Meet our team

After many years of experience in leading positions at various communication agencies, Fenina went back to university to study psychology and eventually shifted her focus to mental health care and addiction treatment. A dream team ever since they successfully built and ran a day clinic for addiction treatment, she and Oliver continued to join forces, visions and expertise in creating NEOVIVA.

With her blazing energy, (sometimes a bit stubborn) perfectionism, but always with her signature tongue-in-cheek humour and deep compassion, our commander-in-chief always keeps us on our toes. Because she also is a truly humble person, she blames her vibrant character on being raised and influenced by two cultures. When she is not taking care of a multitude of tasks such as administration, staff and financial management, or HR, you might find her studying for her second master’s degree (Managed Health Care) but actually she prefers to roam the great outdoors with her live-in partner Bentley, our Chief Happiness Officer.

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Following a career in communications, Oliver decided to turn his talents to something more meaningful and has subsequently (and successfully) been working in the field of addiction treatment. NEOVIVA is the result of a long journey that began with his personal recovery from addiction some 30+ years ago. “It is my sincere wish that everyone who is suffering from addiction can find help,” Oliver says, “and at NEOVIVA, we have chosen our dedicated staff for their experience, empathy, and personal engagement for the well-being of our clients.”

Certified not only as a Postgraduate in Addiction Psychology & Counselling and a master’s degree in Addiction Studies by King’s College London but also “certified as a little dreamy and a bit impatient” by us, his zest for action is undeniable. True to his goal to implement his visions today rather than tomorrow, he and Fenina have joined forces to found NEOVIVA. When he is not involved in something NEOVIVA-related, he likely is trying to birdie the next hole, or spending time with his three donkeys.

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As our Medical Director, Andrei faces the daily challenge to ensure the highest level of clinical care, and to establish and maintain the required quality assurance mechanisms and effective processes of clinical governance. All this and more Andrei masters with a wink and a smile, backed by his extensive clinical and leadership experience in the health care business. He has earned a Master of Business Administration, is a board certified Physician by training in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy as well as in Neurology and in Emergency Medicine. Coupling his passion for clinical work with his interest in medical research, Andrei has contributed to various renowned international journals and numerous congress presentations which consolidated his extensive expertise. When he is not busy managing our clinic, Andrei enjoys listening to the lapping of the waves while manoeuvering his SUP.

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Originally from Canada, Mayte lived, studied, and worked in Toronto and Montreal. Her passion lies in helping people gain insight into their behaviours and to inspire change in their lives. “Everyone needs a little help at one point or another to make meaningful change,” Mayte explains, “Whether that change is within the self, within a relationship, or within a family, change begins when people gain a better understanding of themselves and the ways in which they relate to others that may be problematic.” Mayte is fascinated by the complexity and dynamics of the family and how this can lead to challenges but can also be a great resource in the treatment of mental health and addiction problems. And this is where Mayte’s systemic approach comes in when dealing with relationships, triggers, sexuality, and boundary setting. While dedicated to her work, Mayte is also an avid photographer and enjoys outdoor activities like going on a good hike.

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Hailed from Albania, Helga’s passion for working in the field of psychology inspired her to follow several paths of studies around the world. Her taste for adventure, as well as her strong curiosity for new approaches and ideas, led her to cities such as Tirana, Lund and Bern. She has refined her skills working as a psychologist in different countries including Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Swaziland, and Niger. When we learned that she is also in training as a systemic psychotherapist (focus: family systems), that she is an expert on crisis intervention (focus: domestic and gender based violence), and has a vast experience on working with vulnerable groups, team dynamics, empowerment and performance enhancement, we could not help but wonder: do her days have more than 24 hours?

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Mohammed’s journey into the world of psychology and psychotherapy is marked by a blend of purposeful academic pursuit and a deeply rooted commitment to holistic patient care. With a distinguished academic background that commenced with obtaining a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Cambridge University, Mohammed has since dedicated his life to understanding the complexities of the human mind and behaviour. His tenure as a senior lecturer at various prestigious universities for more than 15 years honed his expertise in cognitive neuroscience, specifically focusing on OCD, anxiety, and ADHD.

