Tuffnell Mind and Body

03/03/2026

✨ Today, on my birthday, I want to share my “why” — the heart, whakapapa, and vision behind Tuffnell Mind & Body. 🌿

🌿 My Why – Tuffnell Mind & Body 🌿

Tuffnell is my surname — carrying it into this business was intentional. It carries legacy.

Through my great grandfather of Ngāti Rangi, who fought in WWII with the Māori Battalion, and my great grandmother of Ngātiwai ki Aotea, I inherit strength, resilience, and deep connection to whenua, moana, and whānau.

Whakapapa is not just history — it’s responsibility. It shapes how I serve.

My children carry Samoan and Cook Island heritage. Cultural identity is treasured in our home.

My mum — strong, resilient, and unapologetically herself — taught me grit. Through her partner, I gained siblings (who are simply my siblings to me) and a baby sister I adore. I’m an aunty to many. Our whānau is layered, blended, and full of love.

Service runs through us — teachers, nurses, caregivers. Supporting others is what we do.

I am a registered social worker and spent 13 years working in West Auckland. Holding space has always been my calling. In my role as practice leader, I experienced burnout alongside learning i had a brain tumour, my body was telling me i needed to care for it better— a reminder that healing is never just mind or body, they are inseparable.

I now live with that brain tumour — a journey that led me to realign my career toward growth, flexibility, and sustainability.

Mind reflects my future direction — social work supervision and my long-term vision of creating a service where mums and dads can have safe, less clinical time with their children, whether they are in their care or not.

Body recognises that healing is holistic — through relaxation and deep tissue massage, supporting regulation and restoration. Mind and body are never separate.

My logo carries this story:
The koru heart represents my sons.
The fern represents my partner’s son and new beginnings.
The water reflects my love of the ocean.
The hands beneath symbolise me holding my whānau and the people I serve.

On my birthday, this feels like honouring those who came before me — and stepping forward with intention into what comes next. 🌿

02/03/2026

💚 Therapist Fave: Tui Balms 💚
I use Tui Balms in every session — their range is beautiful, natural, and smells absolutely divine 🌿✨

🌸 Relaxation – calm your mind & body
☀️ Lift – uplifting, energising vibes
🌲 Forest – earthy, grounding scents
🌟 Balance & Pacific Nights – client favourites, heavenly aroma
🌿 Sports Balm – perfect for post-activity recovery
🌿 Arnica Cool – my personal go-to for shoulder aches; gentle and soothing without the burn
💡 Tip: These balms are commonly left on for extra absorption — no need to wash off!

💬 Want some for home? I can order your favourites — just ask next session!

02/03/2026

Love the bunch of wahine Im surrounded by!
The beautiful Natasha Chase who runs Aroha Community Clinic ❤️
My monthly mirimiri is something i prioritise and look forward to!

Ātaahua Leeann is the face behind Tuffnell Mind and Body🌿

LEEANN'S BIO:

With 13 years of experience as a Social Worker, I bring a unique depth of care to my practice as a Massage Therapist. My background in social practice has taught me that we carry our life stories in our bodies, and that true healing requires a safe, respectful, and holistic space.

​For me, massage is about more than just physical relief; it’s about Te Whare Tapa Whā—balancing the physical, mental, spiritual, and family pillars of our health. As a mum, I deeply value whakapapa and whānau, and I understand the importance of nurturing ourselves so we can better care for those we love.

​My path to massage was a personal one. After overcoming my own health challenges, I experienced firsthand how holistic bodywork can restore the spirit. This led me to a career change where I could combine my 13 years of professional empathy with clinical skills, including my NZ Certificate in Tikanga (Level 4) and NZ Certificate in Holistic Massage (Level 4).

​I am dedicated to providing massage that honors your journey. Whether you are navigating your own health path or simply need a restorative moment for your wairua (spirit), I am here to support your wellbeing in the comfort of your own home.

Outside of massage therapy, I am a mum, animal lover and ocean enthusiast, you'll find me fishing, diving, paddleboarding or up the beach in my 4wd walking my rescue pup Millee.. I volunteer two days a week at West Auckland Riding for the disabled where I am both a horse leader and side walker alongside some really neat kids and ponies. 🥰

I look forward to delivering you an amazing massage soon - you can also find me here at the Summerland Hollistic Health Hub-Thursdays !

https://bookings.gettimely.com/tuffnellmindandbody/bb/book

02/03/2026

It was so busy at RDA today and we were low on volunteers so I didnt get you all a video of any lovely ponies.. instead you get something else i ride..here's one of my dad's bikes, XJ750..after RDA I rode it to take it for a WOF then took it back to Muriwai!

