JAMES HARDING - FOUNDER
““Never for me the lowered banner, never for me the last endeavour.””
My names is James Harding and I am the proud father of five children, a loving husband, and founder of the Hard Cuddles organisation.
Empathising with people from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds has always come naturally to me, and I am now in a place where I can use my skills, knowledge and experiences to give back to the community I once took advantage of. My passion in life is helping other human beings overcome emotional challenges, a passion that I channel through Hard Cuddles.
I love the way emotions can be externalised as body language and behaviours, and through observing these I gain insight into an individual’s internal experience. Through sharing my personal story I am able to connect with people from all walks of life.
Counselling - Forensic Counselling - Peer Support Worker
Australian Counselling Association Member
KATE HARDING - FOUNDER
““From today, anyone can make a choice to start again, to own and let go of our mistakes and ensure that this day and our actions matter.””
As James’ wife and partner of over 10 years, I have been a part of the Hard Cuddles journey from the beginning.
As a person my purpose is to strive and be a better person today than I was yesterday, this is something we instill in our children. That means always looking for ways to be better, whether that be through yoga, meditation, healthy eating, or finding the help that we need to get through life’s challenges. We firmly believe in all sorts of alternative medicine to support our physical and spiritual bodies to adjust to the inevitable changes of life.
I am honoured to be part of Hard Cuddles and am here to support family members, partners or parents in anyway I can. I help clients set up healthy habits that calm, ground and inspire others, always moving forwards and facing our future with hope and purpose.
SIMI LEOTA - PASIFIKA RELATIONS FACILITATOR/COUNSELLOR
““We are all the same, so long as you understand the differences. Whilst it is our differences that make us unique, it is our similarities that connect us.” ”
We are extremely lucky to have Simi as part of the Hard Cuddles team, a proud husband and father of 6 children. Simi brings a unique set of skills to our organisation, he possesses patience and a strong understanding of what is required to connect with human beings and the strength to “light people up.”
Simi has worked as security in the emergency room at St.Vincents for over 19 years and has an ability to calm a situation down purely with his presence and calm demeanour. He has also used his passion for rugby union to coach, guide and mentor many young men across his journey.
Simi has presented with the Hard Cuddles team in the prison system. The power he exudes is underpinned by the humility and kindness he shows people.
Counselling - Forensic Counselling - Peer Support Worker
Australian Counselling Association Member
DANNY CORSETTI - FACILITATOR/COUNSELLOR
““Greatness is not a measure of how great you are, but how great others came to be because of you.””
Danny Corsetti has a wealth of life experience that he is more than comfortable sharing with people. By his own admission Danny has had to re-invent himself numerous times over the 53 years he has lived on this planet and in doing so taught himself techniques and processes that allowed him the opportunity to re-define the man that stands before us today.
Danny brings a level of maturity and awareness that makes the Hard Cuddles organisation proud to have him as a valuable member of our team. Danny has an ability to connect with anyone, his true strength lies in forensic counselling and working with youth and young adolescents of tomorrow.
Counselling - Forensic Counselling - Peer Support Worker Australian Counselling Association Member
BILL AUMAU - Facilitator/Counsellor
““The greatest glory in living lies not in falling, but in rising every time we fall””
Having a lived experience as an Army Veteran, Bill learnt the benefits of cognitive behaviour therapy in 2019. As a Pacific Islander, Bill has enjoyed a diverse career in architecture, education and the military. Working with indigenous youth and other veterans, he is passionate about mental health and creating understanding in this space whilst reducing the stigma generally associated with maladaptive behaviour and thoughts. Conflict Resolution & patience when working in highly volatile situations. Ability to communicate with influence including developing & using emotional intelligence
Currently studying a Bachelor of psychology
