As a nurse, Alisha Tamepo-Pehi is passionate about making a real difference in families through her mental health mahi. She uses traditional approaches to build relationships with the individuals she serves in health services.
Alisha has been a registered nurse for 16 years, supporting and working alongside whanau in Māori Kaupapa services. Her journey started in Palmerston North, working in Oranga Hinengaro at Mid Central Hospital, where she found her calling to work with our Māori whānau to improve health statistics - she moved on to lead the mental health team at Te Orangaui Health in Whanganui for the Whanganui and Waimarino region.
Alisha expanded her expertise and broadened her horizons, taking on the Specialist Mental Health Nurse role for West Bay of Plenty at Te Manu Toroa in Tauranga Moana. In this capacity, she was dedicated to improving Mental Health and Well-being in Māori communities. Alisha was then appointed the Clinical Lead role for Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme designed to assist caregivers of children aged 0-12) Practitioner at Te Whanau O Waipareira, the Whanau Ora health provider in Waitematā, for four years. Alisha’s background as a nurse, mother and grandmother provided the essential knowledge and techniques to nurture confident, thriving tamariki whilst cultivating a strong whānau bond.
Te Whānau O Waipareira provides the community with social, educational, and health services. The wide area they cover means Alisha is often on the road, visiting parents in their homes, supporting them, and sharing knowledge across the community. She uses powhiri and traditional processes to connect with people and build therapeutic relationships.
Alisha works at Turuki Health Care in the Aronui Team in the Wairua space. Integrating wairua into clinical practice, working alongside whanau with mental health and wellbeing issues. Alisha can assess whanau and refer them to either the Turuki Wairuatanga or Te Whare Aio Wānanga so they will have access to Tohunga and Wairua practitioners.
Alisha operates within the holistic realm, seeking alternatives to exclusively relying on Western medicine. This distinctive approach greatly empowers whānau. Alisha is committed to an integrated care approach to assist whānau in addressing social needs, securing housing support, and offering crisis mental health intervention. Alisha also provides education on tools like karakia, waiata, breathing techniques and mediation for whānau to incorporate into their well-being practices.
Alisha is a current National Board member for Te Kete Pounamu Māori Lived Experience for Mental Health and Addictions - supporting decisions for Māori with Māori. Alisha continues upskilling her clinical skills and has started her Nurse Practitioner training to serve Māori communities.
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