Our team is here to nurture your mental health and wellbeing.
Through therapy sessions, we work with you to explore who you are and treasure the awesome traits you have!
Aimee Russell
Director
I'm Aimee Russell, a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience in mental health, working with people across the lifespan in a variety of settings. My experience includes brief intervention, psychotherapy, coaching, and clinical and professional supervision, supporting individuals to navigate personal and professional challenges that impact their wellbeing.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and strengths-based. I believe that every person has existing strengths, resilience, and resources that can be built upon, even during difficult times. My aim is to walk alongside you, creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful and lasting change. Together, we can explore the challenges you are facing, develop practical strategies, and work towards improving your wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life.
I am passionate about supporting people of all ages to better understand themselves, overcome obstacles, and create lives that feel more balanced, connected, and fulfilling.
My qualifications include:
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Bachelor of Nursing
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Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction Nursing
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Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning)
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Postgraduate training in Clinical Supervision
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Postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
I have also completed a three-year programme in Transactional Analysis (Psychotherapy) through the Wellington Transactional Analysis Training Institute.
Additional professional training includes:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Motivational Interviewing
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Peer and Group Supervision
I am committed to ongoing learning and maintaining best practice.
My professional affiliations include:
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New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO)
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Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association
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Student Member, Aotearoa New Zealand Transactional Analysis Association (ANZTAA)
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Student Member, International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA)
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Student Member, New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists (NZAP)
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy travelling, spending quality time with my family, and making the most of the outdoors. These experiences remind me of the importance of connection, balance, and taking time to recharge—values that I also encourage within my therapeutic work.
If you're considering taking the next step towards improving your wellbeing, I'd love to hear from you. Please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss how we can work together to help you experience less stress, greater resilience, and more enjoyment in your work, family life, and relationships.
Ngā mihi nui,
Aimee Russell
Kim Attwell
Operations Manager
As Operations Manager at Authentically U, I have the privilege of supporting an incredible team of clinicians and helping create a welcoming, supportive experience for every person who connects with us.
While much of my mahi happens behind the scenes, I'm passionate about creating an environment where both our team and our clients feel welcomed, valued, and genuinely cared for.
Our values of whānau, manaakitanga, and ūkaipōtanga aren't just words - they shape how we care for one another, how we show aroha and provide tautoko to our community, and how we strive to ensure everyone who walks through our doors feels a true sense of belonging.
My own life experiences have shown me that everyone's journey is unique, and that seeking support takes courage. Those experiences have strengthened my empathy and reinforced the importance of creating a space where people are met with aroha, compassion, and genuine tautoko. I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and accepted, and I feel privileged to help create an environment where people can begin their hauora journey feeling safe, respected, and empowered.
With qualifications in business and extensive experience in operations, administration, and organisational management, I enjoy bringing structure, organisation, and efficiency to our practice so our clinicians can focus on what they do best - walking alongside people as they strengthen their wellbeing. I believe the small things matter, and that every interaction contributes to helping people feel comfortable, supported, and connected from the moment they first reach out to us.
When I'm not at mahi, you'll usually find me spending time with my whānau, being a proud māmā of four and Nanny to three energetic young boys, curled up with a good book, or planning my next travel adventure. Kindness, authenticity, and genuine connection are values I strive to live by every day, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a team that shares those same values.
Ngā mihi,
Kim Attwell
Operations Manager
Rosie Eden
Clinical Manager
I'm Rosie, a Registered Nurse with 9 years of experience in mental health. I have experience working in the acute adult inpatient unit, key working youth in the community, and I am now working at Authentically U. I'm truly enthusiastic about supporting people to live meaningful lives within their whānau and wider communities.
I am passionate about providing personalised recovery care and supporting individuals and their families through some of life's most challenging moments. My strengths lie in adaptable, compassionate care, effective communication, and reflective practice — always aiming to meet people where they're at.
In all the spaces I work, my goal is always to create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered. Above all, I believe in walking alongside you on your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself.
Nga mihi,
Rosie
Registered Nurse, Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Nursing
Sarah
Admin Support
Sarah is our warm and friendly front facing administrator that will welcome you to Authentically U on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. She will make you a hot drink or get you a glass of water.
She manages the reception phone and schedules appointments, as well as performing office admin tasks that helps keep things running smoothly.
Contact her by calling or texting 027 310 4933 and she will be happy to help you.
Rhiannon Day
Mental Health Clinician
Kia ora. My name is Rhi and I’m employed full time with Authentically U as a mental health clinician. I am a registered nurse with 15+ years’ experience working in the area of mental health and talk therapy. My nursing journey has given me experience working in the forensics environment, children and family services and as part of the acute crisis care teams across the country.
I am passionate about supporting people along their journey to improving their well-being. I have worked with many people that have a history of historical trauma, and I understand that coming to share your story can feel overwhelming. I can work with you to achieve your goals and fulfil your potential whilst managing life’s challenges. I am kind, compassionate and relatable. I look forward to supporting you through your journey.
“Too many of us are not living our dreams, because we are living our fears” – Les Brown
Nga mihi,
Rhi
April Brown
Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Nursing, Postgraduate certificate in Mental Health and addictions
Kia Ora
I'm April I have worked in mental health within a small rural community for 6 years. I have experience in crisis work and have worked in an inpatient setting. I have worked in mental health since I finished my nursing degree and continue to get absolute enjoyment from it.
I am passionate about providing compassionate care, my strengths lie in kindness, attentive listening, and creating a relatable connection with all walks of life.
I aim to understand your story as you tell it and to respectfully respond in a way that will meet your needs, utilising different models of care that I have learnt throughout my practice. I am relatable and take pride in working in a way that upholds and respects Tikanga Maori as well as all other cultures.
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Above all, my ultimate goal is to guide and support you in becoming the best version of yourself.
Nga Mihi,
April
Jackie Bryers
Mental Health Clinician, Bachelor of Nursing,
Post Grad in Mental Health and Addiction
I have many years’ experience in mental health and therapeutic work and offer face to face and phone appointments. I specialise in ages 18+ and my approach is to look at a re-focus on valuing yourself and your contribution to life and being present.
I enjoy challenging people’s mindsets and assisting persons to move forward positively. Let’s support your growth towards that positive change and improvement and/or control of issues such as self-esteem, anger, grief/loss, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationships and PTSD.
Nga mihi,
Jackie
