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Team OPRA
OPRA is a privately owned organisation, with a strong corporate and organisational structure. With 30 years combined experience in the areas of occupational psychology and human resource consulting, Sarah Burke, Dr Paul Englert, Teresa MacGregor, and Tamara Packman, senior consultants at OPRA, offer a unique skill-set in the consulting space.
Sarah Burke - National Manager
Sarah plays a dual role in OPRA Consulting Group, as both manager for the Wellington office, and national manager.
She has a Masters degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from Massey University, and is currently working towards a doctorate in Management and Psychology with the NZ Police. Sarah takes an active role in all aspects of the business, but has a particular interest in the design and delivery of consulting projects and R&D for the OPRA group. When she is not working or studying, Sarah enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking up a storm, reading, and bush walking.
Paul Englert - Training and Business Development Executive
Paul has a First Class Honours Degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics, and a Doctorate for his work on the rehabilitation of the long-term unemployed.
Paul is a Registered Psychologist, a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society, and ex-Chair of the Industrial and Organisational Division of the New Zealand Psychological Society. His key areas of specialisation include the design and delivery of assessment centres, the re-design of workplaces for optimum worker efficiency, workplace counselling, and the design of computerised psychometric techniques. Outside of work, Paul enjoys books, films, scuba diving, surfing, travelling and keeping fit.
Teresa Macgregor - South Island Manager
Teresa performs a dual function in the OPRA team with both South Island Manager and Financial Controller responsibilities.
Prior to joining the OPRA team, Teresa completed her Masters degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Canterbury and recently completed registration as an I/O Psychologist. She has worked with a range of clients, across a number of different industry sectors from low level to senior management positions in a wide variety of different projects (e.g. psychometric assessments, training, evaluation, survey development). With a strong interest in organisational values alignment, Teresa prides herself on providing strategic practical solutions that are aligned to the mission, vision and values of organisations. Outside of work Teresa enjoys many team sports including indoor netball, basketball, touch rugby and also enjoys getting out in the weekend and soaking up the sun with some water sports.
Tamara Packman - Senior Psychological Advisor
Tamara is both a Senior Psychological Advisor and Manager of Training. She has a Masters Degree in Psychology and has recently completed registration as an I/O Psychologist.
She brings with her experience in teaching, training and tutoring, and specialises in the design and delivery of training programmes and workshops. Tamara runs a psychometrics training course with postgraduate university students to complement their studies, providing them with practical skills for administering and interpreting psychometric assessments. Tamara is also skilled at managing projects, including: 360-degree surveys, culture and climate surveys, job analyses, assessment centres, and validation studies. Tamara is committed to ongoing research within OPRA Consulting and has recently published an article in the New Zealand Journal of Psychology and co-presented at a conference in Australia. Outside of work, Tamara enjoys travelling, arts and crafts, jogging and tramping.
Kaleena Muirhead - Psychological Advisor
Kaleena has a Masters degree in I/O Psychology from the University of Canterbury and is located in the Christchurch office. Her research related to the way in which a combination of personality traits and person-organisation fit influence employees' attitudes in the workplace.
Kaleena's prior experience has included work in sales, banking and internal HR. In her spare time, Kaleena enjoys socialising, kickboxing and having a ball at swing dancing events.
Tammy Simpson - Psychological Advisor
Tammy has a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce degree from Massey University, and is currently working towards her Masters Degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
Her research is based on a validation study of the Retail Proficiency Test (RPT), a cognitive ability assessment for the Retail Sector.
Since joining the team at OPRA, Tammy has been involved in areas such as psychometric assessment and analysis, 360 degree surveys, assessment centres, and job analysis. Prior to working at OPRA, Tammy gained work experience in sales, call centre, and recruitment and selection environments. Outside of work, Tammy enjoys socialising with friends, reading, tramping, and playing tennis.
Sue Sommerville - Psychological Advisor
Sue has recently completed her Masters degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (Hons) at the University of Canterbury, and is looking forward to completing her registration as an I/O Psychologist.
Sue's thesis project focused on identifying individual differences that influence employees' adaptability to international relocation. Before joining the OPRA team, Sue gained part-time work experience in the human resources and recruitment fields. Outside of work, Sue enjoys good food, sport, travelling, going to the gym and socialising with friends.
Paul Wood - Psychological Advisor
Paul has a Masters degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Philosophy. He is currently completing his Doctorate (PhD) in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
Prior to coming fulltime to OPRA Paul worked for OPRA as a contracted Research Advisor updating test technical manuals, writing best practice guides, and updating norms. He also has experience in the modeling of test combinations to increase the accuracy of job performance predictions. Paul has a strong theoretical and practical interest in how people differ in terms of personality, cognitive ability, and integrity. Paul’s PhD project focuses upon how knowledge of the dymanics of such individual differences can be used to improve selection processes. Outside of work, Paul enjoys exercising, reading, and socialising with friends.
Marisa Witzel - Psychological Advisor
Marisa completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Colorado in the United States. She moved to New Zealand in 2005, and is currently completing her Masters in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Waikato.
Marisa previously worked as a tutor for the University, and is currently finishing her thesis. Marisa has a strong interest in the effects that alternative work arrangements have on employees and their families. Her thesis is aimed at investigating the effects of work from home arrangements on individual work-family conflict, job satisfaction and psychological strain. Outside of work Marisa enjoys traveling, skiing, outdoor activities, and finding great new restaurants!
Grace Eadie - Office Administrator
In the Auckland office, Grace's key areas of specialisation include psychometric test administration, OPRA helpdesk, GeneSys support, training facilitation, stock orders, front office support and general office administration.
Before working for OPRA, Grace previously worked in real estate, where she gained experience in residential & commercial property sales. Outside of work, Grace enjoys swimming, windsurfing and shopping.
Hilary Blackledge - Accounts Administrator
Hilary is the Accounts Administrator for OPRA Consulting Group.
Her background in bookkeeping has given her a particularly broad grounding in the basics of accounting and also a strong sense of servicing client needs. Hilary's areas of specialisation are in all aspects of accounting, monthly and annual reports, cash flow management, debtors management, payroll and regular tax payments. Hilary brings a wide variety of work and life experience to the team, and has completed University level qualifications in accounting and philosophy. She also has previous experience in office management, hat manufacturing and hospitality, where for several years she gained immense satisfaction and praise in dealing with both local and overseas visitors. Outside of work, Hilary enjoys Tai Chi, music and movement, reading, camping and outdoor activities, and has a keen interest in Italy, its food, language and culture.
