Our Team - Spectrum Foundation

Our team

Our people sit across four groups: Our Funding Team, our Philanthropy Moderation Panel, our Executive Team, and our Board. Each plays a different role, from day-to-day support to funding guidance to organisational leadership and governance.

Our Funding Team

Our Funding Team supports applicants, steward funding, and keep the work moving, from start to finish.

Fenella Humphreys Director of Philanthropy and Impact

Fenella leads Spectrum Foundation’s philanthropy work, currently focused on our funding and how we partner with communities to back what matters. She’s a not-for-profit leader with experience across funding and fundraising, and began her career in marketing and business development in the UK and Aotearoa.

Fenella is driven by social justice and lived experience-led leadership, with a focus on recognising ableism, removing barriers, and supporting disabled people to lead lives full of opportunity, choice, and self-determination. Outside of mahi, she volunteers and supports other charities, and spends time with her whānau, swimming, practising yoga, and getting out into nature and West Auckland’s wild beaches.

If she could change one thing tomorrow: more disabled people employed across the disability sector, and more accessible-to-all playgrounds.

Mahmoud Sarhan Funding and Impact Specialist

Mahmoud Sarhan supports Spectrum Foundation’s funding and impact work, bringing a background in community development, project management, and grants management across Aotearoa, the USA, Egypt, and the wider Middle East. He has worked alongside local nonprofits, public sector partners, and international organisations, including the United Nations and the World Bank. Mahmoud holds a PhD in Governance from AUT, a Master’s in International Development from Cornell University and M.Sc. in Environmental Economics and Management from York University, UK.

What keeps him here is simple: backing disabled people and their whānau, and supporting the organisations working to strengthen wellbeing across the disability community. If he could change one thing, it would be increasing funding to help bridge the gap in the disability sector. Outside of mahi, Mahmoud enjoys getting out into nature, spending time with friends, and reading.

Vikramjit Sandhu Funding Administrator

Vikramjit Sandhu supports the day-to-day work of Spectrum Foundation’s funding, helping keep applications and processes moving smoothly. Before becoming disabled, he worked in hands-on roles including cash transport in Auckland and meat processing in Sydney. After his disability, he studied at MIT and gained a Diploma in International Logistics, before moving into the not-for-profit sector.

What keeps Vikramjit here is the kaupapa: work that feels purposeful, where decisions translate into real, everyday impact for disabled people. If he could change one thing, it would be making sure services are designed with disabled people, not just for them. Outside of mahi, Vikramjit spends time with friends and whānau, attends physiotherapy at Ōtara Spinal Unit, and enjoys watching sport.

Philanthropy Moderation Panel

Our Philanthropy Moderation Panel helps decide where our pūtea goes. Every member brings lived experience of disability and a real connection to community.

Maurice Flynn

Maurice lives in Waikato with his partner Sandi and their dog, Colin. He works at Waikato Regional Council as the Accessible Transport Coordinator, focused on making public transport easy to use for everyone. Maurice is also on the board of Magical Bridge Trust New Zealand, supporting the development of Aotearoa’s first fully inclusive playground in Hamilton. He brings a background in disability advocacy and a Bachelor’s degree in public relations.

Seth Killick

Seth is a late-diagnosed autistic Wellingtonian with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Criminology from Victoria University of Wellington. He’s passionate about connection within the autistic community and runs a meetup group for autistic adults in Wellington CBD. Seth is a dog lover and fantasy/sci-fi enthusiast, and believes disabled people should be supported to pursue their goals and live full, self-directed lives.

Lesie (Lez) Marsh

Lez Marsh is Māori of Ngāti Hine descent and is based in central Tāmaki Makaurau. He is visually impaired and brings more than fifteen years of lived experience of disability, alongside over a decade in advocacy, creating practical tools, awareness programmes and stronger understanding of accessibility. For Lez, progress isn’t just about big system shifts. It’s also how we care for each other, in the everyday: listening first, checking in, and making sure people can take part.

