Lync Aronson

I am excited and deeply honoured to assume the role of President, building upon my experiences as the former Vice-President of BINZ and as the former Chairperson of Brain Injury Association Otago. In my current role as Chairperson, my focus has been on fostering a welcoming and inclusive board environment.

Dr. Kelly Jones

Associate Professor AUT, Neuropsychology programme Lead, Brain Injury Waikato – Executive Board Chairperson

Kelly is an NZ Registered Psychologist, with extensive experience in the neuropsychological assessment of infants and children. She coordinates the Paediatric TBI Consortium and has particular interests in child outcomes following mild TBI.

Arnold Andrews

Arnold is an experienced governance professional with a demonstrated history of working in local government and not for profits. Skilled in organisational behaviour, intercultural communication, accounting, event management, income tax, marketing, relationship management, and strategic thinking.

Armed with a master's degree in business and management from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, he holds postgraduate diplomas in Project Management and Human Resource Management. He is a proud alumnus of Kristu Jayanti College, where he completed his bachelor's degree in commerce.

Dr. Ruth Barnett

I am pleased to represent the South as a member of the Brain Injury New Zealand committee. I am currently the chairperson of Brain Injury Association Otago and Canterbury. I have a background in health and am a retired GP. I now teach medical students full-time.

Over 10 years ago I had neurosurgery for a benign brain tumour and I had first-hand experience of the care and support our association provides. It is good to be part of that now.

I grew up in rural Otago and Southland and now live in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. I love being outside and enjoy a good walk, singing a song, and making food to share. Not always all at once.

Clare Havell-Shufflebotham

Clare is the National Administration Officer for Brain Injury NZ.

Cheryl Hollis

As the Liaison Officer for the Wellington Brain Injury Association and a proud member of the national body, I've had the privilege of serving in this role for nearly five years. What truly excites me about my work is the people I get to connect with every day. The relationships we build and the impact we have on individuals' lives are what fuel my passion for this role. As we look to the future, I'm thrilled by the possibilities for the Brain Injury Association and the positive change we can continue to create together.

Outside of work, I'm a proud mother of five grown children and a grandmother to 10, with the 11th on the way! Music has always been my passion, and I've spent over 15 years performing with my own band, filling my life with rhythm, joy, and creativity.

Colleen Moody

Colleen Moody has a background in public health service coordination, small business ownership, and has worked in the health and well-being industry. Her lived experience of a mild traumatic brain injury, along with supporting family members through similar challenges, fuels her passion for raising awareness and promoting education. She is dedicated to working with communities to enhance understanding of the impacts of brain injury, foster empathy, and ensure individuals affected have the knowledge, autonomy, and self-determination to navigate their recovery journey.

Desiree Cornelissen

David Crombie

David has been a board member since 2015. As accountant and as President of Wellington Brain Injury Association, he brings a wealth of governance experience and knowledge.

Iain Watkins

Whilst studying psychology at Auckland University, Iain began his journey with Brain Injury working with Dr Dorothy Gromwell and Mr Philip Wrightson at the Concussion Clinic, Auckland Hospital in the early 90s.

He went on to become a neuropsychologist with a particular interest in working on the treatment side of brain injury. He became the Vice President of the Northland Brain Injury Association in 2006 and then the president in 2008. In 2009, he became the Northland representative on the Brain Injury New Zealand National Council until 2011.

Iain has also been involved on the management side of health and was the Group Manager of Mental Health Services and Clinical Support at Northland DHB. He now owns and runs a medical centre in Whangarei in partnership with his wife who is a GP.

John Skelton

John Skelton serves as a Chartered Accountant on the board.

Nerrily Frith

Nerrily has been with the Brain Injury Association of Wanganui for about 10 years. She started off as a board member, then moved into the positions of president and liaison officer, and was added to the National board three years ago.

With a long history of volunteering for many charities and community groups, Nerrily sits on three Wanganui District Council committees that focus on people with disabilities and the elderly. Her interest in the Brain Injury Association began when her daughter Nicole suffered a brain injury after a cycling accident. Nerrily continues to enjoy giving back to the community and making a difference.