I am available for...

• One-to-one coaching

• Speaking at events

• Business consultations (e.g. interviewing individuals within an organisation to understand or improve key focal areas - which could be what works well and what doesn't, areas that can be streamlined and improved, communication, culture, workload and support required).  I can then collate a confidential and sensitively written report that identifies key areas, recognizing any patterns and where applicable outline potential solutions to help the business meet its goals and to help staff have their needs met. 

• If it's not on the list and you think I may be a good fit for something you have in mind - feel free to get in touch with me!

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My previous experience

• I have worked for approximately 10 years at the University of Auckland and had a number of different roles which saw me have experience in and carry out some of the following duties:​

  • Pastoral care and academic support via mentoring and coaching .​

  • Organising events and professional development opportunities. 

  • Streamlining processes and being an active member of the Continuous Improvement Group (in 2018 the group's work was recognised and nominated for the Vice Chancellor's Professional Development Award).

  • Co-authored and presented a paper titled "Raising equity and diversity awareness within a Faculty of Engineering" at an international conference to promote the establishment of the Rainbow Networks to other tertiary institutions. 

  • Presented at an international conference to raise awareness of the work that had been carried out to enhance wellbeing within the Faculty by reshaping the meaning of “success” and providing opportunities for student engagement.

  • Interviewed individual staff on what worked well and areas that would enhance their role if improvements or tweaks were made to specific areas and produced a sensitively written report outlining key areas and suggested solutions; which were later implemented. 

  • Collaborated with staff and students to understand what key areas were causing unnecessary stress to develop a draft wellbeing strategy that sought to get to the heart of underlying issues so that wellbeing was seen as an embedded  part of everyday life.  

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Awards

• 2018 Group nomination for VC's Professional Development Award (Continuous Improvement Group)

• 2015 University of Auckland's Professional Staff Development Award

• 2015 University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering, Professional Staff Team Excellence Award

• 2012 Finalist for the AAPNZ Drake Administrative Professional of the Year Award

• 2011 CAD Director’s Leadership recognition

• 2009 University of Auckland’s General Staff Professional Development Award

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Education

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) - areas of focus included: organisational psychology, social psychology, business management, business communication and brain and behaviour.

• Diploma in Professional Coaching.

• Master of Teaching (Primary) - Distinction - the programme had a strong social justice theme.

• NVQ level 2 in Administration.

• Foundation Certificate in Youth Mentoring.

• I was also selected and participated in a highly sought after 12-month Women in Leadership Programme with the University of Auckland.

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A bit about me

• Growing up I had severe acne and wore braces. 

• The braces gave me a lisp which shone through when I said the letter 's' (imagine trying to say 'yes miss' or 'my name is Tessa Sillifant!' - it was no easy task I can tell you).

• I grew up on a farm in Cornwall (the South West of England).

• My favourite animals are penguins and the giant panda!  I also love ladybirds - my blog post explains why!

• I love bringing ideas to life, whether that is through painting, drawing, telling stories, dancing or writing, it doesn't matter.  For me it is about being able to express myself and celebrate creativity.

• I studied my Bachelor's degree in Applied Science (Psychology) part-time for 8 years whilst I worked full-time and during that time I also volunteered as a Brownie Leader for Girl Guiding - this time of my life taught me how to be good at managing my time, prioritising my workload and life demands!

• I love adrenalin fuelled adventures and still have wing walking to cross off my bucket list!

• I believe in the importance of not letting your past define you; there will always be something that we can learn from it, and while it will play a part in contributing towards shaping us into who we are today, our story doesn't end there.  We are responsible for our actions and we can turn things around for ourselves, sometimes we just need an impartial support person in our corner to help us move forward so that our real, best selves can be put forward.   

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