About us

Meet our team and find out more about ADAPT.

Meet the team

Although Ellen co-founded ADAPT all the way from Europe she is not letting distance sit in the way of getting things done. Ellen works for several European family foundations; supporting their boards to ensure they articulate their wishes strategically and then sets up their desired strategies- be it investments or philanthropic efforts. ADAPT is Ellen’s first philanthropic effort where she needs to get down and make it happen for herself.
Ellen believes that a lot can be accomplished by always asking questions and engaging with people to understand what the needs are. Ellen then loves to turn those needs into logical action steps to provide answers and solutions to problems. Ellen believes that the full potential of our moral obligation to do good happens when done effectively.

Masele joins us with a wealth of business experience, having held senior international HR roles in a number of commercial sectors. Having recently returned to her home in New Zealand Masele was keen to find opportunities to help out within her community. Masele was introduced to The Supported Life Style Hauraki Trust through local Thames contacts and was immediately attracted to its purpose and values.
Masele was invited to join that Trust board in 2017. With ADAPT wishing to support operation of The Supported Life Style Hauraki Trust, Masele was invited to also join the ADAPT board to ensure a professional bridge and open communication between the two trusts.

Mike is an experienced not-for-profit leader, bringing professional and lived experience of disability to his governance roles. Before a 2008 motor vehicle accident resulting in a spinal cord impairment, he was an international runner and Senior Marketing Lecturer at AUT.
He is a passionate advocate for a more inclusive society for disabled people and families, with a particular focus on equitable housing choices - an area that aligns strongly with ADAPT’s mission.
He holds a Master of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Auckland and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Theology and Mission from Carey Baptist College, and serves on the board of cbmnz.

Tony comes to ADAPT with a unique blend of skills and experience from working in sales management roles in some of the world’s largest FMCG companies, working for Special Olympics New Zealand and private land and urban development.
Tony has made a career out of turning targets into reality and understands the only way to achieve world class results is to collaborate with a great team and provide them with the tools and support they require to achieve. Tony has a real passion for the goals and dreams we have for ADAPT.

Dennis joined ADAPT after a career in the public service, bringing senior-level experience across government and the private sector in communications, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management.
He has extensive experience in the housing sector, leading strategies to support complex policy and service initiatives. He has also led national campaigns on major public sector programmes, helping to connect with people and communities and make a real difference.
Dennis takes a genuinely people-centred approach and believes that clear communication and collaboration are essential to creating lasting impact. Drawn by the chance to align his skills with his values, he joined ADAPT to support the social sector and contribute to initiatives that improve people’s lives.

Anna brings over 15 years of tax experience with Deloitte, working extensively with large family-owned groups and trusts - including charitable trusts - across tax, accounting and business advisory matters.
Having previously supported ADAPT as an external advisor, she was invited to join the board in 2026 to provide financial oversight as the organisation progresses its first inclusive housing development and grows its impact.
Anna is committed to putting her skills to work for ADAPT's vision of building more inclusive communities. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from Victoria University of Wellington and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.