Maddie Smith Maddie Smith

Phil Marshall-Lee

General Manager

Phil wants to help other people living with these neurological conditions to live a better life. He also sees BrainTree as a great opportunity to put his broad commercial, management and property experience to good use to develop a first of its kind holistic wellness centre for brain health in New Zealand.

General Manager

When Phil met Simon Challies, he wanted to join the Canterbury Brain Collective because he has experience living with close family members with Parkinsons and Dementia.  Phil wants to help other people living with these neurological conditions to live a better life. He also sees BrainTree as a great opportunity to put his broad commercial, management and property experience to good use to develop a first of its kind holistic wellness centre for brain health in New Zealand.

Before joining the Canterbury Brain Collective, Phil was CFO at Mike Greer Homes, GM for Fairfax Media Southern, CFO for Soltius/Zag and FD for KPMG Consulting, as well as many other senior commercial roles across industries. 

Phil is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. He is a shareholder & executive director in Hardmarsh Ltd, an independent director in LJT Ltd, a board trustee for Rangi Ruru Girls School foundation and he holds board advisory roles.

Phil believes BrainTree will be a game changer. His hope is to educate the wider community about better brain health so that as a society we can normalise and integrate people living with neurological conditions to have a better life.

Email Phil: phil@canterburybraincollective.org

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Maddie Smith Maddie Smith

Leesa Loffhagen

Front of House Manager

Having a family member with very high physical and cognitive needs, the transition to working in special education was an easy one, enabling children from a variety of ages and backgrounds the opportunity to become the best they can be, and the skills to lead full-filling lives.

Front of House Manager

After a successful and committed career in the travel industry, Leesa followed her passion and moved her skills and experience to the disability sector.

Having a family member with very high physical and cognitive needs, the transition to working in special education was an easy one, enabling children from a variety of ages and backgrounds the opportunity to become the best they can be, and the skills to lead full-filling lives.  

Leesa lost her mother to Dementia last year, which has given her experience and a natural empathy for our BrainTree Community.  She is highly customer focused, and a team player with the desire to turn negatives into positives. Committed to meeting deadlines, dedicated to getting the job done and not afraid of a challenge.

Leesa is both delighted and privileged to be part of the BrainTree Team and is excited to see to what the future holds.

 Email Leesa: leesa@canterburybraincollective.org

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Ange Charity Ange Charity

Ange Charity

Project & Events Coordinator

Ange joined the Braintree team as Project & Events Coordinator and adds extensive expertise in supporting business executives, business units, office administration and customer service, having worked in both private and public sector organisations in a variety of roles.

Project & Events Coordinator

Ange joined the Braintree team as Project & Events Coordinator and adds extensive expertise in supporting business executives, business units, office administration and customer service, having worked in both private and public sector organisations in a variety of roles.

Ange’s husband was the Development Manager through the construction phase of the project, so through that association and her long-term friendship with Tracey & Simon Challies, was also very keen when asked to join the team and help the great cause.

Ange is highly motivated and organised and being a people person, enjoys building relationships with colleagues and clients alike. Her passion is being active, whether it be cycling, trail running, mountain biking or yoga. Ange loves spending time with good friends, travelling and having fun.

Email Ange: ange@canterburybraincollective.org

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Ella Batstone

Cafe Supervisor

After leaving school Ella began working in Cafes and found her niche as a barista. She joined BrainTree in January 2024 as our Cafe Supervisor.

Cafe Supervisor

After leaving school Ella began working in Cafes and found her niche as a barista. She joined BrainTree in January 2024 as our Cafe Supervisor.

In her spare time, Ella enjoys spending time with friends and family, loves the outdoors and keeping fit.

Ella says the highlight of working at BrainTree is the wonderful community we have visiting us in the cafe.

Email: ella@canterburybraincollective.org

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Michelle Morrow

Event Fundraising Manager

Michelle comes to us from a Program Management background, bringing large scale IT & Marketing products to market. Living abroad as an expat for the last 12 years and only recently returning to Christchurch.

Event Fundraising Manager

Michelle comes to us from a Program Management background, bringing large scale IT & Marketing products to market.  Living abroad as an expat for the last 12 years and only recently returning to Christchurch.  

Having family members that have lived with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Strokes & Dementia, it was a very passionate yes, when asked to join the BrainTree team as Event Fundraising Manager.  

Email Michelle: michelle@canterburybraincollective.org

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Loretta Richards

Barista

Loretta has recently joined the BrainTree Café Team as our Barista; bringing with her, a passion for creativity and love of coffee and food - a perfect match!

Barista

Loretta Richards has recently joined the BrainTree Café Team as our Barista; bringing with her, a passion for creativity and love of coffee and food - a perfect match! Originally from Central Otago Loretta enjoys spending time with her young family and making amazing cakes!

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