Meet the Team
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Mina counselling is a diverse team of registered mental health professionals with cultural roots in Aotearoa, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Africa, China, South Africa, Brazil and Japan. Together, we bring a rich blend of cultural perspectives and therapeutic approaches in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Director/Registered Counsellor/Equine-Assisted Therapist
Mina Aelyn Lee​​​​​​​
Mina Lee (MA Psychology, NZAC) is a Registered Counsellor and Lecturer at M.I.T with a deep grounding in psychological theory and research, and a heart-led approach to healing. Her academic work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, but it’s the lived stories of people; their resilience, pain, and hope — that shape her practice most.
Mina works in a gentle, collaborative way, drawing from relational, narrative, somatic, and trauma-informed approaches. Her style is intuitive and grounded, creating space for clients to feel deeply seen and supported, at a pace that honours their lived experiences and cultural context.
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She brings experience across youth mental health, education, trauma recovery, and equine-assisted work — and holds a strong belief in the healing power of connection, both human and beyond

Equine-Assisted Therapist
Lara White
Lara White is an Equine-Assisted Therapist with over 15 years of experience working alongside with horses. Roots from South Africa, raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand and immersed in the world of horsemanship from a young age, Lara brings a strong, intuitive understanding of how horses can support emotional growth and healing.
Known for her warmth, strength, and grounded presence, Lara creates a safe, non-judgmental space where people from all walks of life can reconnect with themselves through the calming, honest, and responsive nature of horses.
Her work honours the powerful role horses can play in helping humans build trust, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.

Registered Social Worker
Ingidzai Kasere
Ingidzai Kasere is a registered social worker with many years of experience supporting people in mental health, hospital, and community settings.
Originally from Zimbabwe and now based in Aotearoa, she brings deep cultural knowledge, life experience, and a calm, steady presence to her work.
Ingidzai is especially passionate about elder care, and works in a way that honours the dignity, stories, and mana of the people she walks alongside. Her practice is grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and shaped by decades of listening, learning, and advocating within complex systems.
Wise, warm, and quietly strong,
Ingidzai is known for her ability to create spaces where people feel safe, respected, and uplifted. She brings not only professional skill, but a deep human insight that comes from a lifetime of working with people, meeting them where they are, and walking with them in times of vulnerability and change.

Counsellor
Vera Wang
Vera Wang is a counsellor with a warm, grounding presence and a deeply thoughtful approach to psychotherapy. Originally from China, Vera brings a culturally informed lens to her work, supporting clients from diverse backgrounds with care and insight.
She has a special interest in multi-systemic theory, recognising that individuals are shaped by the relationships, systems, and environments around them.
Her approach is gentle yet clear, helping clients explore personal challenges while also understanding the wider context of their lives.
Vera creates a safe, steady space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Her style is gentle yet steady — she meets people where they are, walking alongside them with empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey.

Counsellor
Anju Chandramohanan
Anju is a counsellor with a calm, compassionate presence and a deep commitment to supporting the wellbeing of others.
Originally from India and now based in Aotearoa, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her practice and values working in a way that is respectful, inclusive, and person-centred

Operations Manager
Rafael Kibe Soares dos Reis
Rafael serves as the backbone of our organisation’s operational flow — bringing together practical leadership, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to people’s wellbeing.
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Currently working full-time as a Construction Supervisor, Rafael brings real-world problem-solving skills, a calm and grounded presence, and an ability to keep complex systems moving smoothly and ethically. His leadership style is people-first: he listens closely, communicates clearly, and supports others to grow in their roles.
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Rooted in his Brazilian and Japanese heritage, Rafael brings a rich cultural perspective to our team. His past work with children with special needs in Brazil, as well as finding deep humility through his travels, learning to embrace difference, adapt with grace, and connect with people from all walks of life —has shaped his compassion and passion for people to thrive in life.
At the heart of Rafael’s contribution is his unwavering belief in people, especially those navigating personal or mental health challenges.
Genuine, warm, and deeply committed, Rafael doesn’t just keep our operations running — he helps hold the heart of who we are.

Equine Facilitated Support Practitioner
Lauren Munro
Lauren bringing her roots from Scotland and residing her home in Aotearoa, New Zealand- brings a remarkable sense of maturity, empathy, and interpersonal wisdom well beyond her years. With a deep connection to horses and a strong foundation in horsemanship, she supports clients in our equine-assisted sessions with care, clarity, and grounded presence.
Currently training in the field of equine-facilitated wellbeing, Lauren combines her intuitive understanding of both people and animals to help create safe, meaningful experiences for those engaging in therapeutic work with horses. Her natural ability to build trust and connection makes her a valued part of our team, particularly in working with young people and those new to the equine space.
Embracing the journey of change leads to a fulfilling and balanced life.





