About Us

 

Choices Match was created by Dr Heather Carpenter, a highly respected careers and education consultant with more than 20 years of experience across education, tertiary practice, and private consulting. Heather’s PhD in Career Management explored the skills that sustain career satisfaction in today’s constantly changing world. Throughout her career, she has designed numerous career education tools, written for tertiary providers, and supported individuals at all stages of life through personalised career counselling.

 

As the New Zealand trainer for the Self-Directed Search (SDS), Heather developed deep expertise in interest-based career decision-making. Building on this knowledge, she created Choices Match as a self-assessment tool that encourages young people to reflect on their identity, helping them navigate and shape their future. By identifying themes based on interests, students gain clarity and confidence in navigating career decisions and imagining their “possible selves.”

 

Choices Match is now owned and led by Teresa Winstone, a careers advisor and educator based at Westlake Girls High School in Auckland, New Zealand. Teresa holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, completing research in occupational fit—an interest that continues to shape her work today. She has taught across disciplines, including science and Spanish, and is dedicated to supporting  young people in navigating their subject choices, pathways, and future possibilities.