Colleen Moody - ManagerColleen is passionate about removing barriers to living life to the fullest. She comes with experience working within Te Whatu Ora in the Service Operation unit and has lived experience supporting her sister with a brain injury and also her own experiences through experiencing concussions. Email: colleen@braininjurywaikato.org.nz
People and connections are important to us. We have a small team, but our connections to amazing individuals and organisations for advice and support are vast. We are all stronger together!
Brain Injury Waikato walks along side you on your brain Injury journey
Brain Injury Waikato is here to help navigate the brain injury recovery journey and empower informed decision making of your own journey.
Brain Injury Waikato:
Assists those affected by brain injury to access help, services and activities to enhance their well being at all stages of their journey.
Inspires communities to be proactive in embracing and assisting those affected by brain injury.
Supports and guides those with a brain injury on their journey from diagnosis to reintegration to help them accept a different reality and make the most of their abilities
Supports and informs families, friends and employers of people affected by a brain injury so they are better equipped to help
Highlights and facilitates access to support, services and activities that are available to those affected by brain injury
Promotes community awareness of brain injury and its effects and encourages community support.
Our History
The Brain Injury Association was founded in the early 1990’s by the Stewart family, who were struck by the lack of support available for those affected by brain injuries. In their quest to find information and support for their son, who himself suffered from a brain injury, the Stewart family began to realise just how imperative it was to provide a support service for those affected. From these humble beginnings sprang the network of regional Brain Injury Associations throughout New Zealand, providing support and advocacy to brain injury patients, their families, and their loved ones.
Brain Injury Waikato is a charitable organisation working to empower and advocate for people of all ages and their whaanau to navigate the effects of a brain injury.
We work to empower the individual and those close to them as they find their way forward through awareness, education, enabling informed choices. Brain Injury Waikato provides a link between those experiencing the effects of a brain injury, and available brain injury services in the community. We are a support service for those who need advice, direction, and assistance with their day-to-day management of a brain injury. We are not a clinical or rehabilitation service, but we can be a link to these.
· Meet our team ·
Josiah Ploeg - Community Education and SupportBy educating for health Josiah aims to empower people, whānau, and communities who have been impacted by a brain injury to flourish. He has a Health Science degree in Health Education and Psychology from the University of Canterbury. Email: josiah@braininjurywaikato.org.nz
Carrie Aspin - Navigation While attaining her postgraduate certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Carrie found her natural fit in the neuro field. She loves providing opportunities for those to gain independence, confidence and smile through exercise therapy. It is her quest to make sure everyone has access to pathways that will leave them feeling the same. Email: Carrie@braininjurywaikato.org.nz
· Meet Our Board ·
Our board graciously donate their time to provide Brain Injury Waikato with their governance expertise.
ChairpersonArnold Andrews is an Experienced Governance professional with a demonstrated history of working in local government and not for profits. Skilled in Governance, Organisational Behaviour, Intercultural Communication, Accounting, Event Management, Income Tax, Marketing, Relationship Management, and Strategic Thinking
Vice ChairpersonCherilyn Watson is an effective and driven strategic leader with 26+ years experience in the dairy and genetics industry. Strong Governance skills, with an ability to work closely with Industry Partners, Members, Associated Breed Societies and Allied Organisations around the world, to achieve strategic goals and optimise growth.
TreasurerMargaret Brewerton has worked as financial administrator for many years within the farming industries. She has sat on several non-profit organisation boards and brings with her experience in working within the non-profit space.
SecretarySrishti Vaid is passionate about creating impactful campaigns that drive results. she has a proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing strategies that drive brand awareness, customer engagement, and lead generation. She is data-driven, creative, and always looking for innovative solutions to meet business goals.
Board MemberEsmae McKenzie-Norton is a registered community psychologist with over 15 years working in government and health. Her specialty is community psychology with a focus on system design, social justice, and equity. Esmae is a consultant and sits on two Boards for not-for-profits, providing governance and strategic advice, she has been with Brain Injury Waikato since early 2022.
Board MemberAldrin Arguelles is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in not for profit, health, disability and social services industry. Skilled in project and strategic management, service delivery and operations, quality and risk management, communication, community mental and allied health.
