Student Support and Engagement Team

Our faculty has a variety of high-quality support services, networks and dedicated staff to provide you with access to a range of clubs and opportunities to make friends, network and grow your profession.

No matter who you are or your background, there is a place for you in our whānau.

Our FMHS Student Support Team are available to speak with you about any kind of support you feel you need during your time at university; this can range from advice on how you manage your workload or financial hardship to what to do when experiencing anxiety or depression. We can guide you through processes and refer you to other support services at the University. We are a good first point of call if you need information on how you can be supported and what support services are available. We work through issues with all students in a confidential and judgment-free space and advise you on how best to navigate your challenges.

Andrew Williams
Student Support and Engagement Manager

Kia Ora, my name is Andrew Williams and I have the pleasure of working with this wonderfully talented and passionate team that works closely to take care of all of your pastoral and well-being needs.
We really want to see you achieve your potential as you work hard toward your dream future, but we also want you to thrive in every area of University life. It has been fantastic to get to know so many of you during my time with the Faculty and I look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming months!

Check out the free breakfast on Thursdays or the many upcoming events run across lunchtimes in the common spaces in 505 and 507 – it’s great to see you engaging! Get involved in clubs and committees, expand your horizons, meet new people - challenge yourself and make the most of your time with FMHS! My team and I are here for you every step of the way so please get in touch if you have challenges or just want to chat something through.

Alina Meador
Student Support Adviser – Postgraduate & Phase I MBChB Students 

Kia ora / Hola / Halo olgeta / Hi there! My name is Alina Meador and I’m one of the Student Support Advisers here at FMHS.
I am passionate about making sure the university space is welcoming, accessible, safe, supportive and enjoyable for us all – regardless of who we are or what we may need to succeed. I’m always here for a chat or a hug and I am enthusiastic about helping students achieve their goals – so feel free to share your good news with me as well and we can celebrate together!

I know how difficult it is to manage coursework on top of everything else that life throws at us. I came to the University as an international student to complete my Master of Public Health. Settling into Aotearoa while studying – combined with managing my chronic illness – was tough. Luckily, I leaned on our incredible Student Support Advisers and was able to make my way through! I’m excited to be in this role now and be able to give back. I’m happy to work with you through whatever may be going on; I can help you stay on track in your courses, reach out to your lecturers to request extra support and access additional support services, among many other things. Come have a chat to let me know how I can support you!

Alistair Stafford
Student Support Adviser – Undergraduate and Phase 2 & 3 MBChB

Kia Ora, My name is Alistair Stafford, and I am one of the Student Support Advisers here at FMHS. My focus is on Undergraduate and Phase 2 and 3 Medical students, but I am available to help any students who need some extra support. I believe that everyone should have access to a support network to help them achieve their goals during their time at University.

I have a BSc in Biological Sciences and a Graduate diploma in Psychology from the University of Auckland. I have spent most of my working life supporting international students in various schools and institutions around Auckland, so I understand the life events and strange things that can creep up on students without warning – please feel free to reach out if you ever want to discuss, chat or just have someone to vent at about life, the universe and everything. I look forward to meeting you during your student journey at the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences and getting you on track to realise your future.

Lucy Barnes
Student Experience Adviser

Kia ora! My name is Lucy Barnes and after a few years with the faculty, I am now the FMHS Student Experience Adviser.
I believe university should be one of the best experiences of our lives and I love helping to make sure this is the case for you! On my own university journey, I did a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Masters in Immunology and completed my PhD in Public health – so I have spent plenty of time in universities and know how important your community and support networks are. I want to make sure FMHS provides that for you and that you are proud to be a part of the FMHS whānau.

From Orientation to Graduation, I am here to make your time on campus fun. I provide opportunities to engage with students and staff, as well as ensure you have access to support systems and opportunities for student development.

University is your time to learn more about the world and who you are as a person - get involved, join a club, come along to an FMHS event and make the most of your time at university!

We have free breakfast on Thursdays in 507 and various lunchtime activities on Tuesdays and Wednesdays – keep an eye out for all the FMHS fun! Please get in touch if you want to know more about what is happening on campus, or if you have any events suggestions!

Ana Hodgkinson 
Student Support Adviser (Rural)

Kia Ora, my name is Ana, and I am one of the Student Support Advisers here in FMHS focusing on MBChB students on Rural and Regional placements while also supporting the RRAS students. Originally from a rural town myself I can relate to the difficulties involved with balancing studies. I am passionate about seeing students succeed and will always endeavour to find the best solutions.

My background is in the government sector working previously for the Ministry of Social Development and in Emergency Housing. This knowledge means I can provide advice on financial support, housing support or holistic support.

I am always on campus Monday to Thursday 9am–2pm. Please feel free to contact me for a chat, whether you just want to vent or have something else you want help with.