Sandra Poole
Practitioner – Adult Services, Odyssey
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Mental Health and Addictions student
Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
It’s incredibly rewarding to help plant the seeds of recovery and watch tāngata whaiora start to rebuild their lives, says Sandra Poole who works as an AOD (alcohol and other drugs) practitioner in a 56-bed residential rehab service.
“We’re supporting tāngata whaiora, most of whom are connected with the justice system. My role covers assessment, treatment and recovery planning, with a strong focus on person-centred care. Day-to-day, I facilitate psychoeducation and behavioural exploration groups, carry out risk assessments, write clinical reports, support whānau ora in court, lead case reviews and goal setting, and work closely with external services.
“Because the programme runs for nine to 14 months, I get to see real progress and build strong therapeutic connections along the way. One of the most meaningful parts of the job is seeing tāngata whaiora reconnect with whānau and friends, and begin to heal fractured relationships.”
Sandra says she first experienced working at Odyssey while she was still at university and she loved the positive impact she could make in this role.
“When I was studying occupational therapy at AUT, I was fortunate to complete one of the third-year placements at Odyssey, where I was asked to stay on as a casual support worker. After finishing my degree, I applied for a permanent practitioner role and have been here ever since. It’s a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, which keeps things interesting. I also really value how much Odyssey invests in its staff – there’s a big focus on training and development, which helps me keep growing both personally and professionally.”
An enjoyable journey
She thoroughly enjoyed studying occupational therapy, says Sandra who completed her Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) in 2024 and has since gone on to study a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Mental Health and Addictions alongside her work at Odyssey.
“During my time at AUT, I built strong skills in clinical reasoning, therapeutic communication and culturally responsive practice; all of which I now use every day in my role at a residential addiction service. These skills enable me to support tāngata whaiora in reconnecting with meaningful roles, routines and their cultural identity as part of their recovery journey. My studies also deepened my understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and health equity, which has shaped the way I advocate for culturally safe, person-centred care.
“What I loved most about my studies were my cohort, the lecturers, being part of the student ambassador programme, the resources and support available to us as students and how easy it was for me to access the AUT North Campus. All the occupational therapy lecturers were exceptional, and I’m so grateful for the learnings they shared with me and my cohort. They’re all so passionate about occupational therapy and were always willing to share their experiences with us.”
While she appreciated all of her lecturers, there are a few AUT staff who made a particular impression on her.
“At the beginning of the degree, Dr Heleen Reid said to us that when we finish the degree, we’ll be completely different people. This was so accurate. I discovered who I am and what I value and stand for, while learning how to help others. The guidance and informal ‘supervisions’ of Renee Fitisemanu throughout my time in the degree were invaluable. Her willingness to share her knowledge and experience in the mental health field has benefitted me greatly. Dr Brenda Flood was a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to take the time to help you understand. Kim Reay was so supportive and encouraging, always there for you when you needed a little pep talk! I also appreciated the student ambassador team – Andy Feau, Hans Tommy, Renee Lotoaso and Maddy Jahnke. Being part of this programme was one of the highlights of my time at AUT.”
Advice for other students
Sandra has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“My advice is to attend all your lectures and tutorials, get to know your lecturers and ask questions – you get out what you put in.”
Make the most of your time at university, she adds.
“Take advantage of the many resources available at AUT to help you succeed, step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Enjoy yourself and don’t make your grade your identity!”
