Where you're from, your role and place of work  
I was born in South Auckland, raised in Te Tai Tokerau/the Bay of Islands, and my gafa is third-generation New Zealand European and second-generation NZ-born Samoan (Luatuanu'u, Lauli'i). I work as a Psychologist for Ara Poutama | Department of Corrections, Northland Psychologists' Office. 
 
What are you passionate about and why?   
I am passionate about our Pacific autistic children being valued and appreciated as important members of our Aotearoa Pacific communities. Where they are able to participate fully and realise their full potential . Where they are supported to live a full life and enjoy access to the community, activities, work, and leisure according to their potential and preferences. Where they are supported to live out strong Aotearoa Pacific identities, their way. I am passionate about our children achieving self-determination according to their God-given potential, and that they would achieve soifua maloloina (total health and wellbeing). Only then, will we have reached where we need to be, only then will we have arrived.  
 
You are scheduled to present on "Tapasa a Tagata Sailimalo (Diasporic Adaptation to Neurodiversity): A Pacific-Led Framework for Supporting Autistic Children and Their Families in Aotearoa" - what is this about and why is it important for our Pacific communities?  

The Tapasa a Tagata Sailimalo was developed from blending indigenous knowledge and lived experience of Pacific families raising autistic children in Aotearoa. It reviewed Pacific understandings of autism, how Pacific families experience autism on a daily basis, Pacific families’ support needs and access, and how language and culture were being maintained within Pacific families raising autistic children. The burden of navigating stigma and judgement around autism, often from our own communities, really affected Pacific parents, yet the solutions are also to be found within our communities. Where there was acceptance, understanding, and collective unity, families thrived and all involved were better people for having an autistic family member. They were kinder, less judgemental, more patient, more original, more understanding, more open-minded, better communicators and better parents and teachers. This research also describes the journey of Pacific families from seeking autism assessment through to seeking support, and what these families need. The benefits of traditional culture and language maintenance, even with the communication challenges of autism, were evident, and critical to holistic wellbeing. 

Words of advice/inspiration for people who are looking to pursue a similar career to you?  

Our communities and the psychology profession need our authentic Pacific selves and we need many more Pacific psychologists in Aotearoa! Engage in therapy yourself, know your ‘why’, and bring your whole self to the role; don’t leave your culture or your personality at the door. These are the measina that will hold you through the challenging times in becoming and being a psychologist. 

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The PMA Conference will be hosted in Auckland from 5-7 August. For more information and to register, visit the website here.