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.

  • Woman in orange shirt and dark blazer smiling

    Susan F. Stevenson

    Founder, Freedom Wellbeing Institute & NZCDI

    Qualifications: MEd-Health, PGDip Ed-Health (University of Otago), BEd. (Massey University), DipTchg (H&PE), GradDipCur.Des. & AcadL., CertStratL (Victoria University), DipREc&Sp., CertTe Ara Reo, CUW, CPCUWC, CUWEF, CUWBT, CUWM, CUWL

    Expertise/Foci: Transformational Leadership, Universal Wellbeing, Wellbeing Research and Evaluation, Curriculum Design, Health Education, Organisational Development

  • Man in formal attire smiling at a formal event indoors

    Graeme E. Stevenson

    Finance Director

  • Elderly woman with curly hair wearing a red jacket and a star-shaped necklace, smiling in front of a plain background.

    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

  • A woman with long dark hair and red lipstick, wearing a blue and gray outfit, against a black background.

    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.

  • Man smiling with dark short hair wearing a black shirt against a white background.

    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

  • Person wearing a dark sweater with a collared shirt underneath, smiling at the camera.

    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

  • Woman sitting in an outdoor cafe smiling at the camera, wearing a black jacket with a marina in the background.

    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.

  • Smiling woman with dark hair and floral blouse against a red background.

    Professor Nelleke Bak

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

    Expertise: Research Methods and Research Supervision

  • An older man with a white beard wearing a light blue collared shirt standing against a plain background.

    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

  • Portrait of an older man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a dark suit jacket and a striped shirt.

    David Sinclair

    Financial Wellbeing Facilitator

    Qualification: B.Sc. (Massey University) MBA (Auckland University)

    Expertise Foci: Strategy, Leadership, Change Management, Project Management, and Organisational Performance.

  • Man with glasses sitting in a cafe, wearing a black shirt and brown sweater, with chin resting on hand.

    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.

Curious to learn more?

Reach out to us below to explore our upcoming events and discover how we can support your wellbeing journey.