GISBORNE

COUNSELLING SERVICES

Hart Space offers qualified and experienced professionals delivering counselling in schools and parenting programmes.

At the heart of our services is a commitment to providing children with a safe, confidential, and supportive space where they can explore their thoughts and emotions, develop emotional literacy, build resilience, and learn practical skills to navigate life's challenges with confidence.

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Counselling in Schools

Hart Space provides therapeutic support in five of our local schools. If your child attends Awapuni, Te Wharau, Gisborne Intermediate, Mangapapa, and Ilminster Intermediate, then they can access free counselling at their school. To make an appointment, please see you local school or contact one of the team below.

Jessica Proudfoot 
Awapuni School
Email: jessica.hartspace@gmail.com
Phone: 022 475 4131

​Sonya Cash
Mangapapa and Gisborne Intermediate
Email: sonya.hartspace@gmail.com
Phone: 022 601 7973

Nikki OConnor
Ilminster Intermediate
Email: nikki.hartspace@gmail.com Phone: 022 493 1057

Hope Ngata
Te Wharau
Email: hope.hartspace@gmail.com Phone: 022 655 2744

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Incredible Years Parent Programme

The Incredible Years Parent Programme runs in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Hart Space Gisborne.

This program is for parents with children aged 3-8 years old and runs weekly for 14 weeks. To go on the waiting list for next years programme please register below.

Sign Up
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Meet Sonya Cash

Gisborne Branch Service Manager

Sonya is the Gisborne Branch Service Manager for Hart Space, bringing over 25 years of experience supporting families in her work as a social worker. For the past four years she has led the Gisborne service with warmth, wisdom, and deep community knowledge. With Katy relocating to Motueka, Sonya has stepped confidently into the Service Manager role, ensuring continuity, care, and strong leadership for the team and the families we serve.

Sonya holds a BA (Psychology), Masters of Applied Social Work, a Certificate in Professional Supervision, and am a member of ANZASW.

Contact Sonya

Meet the Team

  • Jessica Proudfoot Hart Space

    Jessica Proudfoot

    Social Worker

    I am a registered Social Worker and have well over 10 years experience working with tamariki and whānau in the Tairāwhiti region.

  • Haupai Ngata Hart Space

    Haupai Ngata

    Social Worker

    Kia Ora, 
    Ko Hikurangi te maunga
    Ko Waiapu te awa 
    Ko Horouta te waka
    Ko Rahui te marae 
    Ko Ngati Porou te Iwi
    Ko Haupai Ngata tōku ingoa
    Nō Tūranganui-a-Kiwa ahau

    My name is Haupai Ngata, friends and family call me Hope. I am a registered Social Worker with 4 years' experience working whānau and Tamariki within Tūranganui-a-Kiwa. 

  • Nikki O'Connor

    Nikki O'Connor

    Arts Therapist

    Ko Hikurangi te maunga
    Ko Waiapu te awa 
    Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi
    Ko Horouta te waka
    Ko Hinemaurea te marae 
    Ko Nikki O’Connor tōku ingoa
    Nō Tūranganui-a-Kiwa ahau

    I am an arts therapist with a background in education. As an arts therapist I use creative modalities such as visual arts, music/sound, sandplay, drama and movement as therapeutic tools. 

    Qualifications:

    • Master of Arts in Arts Therapy (Clinical)
    • Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary)
    • Bachelor of Arts (Te Reo Māori)