Maria Te Huia
Maria has a passion for delivering holistic health care within a primary health setting. Her professional training and experience covers a wide range of traditional nursing, anthroposophical nursing, reflexology and classical homeopathy. Maria is currently undertaking further post-graduate study in primary health care nursing through the University of Otago. Maria believes every individual has a purposeful path and destiny. She’s committed to supporting women’s journeys in a holistic way at both Iris and The Monastery. 

Leike Bliekendaal

Lieke is an experienced qualified chef. She’s spent a large part of the last decade travelling the world cooking and experiencing people, lifestyles, cultures, spices and flavours. Lieke enjoys preparing tantalising plant and seasonal produce-based cuisine and is delighted with The Monastery’s large organic garden. Currently studying to be a holistic nutritionist, Lieke provides a balanced, wholesome, nutritious menu – catering for the needs of individual guests.

Kavita Parshotam
Kavita is a life coach specialising in life cycle coaching and is a sought after workshop presenter and facilitator. She assists individuals in formulating their visions, values and purpose so that they can set meaningful and achievable goals. Kavita believes that each person has a unique purpose to live and an unstoppable desire to express it. She is also an IYTA trained yoga instructor and is married with two children.

Stephanie Hills
As a narrative counsellor, Stephanie has many years’ experience working with women, children and students on issues such as relationships, depression and eating disorders. She has a particular interest in how people find happiness and relate harmoniously to others. Stephanie holds a post-graduate Diploma in Counselling, a Certificate in Art Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts and is currently working toward a post-graduate Diploma in Health Science. She has published several short stories and in 2008 published her first children’s novel titled, Argenta.

Erin van Rooy
Erin is registered physiotherapist and massage therapist with a particular interest in posture, exercise/fitness and the physical effects of stress and depression on the body. Erin’s background is in pre-natal education and she has worked in both the public and private healthcare sector. As an exercise and goal setting workshop facilitator, Erin is passionate about the wellbeing of women and has a desire to see women reach their potential in all areas of their lives. Erin is married with four sons.

Ferne has a community social service background with 25 years of diverse experience in the not for profit sector. She has a wide range of skills and competencies in supporting and walking alongside women who have experienced stress, trauma or depression as a result of their life circumstances. She has a passion for holistic and mindful living, and a commitment to best practice in the widest sense.

Steve Cantor and Shona Reid
Wander through the gardens at The Monastery and you can't help but feel the tranquility. Steve and Shona are the smiling faces behind the beautiful gardens which surround The Monastery. Steve is a gradulate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and both are full qualified professional gardeners with a wealth of experience managing large estates. They share a passion for the garden being an integral part of holistic wellbeing, whether that's simply enjoying the view or relaxing in the garden.