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OUR TEAM
Meet our professional addictions team, many of whom have lived experience of addiction.
The Ocean Hills expert clinical addiction services includes Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Programme Facilitator, and other Mental Health Professionals.
Sonya Sapir
Clinical Manager
Sonya is a Registered Nurse whose work has been focused in the AOD (alcohol and other drugs) field.
Over the past four years she has worked in private and public residential AOD facilities, providing patients with comprehensive, evidence-based care from admission to discharge.
A client-centred approach is how Sonya likes to work.
‘I really enjoy working in partnership with people who are often misunderstood. I want to support each person live to their fullest potential, as defined by them.’
Professionally, Sonya stays current in her practice with membership of DANA (Drug and Alcohol Nurses Australasia), attending AOD conferences and forming connections with other medical professionals in the AOD field.
Sophie Davidson
Occupational Therapist
Sophie is a qualified Occupational Therapist working at Ocean Hills. Specialising in mental health and addictions, she is a strong support to our clients and can help get them re-build their lives to live happy and healthy recoveries.
She has worked at Counties Manukau DHB, Kaupapa Maori Community Mental Health Service and also in acute mental health services at Middlemore hospital.
Sophie brings with her a dedication for helping navigate people out of the sickness of addiction and into a path of wellness.
‘I am really passionate about my role, especially working within addiction services as I have experienced how debilitating it can be for both the individual and the family. I have had family suffer greatly because of addiction and I really want to be able to help where I can and let people know that recovery is possible.’
Leah Sciascia-Steffert
Yoga Therapist
Leah Sciascia-Steffert is a Yoga Therapist and teacher with 10 years experience, and is also skilled and experienced in meditation and massage therapies.
Margaret-Mary Farr
Art Therapist
Jan Ellis
Programme Facilitator
Jan is qualified in Mental Health & Addictions, RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy), NLP (Neurolinguistic Therapy), Hypnotherapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and in Education with group reaching and facilitation.
"I have seen the destruction of alcohol and drugs in my loved ones' lives and I am dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive approach to allow our guests to navigate their recovery in the best way possible for them. I love seeing all the learning moments on our guest's faces which reflect their newfound hope for a life free of addiction."
Liz Sait
Weekend Programme Facilitator
Peer Support
Stephen Kane
Callan Jennings