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
About Brain Injury Waikato
Our mission is to raise awareness and promote the prevention of brain injuries. Brain Injury Waikato empowers people and families affected by brain injury through advice, support, and education.
The Head Injury Society (Waikato) Inc. was founded in 1987 by Earl Hopkins, who suffered a brain injury in 1978. He wanted to help others avoid the difficulties he faced in finding support. Earl started the first support group in Hamilton, leading to the formation of the organization.
The society became an incorporated entity in 1992, with the office initially located at 20 Palmerston Street. Over the years, the organization moved to different locations.
In 2012, the organisation began trading as THINK! The Head Injury Network for Kiwis.
In December 2016, the organization officially changed its name to Brain Injury Waikato Inc.
Brain Injury Waikato is a member of Brain Injury New Zealand which traces its roots to the early 1990s when the Stewart family, faced with a lack of support after their son’s brain injury, founded The Stewart Centre. This day center provided workshops, skill-building, and socialization for those with brain injuries. From these beginnings grew our nationwide network of regional Brain Injury Associations.
· 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.
Board MemberGreame Mead is a qualified Automotive Engineer with a career in sales and management across Waikato. He has previously managed the Hamilton YMCA and now mentors MITO apprentices. He hosts Waikato's All Sports Breakfast on Newstalk ZB and commentates rugby at FMG Stadium. Additionally, he is a Justice of the Peace and serves on local boards.
