MHAC 2017
A one-day conference that looks at a range of mental health issues and is co-convened by Willow Creek Association NZ and Equip.
2017 is focusing on youth and children experiencing mental health issues.
SPEAKERS
Nathan Wallis
(Neuroscience Educator)
Nathan Wallis is a father of three and foster parent with a professional background in child counselling, teaching and social service management. Until recently he lectured in Human Development at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand and was also a board member and senior trainer with the national body responsible for the dissemination of neuroscientific research to professionals.
Nathan is a regular on Radio and Television shows in New Zealand, sharing his expertise on child development. In 2010 he founded a private training consultancy, X Factor Education Limited, with the goal of facilitating easy to understand professional development training reflecting the latest neuroscience discoveries and their practical implications for everyday practice.
He has developed a reputation as a lively and engaging speaker who uses humour and plain language to make this complex topic come to life.
Christeen McKay
Dip Tchg, MA Hons, Dip Clin Psych (Reg. Psychologist)
Christeen gained her teaching degree during the 1970’s and taught for five years before returning to university to re-train as a Clinical Psychologist, graduating in 1988. She then worked in this role for eight years at Marinoto Child and Family Clinic before moving into private practice where she has been ever since.
Christeen has always been primarily interested in the early years of childhood and adolescence and has continued to work in this area within the family context.
She began her life as a Christian 40 years ago and remains committed to a life growing in Christ.
Elliot Taylor
(Advocacy & Communications Manager from Zeal)
Elliot Taylor is the General Manager of Zeal, a nationwide youth organisation dedicated to helping young people discover, express and develop their unique creativity. At Zeal he founded the youth mental health project Live For Tomorrow, which reaches young people with messages of hope and positive change right where they spend most of their time: online and in school.
In 2016, Live For Tomorrow began an innovative and ambitious project offering immediate interpersonal support to young people disclosing crisis online.
Elliot also lives in an intentional community in Henderson, writes songs, stories and poems (depending on the day) and adds to his pancake tally each Saturday morning.
