Kia Ora my name is Dr Lea Galvin, I am the Manager of the Student Care Team at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha/University of Canterbury. I bring 25 years of experience across both private and public health sectors to my role. As a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, I have worked extensively in complex clinical environments, with specialist expertise in forensic clinical psychology, neuropsychology, youth mental health, disability, and equity-focused practice.
Throughout my career I have developed integrated care models that prioritise safety, inclusion, and wellbeing. My work in forensic clinical psychology has strengthened my ability to assess and respond to high-risk and complex situations, and my commitment to youth mental health ensures that support services are developmentally informed, evidence-based, and responsive to the evolving needs of students.
Alongside my clinical expertise I also bring expertise in the neuroscience of leadership, applying insights from brain science to foster psychologically safe, high-performing teams. Passionate about equity and access, the teams I lead are dedicated to creating inclusive systems of care that recognise diverse lived experiences and to removing barriers to support.
As Manager of the Student Care Team, I prioritise collaborative partnerships across the University to ensure students receive timely support that enables them to thrive academically and personally.
