Meet the ADC team
Aotearoa Diabetes Collective (ADC) is a team of experienced diabetes clinicians and specialists, supported by the people who keep things running behind the scenes.
Our clinical team includes Diabetes Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Dietitians, a Therapeutic Practitioner and Registered Nutritionist, with support from a Specialist Endocrinologist. Alongside them, our finance, marketing and administration team helps bring our services, education and community initiatives to life.
Solita
Diabetes Nurse Specialist | Nurse Prescriber | Director
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Solita (she/her)
Pākehā, Tangata Tiriti
RN, BN, PGDip (dist.)
Solita is a Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Nurse Prescriber and Director of Aotearoa Diabetes Collective (ADC). She is committed to providing whānau-centred diabetes care that recognises the unique circumstances, strengths and challenges of each person with diabetes and their whānau.
Her particular areas of interest include diabetes technology, education and supporting whānau who are neurodiverse and/or living with complex or additional health conditions. Solita is passionate about making diabetes care more accessible, flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of the people she works alongside.
Rachael
Diabetes Nurse Specialist | Nurse Prescriber | Director
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Rachael (she/her)
Pākehā, Tangata Tiriti
RN, BN First Class Hons
Rachael is a Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Nurse Prescriber and Director of Aotearoa Diabetes Collective (ADC). Living with type 1 diabetes herself and using an automated insulin delivery (AID) system, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.
Rachael has a special interest in helping people get the most from diabetes treatments while minimising the day-to-day burden of diabetes management. She is passionate about supporting people to build confidence in managing their diabetes and adapt treatments and technology to fit their lives, rather than the other way around.
She lives in rural Waikato with her family and is the mum of two teenage boys. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time in her garden.
Claire
Diabetes Nurse Specialist | Nurse Prescriber | Director
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Claire (she/her)
Ngāi/Kai Tahu
RN, BbmedSc, BN, MN (dist.)
Claire Lever is a Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Nurse Prescriber, Director of Aotearoa Diabetes Collective (ADC) and a PhD candidate. She has a particular interest in diabetes technology, including automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, and the use of technology to support people living with type 2 diabetes.
Claire is passionate about helping people manage diabetes in ways that are realistic, sustainable and meaningful within the context of their own lives. She takes a weight-inclusive approach, recognising that people can pursue health and wellbeing regardless of body size, and that diabetes care should be evidence-based, collaborative and free from judgement.
Dr Ryan Paul
Specialist Endocrinologist | Prescribing Supervisor
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Dr Ryan Paul (he/him)
Ngāti Maru, Hauraki
PhD, FRACP, MBChB
Dr Ryan Paul is an endocrinologist based at the University of Waikato and Health New Zealand. He is Co-Chair of Mahitahi Matehuka (National Diabetes Network) and Clinical Director of the Waikato Regional Diabetes Service.
Ryan has a particular interest in diabetes technology, education and improving access to quality diabetes care, especially for Māori, Pacific and rural communities. A passionate educator and researcher, he has contributed extensively to diabetes research, clinical guidance and professional education across Aotearoa.
At ADC, Ryan provides specialist endocrinology expertise and prescribing supervision, supporting the team to deliver high-quality, evidence-based diabetes care.
Cathy
Diabetes Nurse Specialist
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Cathy (she/her)
Pākehā, Tangata Tiriti
RN, BN, MN
Cathy is a Diabetes Nurse Specialist and Registered Nurse Prescriber with a Master of Nursing degree. She has experience in both community and hospital settings, supporting people living with type 1, type 2 and other forms of diabetes, including pancreatogenic diabetes.
Cathy’s approach is grounded in partnership, recognising that every person brings their own knowledge, experiences and priorities to their diabetes care. Through trusting relationships and shared learning, she helps people build the confidence to make choices that are right for them and take an active role in managing their health.
Cathy has experience with a wide range of diabetes technologies, including automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, and is a strong advocate for equitable access to these technologies for everyone living with diabetes.
Cathy is based in the Waikato region. Outside of work, she enjoys horse riding and spending time with her large, blended family.
Rhian
Nurse Practitioner
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Rhian (she/her)
Pākehā, Tangata Tiriti
NP, BN, MN (1st Class Hons.)
Rhian is a Nurse Practitioner based in the sunny Bay of Plenty, supporting people of all ages to live well with diabetes.
