Meet the Team
Our team are passionate advocates for perinatal mental health. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment for mothers and providing valuable resources to support them through their unique journeys. Our dedication stems from our own experiences and the desire to make a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of mothers.
Our facilitation and support team includes a registered social worker, a registered nurse, a childbirth educator and midwife, and an early childhood teacher.
"We ask when we don’t know, check what we think we know and approach with compassion when we are sure. Our commitment extends not only to our mahi but also to each other. This isn't just a job; it's our passion."
Group Facilitator
Leanne Emery
Tofua te waka
Ko Talau te maunga
Ko Te moana nui ki te moana
Ko vavue te marae
Ko Tonga te hapu
No Finau Taku ingoa Tonga
Ko Leanne au
My Name is Leanne Emery, I am a mother to 4 grown children and Nana to 4 delicious moko.
Over the past 20 years, I have worked in childcare, Tamariki ora and am currently the WBOP SUDI prevention coordinator, where I facilitate Te Piripoho wahakura wānanga for hāpu māmā and their whānau.
I am very passionate about honouring and supporting whānau to be the best parents they can be. Recognising that we are all human, nobody is perfect and being okay to ask or accept help when needed.
I love to support whānau in a nonjudgmental, supportive environment where they feel comfortable, embraced, and welcomed.
Group Facilitator
Alice Doig
Kia ora, ko Alice Dolin tōku ingoa.
I am a compassionate and self-motivated mother and Mental Health and Addiction Nurse. I popped over to New Zealand when I was 18 with my parents from a little island in the Irish sea called the Isle of Man. New Zealand is such a beautiful place and I love Tauranga. I found my professional passion supporting other mothers on their own journey after I became a mother. I have two young children. It's been a rollercoaster of a journey with little sleep, but it’s one of the most important jobs in the world. No one should feel alone or not supported. Being able to listen, advocate, and support parents on this journey is such an honour.
Ngā mihi nui, Alice
Alice Grainger, RN, PgCert
Founder
Michelle Hall
Ko Waitakere tōku pae maunga
Ko Waitemata tōku moana
Ko Aerana tōku iwi
Ko Hall tōku whānau
Ko Michelle tōku ingoa
Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau, Tauranga Moana has been my home for 17 years, where I live with my husband, Robert, and daughter.
The journey into motherhood began with a determination to defy medical expectations and have an empowered home birth. However, the initial year as a new mother was marked by extreme stress and isolation, compounded by a lack of support and postnatal preparation. This led to a deep postnatal depression. With support from loved ones, the journey towards recovery and the discovery of my maternal identity commenced. Breaking through societal stigmas and myths surrounding motherhood, I realised that maternal wellbeing thrives within a supportive community, not in insolation. This realisation inspired establishing True Colours - Honouring the Mother to extend this support to others.
I described this mahi as my ‘heart work’ and the past eight years of supporting māmā, pēpi, and whānau has inspired my recently completed Master’s research titled Transitioning to parenting – embrace, educate, empower – a pathway to supporting perinatal mental wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
I'm excited for the next phase of Honouring the Mother, as I have stepped back and welcomed the team to deliver services with wisdom, empathy, and strength to support and accompany parents on their journey.