Natt McLean

He tangata matarehu ahau, meaning “I am vision-impaired”. Natt is a disabled person who has been strongly focused on working within the disabled community. She is involved in the Enabling Good Lives social movement across the wider community, supporting practical, disability-led change. Natt works at My Life My Voice as a Community Capacity Builder and Connector/Kaitūhono. She is part of Goalball and Blind Citizens NZ, and also volunteers across other community initiatives, including Just Zilch and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Jonathan Tautari

Jonathan Tautari (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Manaia) is the Chief Executive of VisAble, bringing more than 18 years’ experience across the health and disability sectors in advisory, strategic and community-based roles. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau in both rural and urban communities, with a strong focus on ensuring systems respond effectively to the people they are designed to support.

Jonathan leads with a deep commitment to equity, accountability and amplifying community voice. He believes listening is a privilege and a responsibility, and he brings that principle into every funding decision, with a clear focus on what will make the biggest difference.

Ann Thomson

Ann is a Wellington-based communications and engagement professional with experience across the public, tertiary and not-for-profit sectors. She has lived experience of disability and is also the parent of a disabled daughter. Ann knows what it’s like to keep going in systems that can be hard to navigate, and she’s passionate about inclusion that is practical and fair. She brings a clear focus on levelling the playing field, so disabled people and their whānau can access the basics that should already be there, without having to fight for them.

Naomi Vailima

Naomi Vailima is a proud Samoan, born and raised in South Auckland, and lives with Muscular Dystrophy. She’s been part of the disability community since she was 12, first as a young advocate and now as someone who uses her voice, creativity and lived experience to shift the conversation. Naomi knows what it means to show up in spaces that weren’t made for you, and she does it anyway, making room for others to feel seen and safe to do the same. She brings a strong Pasifika lens to her mahi, and a steady commitment to honesty, care, and connection.

Executive Team

Our Executive Team provides leadership across the wider organisation, supporting our work in philanthropy, disability support, accessible housing, and shared services.

Fenella Humphreys, our Director of Philanthropy and Impact, is also part of the Executive Team and is introduced above under our Funding Team.

Sean Stowers Chief Executive

Sean has been an active contributor to the disability support sector for more than 25 years, working across a range of roles, primarily focused on the strategic and operational management of support delivery.

Driven by social justice and outcomes that support choice and control for disabled people, Sean is committed to making sure disabled people and their whānau have a lead role in achieving equality of access and life outcomes.

Marija Jelesic-Janic Chief Operating Officer – Spectrum Care

Before joining Spectrum Care, Marija held a variety of senior management roles across the not-for-profit sector, overseeing intensive mental health, disability and youth justice services in the community.

Alongside her strong operational background, Marija has several tertiary qualifications, including a Master of Business Studies in HR Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business, and a Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology and Applied Mental Health.

Marija brings extensive sector knowledge, proven leadership, and a strong commitment to keeping people and their wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.

Annette Bisacre Chief Financial Officer

Annette is a chartered accountant who has worked across a variety of industries in Aotearoa New Zealand and the UK, holding senior financial management and leadership roles for more than 20 years.

Her experience includes eight years in the healthcare sector. As Chief Financial Officer, Annette supports the financial stewardship and sustainability of the organisation’s work.

Elizabeth Jeffs General Manager – People and Culture

Elizabeth leads People and Culture across the organisation, bringing extensive experience in human resources, health and safety, organisational development, and employment law.

Before joining, Elizabeth was Director National People Services for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. She has also held senior people leadership roles with Counties Manukau District Health Board and Auckland District Health Board, as well as HR roles across the retail, hospitality, telecommunications and commercial sectors. Earlier in her career, Elizabeth worked as a barrister and solicitor at Simpson Grierson, specialising in employment law.

Elizabeth brings strong executive leadership experience, with a focus on organisational transformation, strategic business partnering, and building people systems that help teams thrive and deliver high-quality support.

Aufata Muaulu Pou Tikanga

Aufata is of Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa and Te Aupōuri iwi, with connections to Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāti Hine and Te Paatu. He is also of Samoan descent, from the villages of Matautu Falealili, Sapunaoa Falealili, Tulaele and Vaivase.

Aufata joined the Spectrum Foundation Executive Team in September 2023. His previous roles include Kaiārahi with the Ministry of Justice, Navigator and leadership roles with Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust, Site Manager for Oranga Tamariki, and Kaiako for Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust.