She has a particular passion for paediatric and adolescent health, and for supporting people who are neurodiverse. Rhian has expertise in helping children and their whānau navigate the challenges of growing up with diabetes, from the unpredictability of toddlerhood to increasing independence in adolescence and the transition to adult healthcare services. She values connected, whānau-centred care and advocates for young people with diabetes to participate fully in school, sports, work, friendships and everyday life.
Rhian also has a special interest in diabetes technology and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, helping people get the most from these tools while reducing the day-to-day burden of diabetes management. Her aim is to support people with all forms of diabetes to live well, on their own terms.
Bryan
Nurse Practitioner
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Bryan
NP, RCpN, BN, MN (1st Class Hons.)
Bryan is a Nurse Practitioner with 30 years of experience specialising in diabetes care, supporting adults with all forms of diabetes and prediabetes.
He has particular expertise in weight management and supports people with managing diabetes, using weight loss medicines, optimising diabetes medications and managing diabetes-related complications.
Bryan offers in-person appointments in Hamilton and online consultations for people across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Samantha
Therapeutic Practitioner
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Sam (she/her)
Tangata Tiriti
Registered Nutritionist
DipNut, BSc, MSc - currently completing
Sam is a diabetes therapeutic practitioner living with T1D herself. She has a special interest in supporting the mental health burden that diabetes can bring, and is passionate about providing weight-inclusive, non-judgemental care.
Sam has a particular interest in diabetes burnout, new diagnosis and navigating body satisfaction and eating behaviours. She meets people with diabetes where they are, not where they ‘should’ be. She understands first-hand the day-to-day challenges that diabetes brings. It’s through these experiences that she aims to help people live well with diabetes, not despite it or defined by it.
When Sam isn't working or researching, you’ll find her soaking up the sun with her pup, coffee and a pastry in hand.
Brittany
Registered Dietitian
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Brittany (she/her)
Tangata tiriti
Dietitian prescriber
MHSc Nutrition & Dietetics
Brittany is a registered dietitian based in Whakatāne with more than 5 years' experience working with people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes; as well as those with diabetes in pregnancy, and those with pancreatic conditions that result in a need for insulin.
Brittany will work alongside you to develop realistic, individualised nutrition strategies for diabetes management; while also ensuring you are meeting your unique nutrient needs. She has a passion for helping people understand how food impacts glucose levels and helping build confidence with everyday food choices. She practices with a weight-neutral approach, helping people focus on nourishment, health and wellbeing rather than weight or restriction.
Jan
Diabetes Nurse Specialist
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Jan
RN, RCpN, PGDipN
Celeste
Registered Dietitian
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Celeste (she/her)
Dietitian prescriber
MHSc Nutrition & Dietetics
Celeste is currently on parental leave.
Stacey
Administrator
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Stacey (she/her)
RN, BN, PGDip HSc.
Stacey is currently on parental leave.
Amanda
Marketing Manager
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Amanda (she/her)
Pākehā, Tangata Tiriti
Amanda has a background in marketing and brand management, across organisations in the retail, service and not-for-profit sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Management and a Level 7 Diploma in Digital Marketing.
At ADC, she helps raise awareness of the collective's work within the diabetes community and loves the variety of her role. There's always something new to share, keeping her busy and her creative wheels turning.
Outside of work, Amanda lives on a rural lifestyle block with her family. A slightly obsessive dahlia grower, she also holds a Diploma in Interior Design and is happiest adding to a never-ending list of home improvement plans.
Emily
Research Assistant
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Emily (she/her)
Pākehā, Tangata Tiriti
Emily brings a broad scope of experience across project management, marketing, operations and climate change strategy. With a background spanning commerce, environmental reporting, and regional sustainability initiatives. Emily works across teams to streamline processes and bring people together around shared goals. She holds a bachelor or Commerce and Arts and is passionate about building practical, long-term resilience for local communities and organisations.
Outside of work she enjoys gardening, trips to the beach and spending time with family.
Work with us!
Register your interest
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Passionate about making a difference in diabetes care?
Opportunities to join our team arise from time to time, and we're always keen to connect with healthcare professionals who share our commitment to accessible, patient-focused care.
To register your interest, email us at kiaora@aotearoadiabetescollective.org.nz.