Megan Williams is a Senior Registered Psychologist at the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust in Tauranga, bringing more than a decade of experience across youth justice, policing, private practice, and community based mental health support. Her award winning work and published research in the field of family violence has gained both national and international recognition.

Through her role at Youth Central, Megan works alongside rangatahi aged 8 to 25, providing one to one therapy, psychoeducation, and clinical consultation grounded in evidence based and culturally responsive practice. Her work is deeply focused on improving accessibility and wellbeing outcomes for Māori and Pasifika youth, while creating safe and supportive pathways for healing, resilience, and growth.

In 2025, Megan expanded the reach of this kaupapa by welcoming Intern Psychologist Niall Heeney into the practice, strengthening the organisation’s ability to support young people and whānau in increasingly innovative ways. With the support of a Hopefish Grant, Megan and Niall are attending the NZ Psychological Society Conference to further explore how AI, group therapy models, and collective healing approaches can help transform the future of psychological services in Aotearoa.

Megan’s work reflects a strong commitment to culturally informed practice, collaboration, and the development of therapeutic models that are both clinically effective and genuinely accessible to the communities they serve. Through her leadership, advocacy, and ongoing professional development, she continues to create meaningful impact for young people navigating adversity and complex life challenges.