The Team.

Beena comes from a varied creative background in Visual Arts, Transpersonal Art Therapy, Reiki and Health and Nutrition. Over the years, Beena has worked in people-focused industries as she loves the process of engaging and connecting. Getting to know someone in a holistic way, encouraging and supporting them gives her so much fulfilment. Beena has a passion for positivity and learning and loves sharing this with everyone. Part of Beena’s health and wellbeing practices are yoga, reading, art, and spending time in nature. Beena embraces all her experiences with an optimistic mindset!

Julie is Momenta’s resident artist, and leads the team of Life Skills Coaches. She has worked at Momenta for ten years and never tires of seeing people grow and come in to their own. Julie has dyscalculia – the maths version of dyslexia. She loves the Bay of Plenty’s abundant flora and fauna, and nature features frequently in her art.

Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Koata.

Chloe is a multi-passionate person with a common drive: growth and expansion. She is an avid reader, meditator, music appreciator, energy practitioner, yoga fan, and whānau-centred individual. She enjoys helping others view themselves and their lives in empowering ways in order to spark change that leads to greater fulfillment. If she could learn a new skill immediately, it would be playing guitar so she could sing waiata māori with her whānau.

Kerry is tasked with working in collaboration with thought leaders from across the Bay of Plenty keen to shift societal barriers for people who experience disadvantage. Kerry is motivated by the opportunity to work in a team aiming for greater social change. Whenever she gets the chance, Kerry enjoys getting outside and making the most of what is on offer in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, although the types of activities have changed somewhat since welcoming her daughter, Evie, in early 2021.

While previously devoting her time within Education, Shelley is excited to move into a completely different sector and the learning and challenge that this encompasses. The essence of what Momenta does, working with people to pursue their dreams and goals, aligns with her values and commitment to serve the community in which she lives. Shelley has a heartfelt connection to Tauranga, being born here and lived here all her life. She also feels extremely fortunate that her two daughters still live here with her four beautiful grandchildren, which is who she loves to spend as much time as she can with.

Coming from a sporting background, Sam thrives in a competitive environment. Empowering people to break down barriers and achieve their goals comes as second nature. Nothing motivates him more than seeing people facing adversity live full and meaningful lives.

Originally from Auckland, Sam has lived in the Bay for 10 years. He loves spending time with his 3 boys, catching a game of rugby league, or creating something delicious in the kitchen.

Sam’s claim to fame is making an appearance on Shortland Street when he was in high school!

Originally from Motueka, Tyler studied in Christchurch, then embarked on a 3-month campervan journey all over the country, eventually landing in Tauranga.

Tyler is passionate about supporting people to live their best lives, her biggest interests are health & wellbeing and helping people discover what lights them up.

In her spare time you’ll find her surfing, rockclimbing, biking, travelling, or just relaxing outside in nature.

Originally from Whangarei, Sabrina made the moved to Tauranga to work with Momenta. She is passionate about change and loves working with people to help them improve the quality of their lives. In her spare time, Sabrina loves to explore new places and is always keen to try new things and learn new skills. She loves being outside, nature walks and beach trips are always a yes for Sabrina!

Vanessa is director of Tauranga leadership development agency People Realm. As Momenta’s new chair, Vanessa brings to the table an entrepreneurial spirit, a gift for facilitating effective conversations, and a heart for helping people create lives of value. On weekends, she spends time with her friends and husband – hiking, brunching, gardening, reading, and devouring films. Her love of the outdoors was set alight by three consecutive years working at summer camps in Vermont, USA, where she taught sailing one year, archery the next and canoeing in her final year.

Sam is the manager of environmental regulation at Tauranga City Council. He’s a lawyer by profession so brings to the Board research, analysis and listening skills, as well as his management experience. He is a rugby referee and loves to get out and enjoy Tauranga with his wife and two sons. In 2017, Sam helped set a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest Chinese whisper by supporting Hearing Support Bay of Plenty to ensure all the requirements for an official record were met by the 1,792 primary school students involved.

John is currently the Director – Disability and Inclusion at Ara Institute. Prior to this John spent 19 years in senior management and leadership roles across the health and disability sector and has held several governance roles in the sector. He has authored several academic papers looking at disability theory, policy, and support practices, with a particular focus on quality of life, education, and employment.

John enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors, with regular tramping and camping holidays. He is a self-confessed “cricket tragic” and continues to play club cricket, as well as football in the winter. Reading is another regular past-time particularly in the areas of history, politics, leadership and social issues.

Keri is director of a Tauranga-based content creation agency called All the Words. She runs a team of expert storytellers who use words, video, audio, still images and a mountain of creativity to help businesses and organisations connect with the people who matter to them. As a former journalist, Keri brings a deep curiosity to her role on the Momenta board. Keri grew up in the Bay of Plenty and moved home with her family in 2011. She enjoys her husband’s amazing chef skills, a bit of tramping, belting out some heartfelt but woeful karaoke, churning through audiobooks, and how furiously her garden grows in our wonderful climate.

Michael joins the Momenta Board as part of the Aspiring Directors Programme. Currently a Digital Accessibility Specialist at Ministry of Social Development and founder of Accommodationz Ltd/MyAccom –  a community driven online peer-to-peer marketplace that connects the access traveller with hosted accommodation that meets their access needs and an environment of awareness, belonging and dignity. Previously an Adaptive Technology Assessor and trainer with over 18 years’ disability rehabilitation expertise. Michael enjoys keeping fit and living life to its full potential; completing the New York City Marathon 10 times an ode to this mindset!