Kia ora, I’m Alison, a registered Mental Health Nurse working in the Early Intervention Psychosis team in Canterbury. I have spent much of my career working in the field of psychosis – firstly at the National Psychosis Unit (NPU) in London, and presently at the first episode psychosis service in Christchurch.

I trained at Middlesex University London in 2005, specializing in mental health nursing. While working at the NPU, I pursued further studies at King’s College London, earning a BSc (Hons) in Psychosocial Interventions for Psychosis.

In 2013, I made New Zealand my home alongside my Kiwi husband. I spent time in a variety of services and roles before joining the EIP team at Totara House. I have continued to develop my knowledge and skills, and I’m currently on a clinical pathway to a master’s degree. I am extremely passionate about early intervention psychosis services in New Zealand and feel very privileged to be a member of the NZEIPS executive, working strategically on a national level. I have been a member of the executive since 2019. I am currently the secretary of the NZEIPS and have previously served as a co-secretary. I am committed and excited to work nationally with colleagues on evidence-based developments, the sharing of knowledge, and making a positive impact on the best outcomes for EIP services and those who access them.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, cooking, and connecting with family and friends.