OUR PEOPLE

Meet the talented minds behind our wellbeing revolution

At FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute, our team is united by a commitment to improving wellbeing through evidence-based education, research, and consulting. With diverse expertise and a shared passion for making a positive impact, we work together to deliver solutions that enhance the wellbeing of individuals, organisations, and communities.

Susan F. Stevenson

Founder, Freedom Wellbeing Institute & NZCDI

Qualification: MEd (University of Otago), GradDipCurriculumDesign & Academic Leadership (Freedom Institute of Higher Education), CertStrategicLeadership (Victoria University of Wellington), CertTe Ara Reo (Te Wānanga o Aotearoa)
Expertise/Foci: Transformational Leadership, Wellbeing Research, Curriculum Design, Health Education, Leadership Development, and Organisational Capability Enhancement
Graeme E. Stevenson

Finance Director
Dr. Kay Fielden

Research Manager

Qualification: PhD (SocEc) University of Western Sydney, MSc (ComSc), BSc
Expertise: Universal Wellbeing and Mindfulness, Research Methods, Research Projects, Business, IT, Computing
Yashodha S. Karunanayake

Marketing Manager

Qualification: GradCertAppMktg (Southern Institute of Technology)
Expertise/Foci: Marketing Strategy, Lead Generation, Digital Campaign Management, CRM Optimization, and Content Development.
Dr Jonathan Te Rire

Iwi Affiliation: Ngāti Maniapoto, Tu Wharetoa
Qualification: PhD., Master of Management, Master of Māori Laws & Philosophy, Master of Indigenous Studies, Dip Theology, BA/LLB
Expertise: Hauora, Universal Wellbeing, Cultural Capability, Local Curriculum Design, Assessment for Learning, Marau a-Kura, Matauranga Maori and te reo Maori, Aromatawai
CHRIS DE LA MARE

UW Evaluation Facilitator

Qualification: BSc(Hons), PGCE, PGDip.HM, MSc.(University of Hertfordshire)
Expertise: Teaching, Principalship, Universal Wellbeing Facilitation, Coaching, Research, Whole of Organisation Development, and Leadership
Liz Pennington

UW Evaluation Facilitator

Qualification: RCpN. | BA Soc Sc. | MN. | Dip Tert Tchg | Dip NFP Mgt. | FCNA.

Expertise: Liz is a health ,and management consultant in her private wellbeing practice in the Bay of Plenty.
She is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in both clinical practice, management of health and social services, as a lecturer in tertiary education, trauma responder and as CE of a national employee assistance programme.
Liz volunteers on a number of community-based organisation's where she's engaged in what she describes as " doing good for good". She is a Trustee of the Ovarian Cancer Foundation of NZ, the National Chair of Breast Cancer Support Aotearoa, President of CIMA the Crisis Intervention and Management Australasia and serves on her local Kura Board of Trustees. Liz is also a DISC Flow accredited assessor and welcomes the opportunity to be part of the UWET community of practice.
Dr. Suzanne Grant

Researcher

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy, PGCertTertTchg (Tertiary Teaching), MMS, BMS (Hons)

Expertise: Social Sciences, Research in Business and Education
Professor Nelleke Bak

Qualification: PhD in Philosophy of Education, MA in Philosophy, BA (Ed), BA (Hons) in Philosophy

Expertise: Research Methods and Research Supervision
Stanley Proctor

Financial Wellbeing Facilitator

Qualification: Law LLB (Hon), Accountancy FCPA (Fellowship of the Certified Public Accountants)

Expertise/Foci: Lecturer of Law, Accounting, Finance, Taxation, Corporate Finance and Investment
David Sinclair

Financial Wellbeing Facilitator

Qualification: B.Sc. (Massey University) MBA (Auckland University)
Expertise Foci: Strategy, Leadership, Change Management, Project Management, and Organisational Performance.
Eisen Y. Shim

Wellbeing and Green Medicine

Qualification: BEng. (Seoul, HanYang University), MScTech, PGDMS, MBA
Expertise/Foci: International Business Management in Healthcare & Medical Industry Business Culture and Environment in APEC Region.