Our Team
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 first-hand 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.
Rebecca Larsen
(Marketing Manager)
Rebecca brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, brand and design to the team. She has spent the past decade building and managing relationships across the business community, schools, community organisations and local government, delivering campaigns, public events and initiatives supported by funding and sponsorship.
A published children’s picture book author, Rebecca has visited many schools and preschools, deepening her personal commitment to the wellbeing of tamariki. She also has a strong interest in te reo Māori language and wellbeing. Rebecca is particularly interested in projects where creativity, strategy and functionality come together.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her boys, riding her horse, walking her dog on the beach and pursuing her love of storytelling and art.
