A woman with wavy brown hair and light skin, smiling, outdoors in front of green bushes, wearing a dark blouse with a colorful scarf.

About May She Flourish

Kia ora, I’m Stacey May — a Registered Social Worker, Certified Matrescence Practitioner, and mother of two, based here in Ashburton.

May She Flourish was created from both professional experience and personal understanding of just how transformative — and challenging — motherhood can be. After walking my own path through matrescence, I saw how many mothers move through this season feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or unsure of who they are becoming.

With a background in social work and years spent working alongside individuals and families, I bring a compassionate, relational approach that honours the real, everyday experiences of mothers and whānau. My work has spanned areas such as early parenting, maternal wellbeing, attachment, and community support — all of which have deepened my understanding of the support families need to truly thrive.

Through May She Flourish, I offer personalised 1:1 sessions — in person, in home, and online — to help mothers pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves. These sessions create space for you to make sense of change, ease the mental load, and strengthen confidence in your role as both a mother and an individual.

At its heart, May She Flourish exists to walk alongside women through the realities of motherhood — offering a safe, understanding space where you can feel seen, supported, and reminded that you’re not alone in this journey.

Testimonials

  • “Stacey met with me when I was eight months postpartum. As a first-time māmā with no whānau nearby, little support at home and the constant juggle of a new identity alongside work–life balance, I had a lot on my plate. It wasn’t until I sat down with Stacey that I realised just how much I was struggling.

    She was the nurturing soul I didn’t know I needed - validating my experience, helping me see a way through postnatal depression and reminding me that I was not alone. Stacey introduced me to the concept of matrescence, putting words to the feelings I had been carrying. After eight months of not feeling like myself, Stacey’s words felt like warm, validating hugs and gave me the strength to get through this difficult time. 

    I cannot recommend her enough - so professional, deeply knowledgeable and truly understanding. In such a vulnerable chapter of my motherhood journey, the gift of being truly seen and never judged was profoundly empowering and so rare to come by. 

    Stacey - I will be forever grateful for your ongoing support and guidance. I know that any māmā that may be struggling, will receive the same comforting support and care that I did.”

  • “Becoming a first-time mum was both exciting and overwhelming, but having Stacey by my side made all the difference. She was my constant during a time when everything — who I was, what I did, and even my self-belief — felt like it was shifting.

    I can’t thank her or recommend her enough for the guidance, support, and reassurance she gave me to navigate it all with more confidence. Whatever challenge of motherhood I was facing, Stacey always met it with positivity and compassion, gently reminding me that I was enough, and doing enough, for my little girl.

    I truly believe parenting takes a village — and adding Stacey to mine has lightened my load in ways I’ll always be grateful for. 🩷”