About us
Change your Thoughts and you change your World!
Rachelle Hawes
(Director)
At Your Happy Place, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive – emotionally, socially, and academically.
Rachelle, the creator of the Positive Mindset Challenge (PMC) programme, has spent over a decade researching evidence-based strategies that promote mental wellbeing, self-esteem, and emotional resilience. Inspired by her own personal journey and the challenges she faced, Rachelle’s passion for personal growth led her to study neuroscience, positive psychology, and the science of wellbeing. This dedication transformed her own mindset and sparked a deep commitment to helping others achieve the same.
After the birth of her three children, Rachelle began volunteering at her local school, where she saw firsthand the growing need for mental health and wellbeing support among students and teachers. The positive response from both students and staff, coupled with the increasing rates of youth anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges, motivated Rachelle to develop the Positive Mindset Challenge programme.
Amy Penney
(Relationship Manager)
As Relationship Manager, Amy is deeply committed to supporting schools in enhancing the health and wellbeing of their students, staff, and wider communities. With over 20 years of experience in designing and delivering evidence-based wellbeing programmes, Amy has worked across a variety of sectors, including education, healthcare, and NGOs. She understands the unique pressures school leaders and teachers face and is passionate about providing easy-to-implement resources like the Positive Mindset Challenge (PMC) programme. Amy believes that emotionally healthy students are better equipped to succeed academically and personally. She is excited about the opportunity to help schools integrate the PMC programme, which supports not only student wellbeing but also staff and whānau. Amy’s goal is to build strong, lasting partnerships that help schools create positive, sustainable change. Outside of work, Amy enjoys keeping fit, food and travel, spending time with family and going to the theatre.
Nerissa Simmons
(Programme Manager)
Nerissa brings extensive experience in programme coordination and management, combined with a customer-focused approach that makes her the ideal partner to support the implementation of the Positive Mindset Challenge Programme in your school. Her passion for the programme stems from her knowledge of its proven transformative ability to improve the mental health and wellbeing of today’s youth. Nerissa is committed to helping schools create lasting, positive change by equipping students with the tools they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. With her expertise in programme management, Nerissa ensures the seamless integration of the PMC programme, working closely with schools to create a supportive, mentally healthy environment for both students and staff. Nerissa is also passionate about fitness, health and the outdoors.
