You couldn’t ask for friendlier faces than those you’ll see at OUSA Student Support! With a wealth of experience and knowledge, the team is ready for absolutely anything you have to throw at them. Feel free to just pop on in but you can email ahead and make an appointment if you wish.
Dwaine Tait – Student Support Manager
Dwaine is the Student Support Manager. He graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1997 and with his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2002. Dwaine is a trained marriage and family therapist, multi-systemic therapist and has been working in the field of counseling, social work and education for the last 25 years, he recently returned home to New Zealand after living and working in the U.S. and Europe. When Dwaine isn’t in the office, you’ll find him wing-foiling on the water. Dwaine can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Beth – Senior Student Support Advocate
Beth is our Senior Student Support Advocate. Beth is a registered Social Worker, and completed her social work degree at Otago University in 2012. Outside of life at Student Support, Beth dabbles in some sewing projects, making clothes and extra bits and bobs for the house, which she probably definitely doesn’t need, but they look really cool anyway. Beth can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Rachel – Student Support Advocate – Queer Focused
Rachel is our Queer Focused Student Support Advocate. She graduated with a Master’s of Health Psychology in 2022 and is currently completing a health psychology internship as part of her role at OUSA. Outside of the office, Rachel lives with her wife and their two dogs and she enjoys getting out on hikes, writing, and cross-stitching. Rachel can be contacted at q.support@ousa.org.nz, or by phone at 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Clare – Student Support Advocate
Clare is one of our Student Support Advocates and she also helps to coordinate the Are You OK? safety service. She enjoys working with the team of Are You OK? volunteers, attending events she feels far too old to be at! She is currently studying by distance towards a Bachelor of Social Work. Clare moved to Dunedin with her partner last year and enjoys exploring the South Island in her weekends and holidays. She also enjoys cooking up a storm in the kitchen and doing a craft project or two. Clare can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Ulani – Student Support Advocate
Ulani is a registered Educational Psychologist. She completed her Master of Educational Psychology in 2019, and then went on to complete her Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology Practice in 2020. Ulani has experience working in various support roles across the education and disability sectors. Ulani can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Leda – Student Support Administrator / Class Representative Coordinator
Leda is the Student Support Administrator and Class Representative Coordinator. Leda has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Otago. Outside of work she loves cooking, gardening, hikes and horse riding! Leda can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Sophie – Education and Engagement Coordinator
Sophie is our Education and Engagement Coordinator, she helps get the word out on who Student Support is and how we can help with everything life throws at you! Sophie has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Psychology and a GradDip in Primary Teaching. Outside of work she loves being outdoors, cooking for her household of boys and taking advantage of all Dunedin has to offer! Sophie can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Joe – Are You Ok? Coordinator
Joe is the Are You Ok? Coordinator, he leads a team of dedicated Are You Ok? volunteers that ensure the wellbeing and safety of students at events. Joe completed both his Bachelor and Masters degree as a student here at the University of Otago, giving him an appreciation and understanding of Dunedin’s vibrant student culture. He enjoys running, reading and going on casual walks in the evening. Joe can be contacted at help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Rayna – Student Support Advocate
Rayna is one of our casual Student Support Advocates. Rayna has a background in Occupational Therapy and taught at Otago Polytechnic for many years. She grew up and raised her own family in Dunedin and has recently settled back after a two year campervan trip and working holiday around the North Island. She loves organic gardening, learning about the night skies and bird-watching. Rayna can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.