MA CAT (Clin), PGDip CAT, BFA, AThR

Cat recently graduated from the Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy programme at Whitecliffe College. She is currently working with non-government organisations in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, supporting survivors of family harm, abuse, trauma, and stroke. Prior to this, Cat worked for more than two decades in graphic design, architecture, and interior design, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. The Covid-19 pandemic prompted her to shift gears, motivating a desire to contribute more directly and meaningfully to well-being initiatives within her community through creative, person-centred expression.

Born in Colombia, Eliana holds a degree in Law from the University of Medellín, Colombia, with a focus on Family, Process, and Constitutional Law in her country. She also has a qualification of Bicultural Social Services from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Being passionate about social justice, equity, and inclusion within different communities, she founded her path at Refugees as Survivors where she works as an Engagement Coordinator; part of her role is to create and co-facilitate creative, safe, and enjoyable spaces for all families as part of their resettlement programme at the Te Ahuru Mōwai o Aotearoa (Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre).

MA CAT (Clin), PGDip (Expressive Therapies), BCom, AThR

Amelia completed her Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical) in 2023 and recently joined the academic team at Whitecliffe College in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. She is a registered Creative Arts Therapist, predominately working alongside young clients, allowing a gentle playfulness to scaffold the therapeutic journey. Amelia has 20 years of experience working with vulnerable and marginalised communities, utilising the power of theatre to promote social justice where possible and disrupt as often as she can.