Meet Our Students

Meet the Students working with MSSW

Please get in touch with us if you have any question or need any information about MSSW.

Ann Mohring

Student Counsellor

I’m a third year counselling student studying with Wintec. Through-out my career I have been a youth care worker, client account manager, admin officer, business owner, famer and mother. I am constantly challenging myself to discover my own self potential and develop my sense of self. As part of my journey I wish to help others to achieve or face whatever goals or challenges they may currentlyhave in front of them.

Finn Holloway

Student Counsellor

My name is Finn Holloway, I am a student of counselling at Wintec. I am refining my practice towards Narrative Therapy. I enjoy this approach because when navigating through life’s tribulations, it was helpful for me to learn to shift the blame from myself. This helped me to really get my head around the problems I was facing. Shame, guilt and anger were things I always tried to carry alone and I sometimes found it difficult to reach out and ask for help.

Having someone to tell your story and to be wholeheartedly understood, is the way in which I believe I can bring healing to others through counselling. Pursuing this work is a way in which I feel I can give recognition to those who walked the many tumultuous paths in life before us. We can all work towards achieving the status of those in life, who gifted the knowledge and tools that shape every individual into who they are or want to become. There is always hope. I believe there is something new I can learn from everyone I meet. I want to empower people to become masters at the art of telling a good story, and learning alongside others is a great joy of mine. I hope I can help people to continually grow towards their potentials, and to also go on to nurture a future for themselves and those they care for.

Catherine Trueman

Student Counsellor

Catherine Trueman aka Cathy, 3rd year student.

I am from dutch descent but was born and raised in the Waikato.

I spent 30 years in Taranaki teaching and raising our three sons. As a family we spent four years in Brazil so I know what it is like to have to adjust to a new culture and language learning. Growing up I had a lot to do with new immigrants and refugees. I love learning languages and am fluent in Portuguese and am on a journey learning te Reo Māori. I have taught at both primary and secondary level and enjoy working with all ages. Over the years our family has welcomed some facing difficult challenges in life.

I love doing music, song writing, singing and playing with others. Gardening is where I can unwind and enjoy the beauty of creation. I am involved with a local church in Raglan. I have nine grandchildren and enjoy spending time with the ones in New Zealand. I love paddle boarding and kayaking.

It matters to me that people find a sense of belonging.
It matters to me when people are hurting or struggling and are in need of someone to talk to.
It matters to me when I see injustice or people being treated unkindly.
It matters to me that people discover their own strengths and have the chance to reach their beautiful potential.

Weka Ripia

Student Counsellor

Thomas Ripia, perfered name Weka Ripia, 2nd year student.

In my mature life now, I hail from Ngaati Hauaa Iwi here in the Waikato Tainui and Ngaati Rangi of Ngaawha.

Growing up in Tainui in a home with strong religious beliefs I was blessed with a safe childhood. I played and went on to coach Rugby, dabbled in Touch Rugby, and a little bit of Wrestling history in my family.

I still enjoy training and exercise on the daily, for health of my tinana and hinengaro. I am an avid reader. I am happiest with whaanau around me whether at home or on our marae.

Weka Ripia

Student Counsellor

Ryan Murry, 3rd year student.

Born in Australia from Kiwi parents, I’ve lived between the two countries and call New Zealand home. I’ve had my own experiences with mental health challenges and finding my place in the world and hope to be able to help people navigate their own.

When I have free time I like to work out, game, and spend time with my wife and dogs.

I think it’s important everyone should have someone they can feel comfortable and safe talking with, no matter how big or small the challange they face.