Dr Christine Clark
Dr. Christine Clark, the visionary leader and Founder of Kalandra Education Group, currently serving as its Chief Executive. As a Registered Nurse with a Doctorate in Aged Care, Christine brings a wealth of expertise to her dual roles.
Beyond her professional achievements, Christine is a compassionate individual with a personal commitment to community welfare. She has served as a past board member and Chair of Neuro Connection, a foundation dedicated to the rehabilitation of individuals with neurological conditions. Additionally, Christine is a lecturer in Health Management Studies for an MBA program, showcasing her dedication to both education and healthcare.
In her role as Chief Executive, Christine is responsible for shaping the organization's vision and providing strategic leadership. Her commitment extends to being an essential part of the Kalandra Governance Board, ensuring robust governance and oversight.
On a personal note, Christine finds joy in her role as a grandmother of four. In her spare time, she is not only a devoted family member but also an avid runner. Remarkably, she has completed an impressive 76 half marathons to date, surpassing her age. This achievement reflects her determination and resilience, qualities that undoubtedly contribute to her success as a leader in the healthcare and education sectors.
Alexandra Clark
Alex Clark, the compassionate General Manager at Kalandra, whose journey is shaped by a genuine dedication to healthcare and education. Alex, a registered nurse specialising in emergency care for children, earned her registration in 2014.
Her extensive experience in tertiary private training organisations spans over 15 years, evolving from basic administrative tasks to her current role as GM. Alex's devotion to healthcare education is rooted in both heartwarming experiences, witnessing exemplary care for her grandparents, and challenging moments, observing subpar care leading to hospitalisations.
Alongside her professional roles, Alex is a mother to a toddler and volunteers as a medical first responder with the local fire brigade. Her interests in leadership, management, and technology in education reflect her continuous desire to learn and grow.
Currently pursuing a Masters in Health Science, set to be completed in 2025, Alex remains grounded and committed to making a positive impact. In her moments of relaxation, she finds joy in baking and reading.
Kelly Clark
Kelly our Chief Operations Officer, a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in administration and management within the realm of independent training organisations. Beyond her accomplished career, Kelly proudly embraces the role of a mother to three wonderful children, including a 11-year-old and energetic 4-year-old twins.
Armed with a Masters in Tertiary Management, Kelly has become a seasoned expert in various facets of administration. Her expertise extends to overseeing student enrolments, managing projects, and facilitating effective communication with government agencies. In her spare time, Kelly finds solace in the pages of books, cherishing the moments to immerse herself in different worlds and stories.
Additionally, she recognises the importance of self-care and values the occasional opportunity to catch up on much-needed sleep. Kelly's passion for both her professional and personal roles reflects a commitment to excellence and a drive for making a positive impact in education and organisational management.
Dr Julia Hennessy - Chair of the Board (2024)
Julia initially trained as a nurse and worked for a number of years in mental health, intellectual disability, community health and aged care. From there she went and worked at Whitireia Community Polytechnic developing programmes and a number of short courses mainly related to the health and social services area. Her next career change came when she took up the role as team leader contacts and relationship management with the Central Regional Health Authority. As a result of the amalgamation of the four RHAs into one she left the RHAs to take up a role with the Ministry of Health as a senior advisor and then managed the mental health and addictions services for a district health board. Returning to education Julia was appointed to the Wellington Institute of Technology where she undertook a number of senior roles and subsequently she was President of Auckland Institute of Studies.
Julia completed her Diploma of Nursing at Wellington Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education with Victoria University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management and a Master of Management (Health) through Massey University and a PhD through AUT. She has been on a number of national committees related to workforce development and was instrumental in developing the national certificate for mental health support workers. Julia was a Ministerial appointment to the Nursing Council of New Zealand, is a Trustee on the Funeral and Embalming ITO, and a national moderator for the funeral and embalming industry. Julia has also been contracted to a number of international organisations examining health care. Julia is an active researcher with a number of publications to her name.
Professor Sharon Brownie
Professor Sharon Brownie is an experienced health and social service executive with extensive leadership and policy development experience. In addition to her health and educational qualifications, she is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has experience across the health, education, economic development and employment sectors. Her global perspective have developed through her work in Australia, New Zealand, East Africa, Fiji and the Middle East. Her leadership roles have included significant capacity building, workforce development, business growth and change management mandates. While in these roles she has actively maintained practice with nursing licensure in each setting in which she has worked.
Sharon has a strong background in community engagement with proven expertise in partnership with professional entities, industry stakeholders and government both nationally and internationally. She has consistently demonstrated skills in both strategic engagement and the detailed complexities of day-to-day operational management.
She is passionate in her belief that quality health and education services should be available to everyone irrespective of their location or socioeconomic circumstances. Thus she has worked in various rural and remote contexts improving service quality and access for marginalized and disadvantaged people. She excels in roles with a stated strategic intent to build strong and sustainable social, educational and economic conditions that improve community wellbeing and enable populations, communities and families to thrive and grow.
Catherine Cooney (MNZM)
Cathy is the Director of Kowhai Health Associates, a health consultancy company established 2012. She is a Registered Nurse and Midwife, with a background in governance, health sector leadership, executive management, public health nursing and community development. She is a Fellow and President of the Aotearoa Branch of the Australasian College of Health Service Management; Chair of interRAI NZ Leadership Advisory Board; Independent Facilitator Kaiāwhina (non-regulated) Workforce Plan; a member of NZ Institute of Directors; a Fellow and Censor of the College of Nurses, Aotearoa. Cathy was also the Chair of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology from 2016-2022.
With a deep involvement in her home community of Rotorua and a particular interest in supporting people being as well and as independent as possible Cathy was drawn to the vision statement of Kalandra Education Group which is centred on improving the life of the vulnerable person.
In 2021 Cathy received an MNZM award for her contribution to health services and the community.
Te Oraiti Reedy
Nga mihi
Te Oraiti
Ko Hikurangi te Maunga
Ko Waiapu te Awa
Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi
Te Oraiti has served in senior leadership roles in the health and health education sectors for over ten years, playing an instrumental role in leading transformational change, developing and delivering organisational strategic intent, and establishing critical relationships with key stakeholders across the medical education sector.
Te Oraiti is an accomplished and experienced professional with a passion for Aotearoa’s health and health education. With a unique blend of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and people-centric leadership, Te Oraiti is dedicated to achieving equitable outcomes for all communities in Aotearoa.
She is an expert in creating safe places and spaces for organisations, colleagues and individuals to explore what equity means to them in their work and for the communities and whānau we serve. Te Oraiti holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Victoria University where she is currently undertaking postgraduate study.
Last updated: 16 December 2024