At NEOVIVA, Mohammend employs an integrative approach to psychotherapy, blending different therapies to address the unique needs of our clients. Mohammed’s ability to communicate in English, German, Japanese, Urdu/Hindi, Bengali, and Pashto not only showcases his impressive linguistic abilities but also reflects his deep commitment to reaching out to and understanding clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

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An integral part of the NEOVIVA family, the Swiss-South African psychotherapist weaves professional expertise with a warm, personal touch. Equipped with a Master’s degree from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and with training experiences in New York, USA, and Ububele, South Africa, Shelley’s professional journey includes roles as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in South Africa, where he offered intensive psychotherapy for a diverse array of conditions, ranging from acute bipolar and depressive disorders to addiction. His expertise extends to trauma-focused psychotherapy, neuropsychological assessments, and comprehensive evaluations for adults and children. Recognised and acknowledged not only for his clinical acumen but also for his serene and amiable nature, Shelley personifies seamless collaboration within our multidisciplinary team, significantly contributing to NEOVIVA’s mission. His approach ensures that every client feels supported and understood on a personal level.

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Flown in directly from London, Simon arrived at NEOVIVA with a rich reservoir of experience. In his extensive tenure as Peer Project Manager for the NHS, he seamlessly navigated roles as a manager and mentor, overseeing the comprehensive spectrum of support for those undergoing treatment. This journey sculpted his multi-dimensional approach to addressing both major and nuanced facets of patient care. As a London-based freelance Recovery Coach, Simon offered one-on-one companionship and coaching, providing live-in support with round-the-clock supervision. Furthermore, his distinguished background in Arts and Journalism adds an exquisite layer to his skill set. Now, after having contributed to the literary world with numerous essays, reviews, and articles in The Independent, The Independent on Sunday, Frieze, Art Monthly, and CALM, Simon has effortlessly positioned himself as a cornerstone contributor to our team at NEOVIVA.

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From their arrival to their departure, from their first assessment on and especially during their stay with us, our clients can lean on Ian. He communicates. He listens. He encourages. In other words: Ian is a constant in our clients’ support system at NEOVIVA (and beyond). “I lead a healthy alcohol-free life for many years now,” he says, “so I truly know about the joy of being sober.” Always an avid learner, Ian not only gained in-depth experience in clinical work but also constantly expands his horizon with further training in psychology, eager to provide the best guidance to our clients in his one-to-one counselling sessions and recovery groups. After a long day’s counselling, the keen swimmer loves a quick dip in Lake Lucerne.

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Arinder is a diligent worker and independent thinker who swiftly absorbs new information. Given her exceptional interpersonal and social skills, it is not surprising that she has worked with clients in both group and individual settings for so long. She has a decade of experience in the fields of social work, mental health, and addiction services. Her own experience with recovery and more than 16 years of abstinence allow her to connect deeply with our clients while maintaining her professional boundaries. Her training in acting enables her to voice her thoughts and ideas clearly and amaze others with the ability to identify certain behaviours and characteristics. She empathizes with every fibre of her body, identifies issues that clients may not be aware of and is not afraid to call them out – in a compassionate manner, mind you. To clear her busy mind, Arinder likes to stay in shape and engages in fitness in her spare time.

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Hugrún is a certified alcohol and drug addiction counsellor from Reykjavik, Iceland, with over seven years of experience in the addiction field. With her extensive experience in group therapy, private counselling, and more than fifteen years in recovery from addiction, she knows exactly where the beat is. Hugrún has held a variety of roles in a variety of disciplines before deciding to put her abilities and large heart to greater use in the field of addiction treatment. Her most recent post was as the Director of the Family Justice Center for Survivors of Violence. We’re delighted that she decided her future to be with NEOVIVA, as her experience with families and children in a friendly and non-threatening approach complements our team exceptionally well. Hugrún lives a healthy and active lifestyle perfectly suited for our environment and the natural beauty of Central Switzerland. And being an absolute bookworm herself, she has just recently translated the book “The body keeps the score” by Bessel van der Kolk, into Icelandic.

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Michael has been around the block and back, so you know he is a survivor equipped with the skills to overcome adversity. He has been sober for over 30 years and, as a result of his own personal experience with addiction, is able to empathize greatly with our clients. His life’s mission for many years is to make a good difference by assisting others in overcoming adversity, charting a new course and showing them that life in recovery can actually be fun. His approach to recovery is pragmatic, and he often amazes clients with how simple and practical his solutions for complex issues can be. Michael attracts canines the same way as he does people. Proof positive that he is completely pure and evil-free is the fact that every dog that visits or works at NEOVIVA is instantly drawn to him. If you can’t find Michael taking care of our clients, he’s probably out on a long stroll with Sir Bentley the Beagle, his favourite member of staff.

