Sonia Pope

I am Tongan / Niuean and I hail from the villages of Tongoleleka- Ha’apai, Koulo- Ha’apai, Holonga- Vava’u, Halafo’ou- Tongatapu and Alofi North- Niue.

I am the first Tongan / Niuean Educational Psychologist in New Zealand. With five years of experience as an Educational Psychologist for the Ministry of Education, I now work as a Project Manager at Le Va and I focus on the wellbeing and youth development of Pacific young people.

I have a passion for working with young people and upskilling professionals, parents, and educators on how to better support and engage with Pacific young people. This area of Psychology needs more Pacific diversity.

I continue to advocate for Educational Psychology and encourage any Pacific person who has hopes and dreams to work in this field.

“Be the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete”- A quote about resilience, I am a strong believer that we are capable to successfully adapt to difficult or challenging life experiences that overall strengthens our mental, emotional, physical, behavioural and even cultural wellbeing.