About May She Flourish

Kia ora, I’m Stacey May,

I’m a Registered Social Worker, Certified Matrescence Practitioner, and a mother of two based in Ashburton.

I created May She Flourish out of both personal experience and professional practice. Like many mothers, I found that motherhood reshapes us in ways we didn’t expect — changing how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we move through the world. Too often, these changes are felt deeply but left unspoken. I saw how many mothers move through this transition feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or unsure of who they are becoming — and I wanted to help change that.

My approach is relational, compassionate, and grounded in real-life experience. I walk alongside mothers and whānau in a space where you can pause, reflect, and make sense of what’s unfolding beneath the surface. This is about understanding the lived experience of motherhood, not fixing it.

I offer support in a range of ways, recognising that different seasons call for different kinds of care. This includes one-on-one support, group spaces, and free connection opportunities — both in person and online.

helping you:

  • slow down and untangle what’s weighing on you

  • connect with your sense of self amidst the changes

  • build clarity, confidence, and trust in your own insight

  • Connect with others

Across all of this work, my focus remains the same: supporting mothers to feel seen, understood, and steadier as they move through change.

Support is not about having all the answers; it’s about feeling seen, understood, and steady enough to find them.

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. 🩷”

  • The clarity and compassion in your explanation of matrescence really struck a chord. It validated so many of our experiences and gave us a new understanding of ourselves and the mothers we support.

  • It was an absolute pleasure having you join us. The team got so much out of your presentation, and I’ve already had several staff comment on how validating and reassuring it was. Your openness, warmth, and the safe space you created made such a difference.

  • I’m just so grateful to you Stacey. Ashburton (and everywhere!) needs a service like this. Becoming (and continuing to be) a mum is SO HARD and it can be so hard to talk about the challenges without being seen as ungrateful to be a mum. I’d never change my kids for the world, and being their mum is the best gift in the world, but god it’s tough sometimes and it’s so important to talk about it. I’m so grateful for you providing this space and validating how difficult it can be at times and to know we are not alone. You’re so easy to talk to, thank you!!

  • Description goes here

  • I felt heard and valued. Stacey was the first person to really listen to me and understand my feelings.