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Meet Sarah, our dedicated and passionate recovery counsellor with over 13 years of experience in guiding individuals towards a journey of recovery. At NEOVIVA, Sarah brings an unwavering commitment to helping clients overcome challenges associated with addiction and disorders. Her client-centered approach ensures a personalised experience and structured processes tailored to each individual’s complex and challenging needs, making sure that every step of the journey is both meaningful and manageable. Sarah has extensive experience dealing with conditions such as ADHD, Schizophrenia, BPD, severe depression, anxiety, sex addiction, personality disorders, food disorders, and various substance dependencies. Her expertise lies in breaking down the overwhelming issues into manageable areas, fostering awareness that change is possible. Her optimistic, can-do approach coupled with a cheerful, respectful, and polite energy creates a nurturing environment for our clients to embark on their path to healing.

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Our seasoned Recovery Counsellor Tony is dedicated to guiding individuals and their loved ones through the intricacies of recovery from substance abuse and behavioural addiction. Motivated and resourceful, Tony is a beacon of support and excels both independently and as a valuable team member. His commitment reaches beyond borders as he actively worked with international clients throughout Europe, showcasing his ability to navigate comfortably in diverse environments. His compassionate, people-oriented approach stems from years of experience supporting and mentoring individuals at various stages of recovery. Tony brings a wealth of experience to NEOVIVA, not to mention a compassionate heart. His own journey of 35 years of recovery from addiction is not just a testament to his personal growth but serves as an inspiration for those seeking a path to wellbeing and lasting recovery.

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The daughter of a Swiss father grew up as an Enzedder and only recently moved her home to Switzerland. As an experienced nurse (registered in New Zealand), Crystal is well-versed in managing the various challenges of a clinic’s everyday life and listening to the client’s needs. Especially her years of work in Acute Care (High Dependency, Coronary Care, Admissions Planning) and Covid-19 Response has added to her expertise in both juggling tasks and ensuring an excellent client experience. As soon as we discovered how caring, eager and motivated Crystal is – in short: how Crystal lives and shares the NEOVIVA spirit – we knew that we wanted her! She is passionate about caring for our clients but also finds time to settle into life in her new home country and explore her Swiss roots.

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Pierre, a Parisian native, successfully conquered drug and alcohol addiction more than 30 years ago and has since then been dedicated to assisting others in their journey to sobriety. Recognising the transformative impact of his own recovery, he actively shares his insights, stating, “I found the key that freed me from the chains of my addiction, and it would be selfish of me not to share it.”

As our clinic’s global representative and NEOVIVA’s interventionist, Pierre meticulously plans and orchestrates interventions—sensitive events encouraging individuals with compulsive or addictive behaviours to accept treatment voluntarily. His approach is characterised by a judicious blend of empathy and emphasis, ensuring that those in need feel supported and understood throughout their transformative journey. Taking the daunting step of seeking help and entering a treatment centre, many clients have expressed gratitude for Pierre’s guidance and assistance in ensuring that their chosen path aligns with their individual circumstances and requirements.

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Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of the north, Karin possesses a heart as vast as the northern skies. With a seamless blend of innate kindness and business acumen, she has discovered her true calling with us. Having grown up on a farm, she is a master of detail, providing structure, order, and valuable information effortlessly. Her beaming smile radiates positivity, brightening our days as she flawlessly keeps everything running smoothly, never missing a beat. Karin’s unwavering dedication and genuine kindness make her an invaluable asset to the team, always on top of things. In her leisure time, she finds joy in practicing yoga, engaging in sports, and embarking on adventures with her furry companions, Zoe and Thorsten. With her warmth and competence, she creates a thriving environment, establishing herself as an indispensable force behind our success.

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Morné is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in operations, sales, administration management, and personal assistance. With a diverse background spanning technology, administration, retail, sales, and customer service, we are especially happy to be able to entrust our IT issues and office operations to him. His previous role as Practice Manager at a Clinical Psychologist practice in New Zealand equipped him with invaluable skills in handling sensitive matters, including patient liaison, medical insurance coordination, and regulatory compliance. Morné’s proactive approach, impeccable organisational skills, and commitment to confidentiality make him a trusted asset in ensuring smooth clinic operations and fostering a positive work environment. With his expertise and calm demeanor, remaining unfazed even when challenged by renitent software or petulant hardware, Morné is poised to contribute effectively to the success of our clinic.

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Thanks to his dad, who refused to let him study theatre and social science, we are lucky to now have Oliver with us as NEOVIVA’s Head of Finance. Initially, he intended to merely consult on our business plan, but we successfully lured him with our trademark Karma, charme, and chuzpe. When you don’t see him juggling numbers, you’ll find him teaching Accounting & Corporate Reporting at ZHAW School of Management and Law.

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