Monday done right ✅️

Us Tuffnells are all petrol heads, my dad has 4 kids, an eldest boy who races off road and at Hampton downs and 3 girls, two who ride and own road bikes and the youngest one is a dirt bike lover ❤️

01/03/2026

🌿 March Momentum at Tuffnell Mind & Body 🌿
It’s a big week — final tutorial on Tuesday, my birthday on Wednesday 🎂 and I’m excited to attend the Changemakers Hui on Thursday ✨
Growth, reflection, and continuing to deepen my practice so I can offer you the very best care.
And I still have space to support you 🤍
Availability this week:
• Monday afternoon
• Tuesday afternoon
• Wednesday afternoon & evening
•Thursday evening
• Saturday (all day — I’m not on the island!)
If your body has been whispering (or shouting 😅) for rest, reset, or deep tissue work — this is your sign.
I specialise in therapeutic massage with a focus on calming the nervous system and supporting true rest + repair.
✨ New clients welcome — use promo code WELCOME when booking to receive your introductory offer.
Gift vouchers also available 🌿
Book here 👇

http://bookings.gettimely.com/tuffnellmindandbody/bb/book⁠

Let’s make March the month you prioritise you 🤍

28/02/2026

🌿 Full Heart, Full Week 🌿

The week ended with an impromptu date night on the motorbikes last night 🏍️✨before a paddleboard this morning before clients 🌊

Reflecting on the week — the hub was beautifully busy on Thursday, met more fantastic clients there, at my home clinic and out on mobile visits!
Time at RDA, where courage and connection show up in the most special ways.

I’m now halfway through my massage case studies, made possible by good friends and willing clients — so grateful for the support. Just one more tutorial to go before exams 👏

It’s been a really good self-care week alongside full clinic days, and tonight is mum time with my son and his friend staying over 💛

Feeling grounded, grateful, and excited for another full-on week ahead — I’ll share more about that on Monday.

Enjoy your Saturday night, spend sunday looking after yourself or preparing for the week ahead ✨

26/02/2026

Prioritizing my selfcare this morning before clients this afternoon!
I know im no good to my clients, whanau and friends if im not looking after myself xx
Also collecting more kùmarahou and màpou rongoa! Its delicious and is made to support my health, for those who dont know I live with an inoperable brain tumour that caused a big change in career a year ago! Im not ill, im a survivor and this is another way I keep well! 💪

26/02/2026

Friday self-care reminder 🌊☀️
The ocean has always been my reset 💙
I grew up waiting for my dad to come home from sea —
he was away a lot, and those moments were always happy 🚤
Boats and beaches have always felt like home 🏖️
I love:
🤿 Freediving
🐟 Spearfishing
🎣 Fishing
🏄‍♀️ Paddleboarding
🏊‍♀️ Swimming in open water
🛶 Exploring hidden bays
Out there, my breath slows 😌
My whole body softens. That calm? 🌿
That’s rest and repair mode —
the same state I aim to create in every Tuffnell Mind & Body session 🤍
And if you can’t book a massage right now…
Go to the beach 💦

26/02/2026

From RDA to summerland hub!
From a child that was petrified to get on a pony for the first time that ended up grinning from ear to ear..to here where I use my healing hands to help people relax and unwind!

25/02/2026

There's something special about these ponies, especially Teddy.. hes a bit unsettled with driveway earthworks but happy for cuddles and kisses to start the day! Just love him ❤️
Riding for the disabled is an amazing organisation, the kids, the therapeutic relationship they build with their ponies and us volunteers!

25/02/2026

We're nearly fully booked for tomorrow! Come along and have some much needed pamper time, you know you want to! ❤️
Amazing bunch of practitioners available at affordable prices.. see you there ❤️

25/02/2026

Upskilling in progress 💪🌿

Behind the scenes I’m continuing my deep tissue tutorials and working through case studies as I build confidence and refine my technique.
There’s something powerful about learning to work deeper — slower, more intentional, more therapeutic.
I’m loving the growth, the challenge, and the opportunity to keep improving for my clients.
Watch this space 🤍