Our People
OUR PEOPLE & LEADERSHIP
Meet the researchers, educators, leaders and professionals advancing evidence-based Universal Wellbeing and primordial prevention.
01 / OUR PEOPLE
Expertise across research, education and professional practice.
FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute brings together expertise in Universal Wellbeing research, education, evaluation, organisational leadership and professional practice.
Our people contribute diverse academic and professional perspectives to the development and application of evidence-based Universal Wellbeing, with a shared focus on understanding determinants and addressing the underlying causes of harm.
02 / FOUNDER & LEADERSHIP
Leadership
Founder & Director
Susan F. Stevenson
MEd-Health, University of Otago
Susan F. Stevenson is the Founder and Director of FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute and New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute.
Her work focuses on Universal Wellbeing research, applied evaluation, curriculum design, health education and organisational development. She leads the Institute's research-informed approach to primordial prevention, connecting research with education, evaluation and professional practice.
Professional affiliations
IAAP · PHAA (HP & DEI SIGs) · HERDSA · ANZEA · The Prevention Centre Emerging Leader Network
Research & professional profiles
Finance Director
Graeme E. Stevenson
Graeme E. Stevenson is the Finance Director of FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute and New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute.
He oversees financial management and related organisational responsibilities, supporting the Institute's operations and the delivery of its research, education and Universal Wellbeing initiatives.
Areas of responsibility
Financial Management · Organisational Administration · Operational Support
02 / INSTITUTE OPERATIONS
Marketing & Communications
03 / RESEARCH & ACADEMIC EXPERTISE
Researchers & Academic Specialists
Yashodha S. Karunanayake
Marketing Manager
Marketing, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
Yashodha leads marketing and communications for FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute and the New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. Her work spans digital marketing, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of research, professional education and events.
Professor Kay Fielden
Research Manager
PhD (SocEc), MSc (ComSc), BSc
Professor Kay Fielden contributes academic expertise to FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute's Universal Wellbeing research programme. Her background spans research methodology, applied research, business and computing, with a focus on understanding and evaluating the determinants influencing Universal Wellbeing outcomes.
04 / PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Eisen Y. Shim
Wellbeing & Green Medicine
International Business, Healthcare & APEC
Eisen Y. Shim brings experience in international business management, healthcare and medical industries, with knowledge of business cultures across the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region.
Universal Wellbeing Facilitators & Specialists
Dr Syed M. Shahid
Researcher
Universal Wellbeing Research & Evaluation
Dr Syed M. Shahid contributes research expertise to FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute's Universal Wellbeing research programme. His work focuses on wellbeing measurement, evaluation and understanding the determinants that influence wellbeing outcomes, supporting evidence-informed approaches to Universal Wellbeing and primordial prevention.
Chris de la Mare
UW Evaluation Facilitator
Education, Coaching & Organisational Leadership
Chris de la Mare brings experience in teaching, school leadership, coaching and research to his work in Universal Wellbeing evaluation. His background supports the application of evidence-informed wellbeing practices across educational and organisational settings.
Sifiga Sa'o
Secretary, Universal Wellbeing Advisory Board
Universal Wellbeing Graduate
Sifiga Sa'o serves as Secretary of the Universal Wellbeing Advisory Board (UWAB) and is a Universal Wellbeing graduate. She contributes to community engagement, governance and initiatives supporting wellbeing and positive social outcomes.
Liz Pennington
UW Evaluation Facilitator
Nursing, Health & Social Services
Liz Pennington is a registered nurse and consultant with experience across clinical practice, health and social services, tertiary education and crisis response. She brings this multidisciplinary background to her work in Universal Wellbeing evaluation and professional practice.
Foram Shah
Neurodiversity & Inclusion
Inclusive Practice & Neurodiversity
Foram Shah contributes perspectives on neurodiversity and inclusive practice, with a focus on recognising diverse needs and supporting environments where individuals can participate and experience wellbeing.