Our Team
Dr Sonia Cherian
MBBS, FRACP
Sonia is a dual-trained Respiratory and Sleep Physician based in Auckland, providing specialist care through The Sleep Specialists. Her career spans Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, including a dedicated fellowship in sleep medicine.
As a consultant at Auckland City Hospital, she has led both the regional sleep network and the pleural and lung cancer service, while actively shaping the future of sleep care through service development and physician training.
She has been an executive member of:
- New Zealand branch of the ASA (Australasian Sleep Association)
- RACP (Royal Australasian College of Physicians) Sleep Curriculum Committee
- RACP Advanced Training Sleep and Respiratory Committee
She strongly believes that the best medical care is delivered when doctors combine a personalised approach with the latest evidence base.
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Pius Ersando
BSc (Physiology), PgDipMedTech (Sleep Med) (Dist.)
Pius Ersando is a Clinical Sleep Physiologist with specialist training in sleep medicine, working across both adult and paediatric services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from the University of Auckland and a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Technology (Sleep Medicine) with Distinction from the University of Otago, and is currently undertaking a Master of Science in Physiology.
He supports patients across the full sleep care pathway, including sleep studies, CPAP initiation, optimisation, and ongoing therapy.
Pius is known for his calm, approachable manner and his commitment to delivering high-quality, personalised, evidence-based sleep care, ensuring patients feel supported and confident throughout their journey.
Nicholas Shepherd
Business Manager
Nick is the business manager of The Sleep Specialists. He has experience across a diverse range of businesses and brings a consistent focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.