Testimonials
“Katie shared her personal experiences and practical tips for supporting colleagues, breaking down stigma, and creating workplaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. It was eye-opening, inspiring, and a great reminder that small changes can make a big difference. Mental Health Awareness Week is all about Top Up Together, encouraging us to check in with ourselves and those around us. Katie’s visit was the perfect reminder to do just that – at work, at home, and in our communities. A huge thanks to Katie for her time and wisdom – we’re leaving our meeting feeling more connected, more aware, and ready to make our workplaces a little kinder. 💛”
– BNI Auckland Business Online
“Everyone was very touched by your courage in making the effort to share your story. People said they found it very useful and insightful and also that it made the readings we have done more real and meaningful. They said that they felt you were very dignified. It was very striking – your pathway to increasing other’s awareness.”
– Sarah Hoskyns. Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Music Therapy Programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
“Katie, I want to thank you for joining us at MUV Talks to bravely share a short talk on your experiences with labels and the impact that labels have on you. Your presentation skills were engaging and compelling and the audience really resonated with your honesty. Thank you for inspiring our audience. Ngā mihi maioha.”
– Laura Kerrison MUV Talks
“Our staff were so impressed with you and the strategies you were able to share with them about mindfulness, stress and resilience and wellbeing. Your poetry was really inspirational. We fully recommend you to other organisations.”
– Wendy Hoskin. Chief Operating Officer/Deputy CEO Presbyterian Support Northern
“The whole presentation was well-rounded; all parts were equally important. The techniques on supporting people with bipolar were extremely helpful and simple. You were relatable, and your personal experience made it real and so much more powerful.
Mental health has many facets. To make sure all feel safe and accepted in their workplace, such knowledge and information must be sought and learned. Plus, it’s helpful for everyone to know as we can all make an important change. Keep it up, Katie…great cause!”
– RSM New Zealand (Auckland North)
“Thank you for sharing your story with us. It was incredibly open of you to share not only your personal journey but your writings as well. Thank you for being inspiring, well-spoken and brave.”
– Master of Music Therapy student
“As a paramedic, I have found myself in many clinical positions of acute decision making with mental health patients. This is always an incredibly challenging environment to make the best possible decisions about/ with/ for someone’s wellbeing in times of need. It was very insightful to hear a different perspective of the story that we, as paramedics, don’t often get to hear due to the limited time spent with patients. It was very humbling to hear the personal story, opposed to the medical ifs, whys, and treatments etc.
The part of your presentation I found most valuable was the things that help (and things to avoid) when it comes to communication.
I would recommend your services because it was very well presented with a great balance of delivery content.”
– Josh Carmine Drowning Prevention Auckland
“I wanted to gain a better understanding of bipolar, specifically focusing on its impact on individuals, the challenges they face, and the support required and available.
It was a truly powerful presentation! Your journey through your lived experience helped me deeply understand not only the challenges of bipolar, but also the positive elements you’ve encountered. Our team had a varied understanding at the start, and your story took us through it in such a gentle and supportive way that everyone felt comfortable learning new information and asking questions.
The most valuable and impactful part of the presentation was hearing your personal perspective on receiving clinical support. Specifically, the insight into how you viewed the world at that time and the crucial support you had to navigate those difficult and scary times—both for you and your support network—was incredibly powerful. Hearing your first-hand account was a true source of positivity, motivation, and inspiration. It really highlighted the “light at the end of the tunnel.” I shared your story with my whānau as a poignant reminder that these challenging experiences can lead to positive outcomes.
I believe this is a positive way to break down barriers for the community. It can help dispel misconceptions and remove the stigma attached to bipolar and other forms of neurodivergence through better education and understanding.”
– Ants Lowe Drowning Prevention Auckland
“I decided to work with Katie as I wanted to learn more about bipolar and provide that opportunity for the team.
Your story landed deeply with me and has had me thinking a lot about inclusion, and how we can create safe spaces whether people are disclosing health needs or not. I loved the recommendation of resources, and the compassion link.
I would recommend your services to others, as I think it is a story worth hearing. Like our drowning case studies, there is nothing like the humanity that sits behind a word, in your case, bipolar.
Many thanks for supporting DPA’s growth in this way. Keep going!”
– Nicola Keen-Biggelaar Drowning Prevention Auckland