Our Trainers

Bea is the Training Manager at CMHA HK, responsible for designing, developing and delivering training programs that integrate best practice standards and evidence-based content that supports workplace wellbeing. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology and Sociology from the University of Surrey in the UK, a Master’s degree in Counselling from the University of Hong Kong, and a certificate in Mental Health First Aid.   Bea has had previous work roles within corporate language education and the charity sector in London and Hong Kong, where she engaged with people from diverse backgrounds and gained insight into the challenges faced by workers in fast-paced cities. During the pandemic, she saw an increased need for workplace wellbeing support and initiated development and delivery of a series of staff wellness sessions, building on her prior experience as a teacher and trainer.   In her position at CMHA HK, Bea utilises her knowledge and skills in psychology and education together with her varied professional experiences to address the complexities of mental health within the workplace across different job sectors and staff levels.

Cherry Mok is a professionally trained counselor and received more than two years clinical training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) after graduating from her master’s degree at the University of Hong Kong.   Cherry mainly practices CBT to help client deal with his/her present dissatisfaction in study, work, family and other interpersonal relationships. The focus of the psychotherapy for client is to explore of his/her existing thinking/behavior pattern and underlying core belief, so that he/she can get new perspectives and bring change to his/her life. She greatly enjoys having the opportunity to make a real difference to some one’s life by helping them to concentrate on their accomplishments and reflect on past successes rather than setbacks.   Meanwhile, Cherry is an experienced trainer in promoting mental wellness and parenting education in Hong Kong and mainland China. Through conference, workshop and small group, she advocates healthy mind and mindful living. Before throwing herself into the Mental Health services, Cherry has over 8 years working experience in training design and execution at both education and commercial sectors.   Cherry has received bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology at Upper Iowa University and Counseling at The University of Hong Kong respectively. She is now a trainer and private practice counselor, consultant of Yan Oi Tang YES Training Institute, Synergy Healthcare (HK), Asia Pacific Early Childhood Education Research Center. She has provided services to The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shihwingching Foundation, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, AXA and Dajiang Innovation (DJI) etc.

Dr. Esslin Terrighena is a chartered psychologist and registered psychotherapist, who has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years. She holds a B.Sc. Hons. in Psychology, Master of Counselling, and Ph.D. in Emotional Neuropsychology. In psychotherapy, Dr. Terrighena specializes in trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. More specifically, she works with individuals who have experienced abuse, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, obsessive thoughts or damaging behaviours. In corporate training, Dr. Terrighena is particularly passionate about enhancing mental health on a wider scale. For this purpose, she facilitates interactive workshops from which learners gain both new insights and practical techniques to improve their wellbeing. Dr. Terrighena is widely published in both the scientific community and popular media, including RTHK3 and SCMP. She further holds professional memberships in British and Hong Kong psychology and psychotherapy associations that permit her to stay current with cutting edge research and training, which she uses to continuously enhance both her therapeutic and corporate practice. For more information on Dr. Terrighena, please check out her website on www.mind-balance.org .

Born in Singapore and raised and educated in Australia, Hilleke has lived in Hong Kong since 2010 and joined CMHA HK in 2020.   Following an 8-year nursing career, she completed a Master of Economics and moved into the government and the not-for-profit sector in Australia for 15 years covering health policy, program management, evaluation and medical education.   In Hong Kong, Hilleke co-founded and managed a video production company, creating corporate information and education videos before joining CMHA HK as the Program Development Lead responsible for research and training. She was appointed Managing Director in January 2023.

Kim is a counselor who works with individuals and couples in a clinical setting in private practice, NGO settings and in the corporate sector. Born and raised in the US, Kim has lived in Hong Kong since 1994.   Kim worked in investment banking in New York and Hong Kong for 12 years and, following a career break to raise her family, obtained a Masters degree in counseling and is completing her doctoral studies focusing on emotional co-regulation in couples.   One of her particular areas of interest is in working with professionals facing workplace adjustment, stress & performance issues, burnout, and career challenges and planning.   She is a keen advocate on raising awareness and reducing the stigma around issues related to mental health, both to the community at large and in the workplace context.   She regularly provides workshops and training for local and multinational corporations as well as educational institutions on a range of topics, including managing stress and anxiety, general mental health awareness, cultivating well being through positive psychology, building resilience and mindfulness. She is also a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid.