Kia ora koutou!

My name is Gina Speedy and I have been the School Counsellor at ANI since 2019. It’s a privilege to work in such a diverse, vibrant and forward-thinking school.  Very few intermediate schools have a full-time counsellor so we are very fortunate at ANI to have this resource. I love getting involved in school events and building relationships with students and I am fascinated by human development and think early adolescence is an especially interesting phase. As widely known – It takes a village to raise a child and I enjoy helping our students on their journey.

Born and bred in NZ my whanau have Scottish and Danish ancestry. I grew up in the small rural town of Feilding, Manawatu. My parents remain in the area and my siblings in Otaki and Brisbane. I’m lucky enough to have 4 nieces and 1 nephew whom I adore.

After initially studying business and communication I became a teacher. I spent time living and working in the USA, Thailand and the UK with several other stamps in the passport. Most of that time was spent teaching primary and I am still a registered teacher. Whilst teaching in London I came across their counsellors in schools programme which furthered my interest in child psychology, mental health and wellbeing. My postgraduate qualifications in counselling with Massey University and University of Auckland have allowed me to transition to counselling and the learning continues! Learning and travelling are my two biggest passions. I’m especially interested in stories – both that of people and that in works of fiction.

In my down time you’ll find me spending time with loved ones, travelling, exploring the outdoors, kayaking, writing bad fiction, reading good fiction and watching crime documentaries.

Please contact me at any time. I’d love to hear from you.