Lion Foundation House
The Lion Foundation House is the home of a number of organisations specialising in supportive services and advice committed to making a difference in Aotearoa.
Sonia Thursby, CEO
Sonia Thursby has worked in the Youth & Disability sector in New Zealand for over 25 years, with extensive prior experience in the UK. As a trusted ally to the sector, she has been able to put the voice of youth with disabilities at the forefront of every board she has been a part of, including […]
Cam Calkoen, Ambassador
Cam Calkoen is our Ambassador for YES, and has lived disability experience through cerebral palsy. He is an inspirational public speaker and has been a key driving force in the creation of YES and our services. Cam is also an athlete and narrowly missed representing New Zealand at the 2008 Paralympics.
Karen Ellis, Finance Manager / Accountant
Karen is the finance Manager/Accountant of YES and is a qualified accountant. She is responsible for everything related to the finances of YES including the accounts, payments, and payroll. She has life experience with a disability, as she is deaf with cochlear implants, and just loves meeting and working with young people with disabilities. Her varied […]
Abdulla Shiblaq, I.Lead Youth Facilitator
Abdulla has been with the team for a year and is one of the Youth Facilitators, organising I.Drive and is one of our Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Leaders.
Maxwell Cowden, Marketing Coordinator
Maxwell is YES’s Marketing Coordinator, creating and publishing our bi-monthly in-house newsletter for the past 8 years. He brings some very impressive qualifications, with a BA in Japanese from Unitec, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Journalism Studies from Massey University. This is also backed by an impressive work ethic and a solid track record of […]
Brendon Hosken
Brendon is a past President of Rotary, a long term patron of the Business Excellence Network and currently sits on the Board for another community Youth initiative. Brendon’s work experience includes 20 years in the building industry and he currently runs a property development company delivering new homes in Auckland.
Catherine Lamb
Catherine has been an active member of the North Harbour Community since moving to the North Shore in 1995. She is currently a Relationship Manager for the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust, having previously held the position of General Manager. Catherine is the Chair of the AIMES Junior Excellence Awards Judging Panel. Along with […]
Lucy Anastasiadou-Hobbs
Lucy comes from Greece and completed her a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy in the UK. She worked at the 2004 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2001 looking after the National Paralympic Committees. She moved to New Zealand in 2004 and since then has been involved in fundraising roles. Now she runs her […]
