About Us

Behind Āhei is Katie and Michaela.

A serendipitous meeting led to the discovery of a shared dream, and a plan to make a difference.

Katie Babbott

Katie loves creating positive change in the community and helping people to live good lives. She completed her master’s degree in 2018, evaluating the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the management of disordered eating, a framework that now informs much of the work of Āhei. She’s now a PhD student at the University of Auckland, exploring how we can develop prevention and early intervention programs for young people. When she’s not working, researching or writing, you’ll find Katie running the river trails, undoubtedly stopping to pat every dog she passes.

Michaela Latimer

Having studied psychology, biology and public health, Michaela is passionate about enabling people and communities to flourish. She’s worked for some of New Zealand’s leading non-profits, including for the Cancer Society and Graeme Dingle Foundation and is currently a Youth Advisor to Philanthropy New Zealand. She’s certified in Intuitive Eating, a member of the Association for Size Diversity And Health and advocate of the Health At Every Size (HAES) movement. Michaela lives in Raglan, so she’s usually on the beach, in the bush, or watching the sunset.