Along with a deep understanding of Te Ao Māori, Aufata brings a solution-focused mindset and a strong background in collaboration and innovation.

Mike Paine Chief Information Officer

Mike was appointed Chief Information Officer in early 2024. He has an extensive background in strategy development, team leadership, programme governance, project management, and the implementation and operation of technology solutions across the private and public sectors.

In 2006, Mike was named CIO of the Year at the Computerworld Excellence Awards for leading the technology and digital components of one of the biggest transformations in the history of the New Zealand education system: the implementation of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement for the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Mike is keen to use his experience in a purpose-driven role, leading the strategic and operational activities that support our vision of an Aotearoa where all disabled people have equal opportunity to live good lives.

Ratenesh Sharma General Manager – Homes of Choice

Ratenesh joined Homes of Choice in October 2021 and brings more than 18 years’ experience specialising in property development and asset management across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Ratenesh is passionate about using the skills and experience he has gained in the corporate world to support disadvantaged communities to access quality housing.

Justin Walsh General Manager – Communications, Marketing and Strategy

Justin has spent more than 20 years working in brand, marketing, media and communications across the US, UK, Ireland, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

As the father of a disabled son, Justin is dedicated to ensuring the sector aspires to the highest standards of support, practice and professionalism. He believes strongly in empowering people to be leaders in their own lives.

Board

Our Board provides governance and oversight, supporting the Foundation’s direction and accountability.

Tanya Black

Tanya joined the Spectrum Foundation Board in January 2023. She has lived experience of disability and has served on several not-for-profit boards that promote and provide opportunities for disabled people.

Tanya works in economic development with Wellington’s film industry and also runs a UNESCO programme supporting underrepresented and underserved communities to connect with film culture, education and employment.

Tanya has completed a Bachelor of Broadcast Communications, specialising in media representation of disabled people and people of difference.

Graeme Edwards Chair

Graeme joined the Spectrum Foundation Board in December 2021 and was appointed Board Chair in October 2022. His other governance roles include being a director of Lifetime Group, PPS Mutual and ASB Group Investments, and a member of the Financial Advice Code Committee.

Graeme is a commercial barrister specialising in financial services and corporate governance, and has previously held senior leadership roles in financial services organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.

Teresa Eggleton

Terri joined the Spectrum Foundation Board in January 2022 and has held governance roles in education, philanthropy and impact investing. She also spent time in public practice as a Chartered Accountant, before moving into consultancy and governance roles.

Terri has formal qualifications in business studies, management, accounting and economic development, as well as experience in the philanthropic and SME sectors. She is passionate about promoting sustainable practices and driving impactful change through investment.

Jade Farrar (MNZM)

Jade joined the Spectrum Foundation Board in June 2018 and also serves as Chair of the national Enabling Good Lives Leadership Group, leading several portfolios relating to system transformation within the disability support sector. He was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2026 for services to people with disabilities and the Pacific community.

Jade is a director of a communications and strategic advice consultancy and is committed to the pursuit of equity. He works in strategic roles across the disability sector, providing advice and partnering to create authentic opportunities that strengthen the voice and leadership of disabled people and whānau.

Peter Fergusson

Peter joined the Spectrum Foundation Board in January 2023. He has over 28 years’ experience as a Chief Executive Officer across a range of sectors, including disability. He also chairs the Board of Osteoporosis New Zealand and is a trustee of Reel Recovery New Zealand.

As a father of a son living with disability, Peter is immersed in, and acutely aware of, the challenges that individuals and families encounter on a regular basis. He is committed to leading and influencing improvement across the disability sector.

Mariette van Ryn

Mariette joined the Spectrum Foundation Board in December 2021 and is an experienced director and senior executive, with a background in professional services, corporate management and governance.

Now a consultant primarily in the financial services sector, Mariette is also a member of the Special Division of the New Zealand Markets Disciplinary Tribunal.

Mariette has held a range of senior leadership and independent board roles, including at Simpson Grierson, Westpac NZ Group, Milford Asset Management Group and the Financial Markets Authority Establishment Board.