Our Circability Team


Patron

  • Sir Bob Harvey

    Sir Bob Harvey

    CIRCABILITY PATRON

    Sir Bob Harvey served six terms as Mayor of the Waitākere City, and was awarded, alongside six international Mayors, the United Nations Award for Peace in 1997; in 2007 he was awarded the United Nations Life Time Achievement Award for the Environment; and a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours for 2013 for services to local body affairs and the community.

    Sir Bob is a prolific leader in both the arts and politics, having led an advertising agency for many years prior to his mayoralty, working with leading talent and winning numerous awards.

    Sir Bob says, “It is important to step outside the daily work routine and use play to reflect on our structures and systems in place. I used the magic of circus all my working life with many groups, in many ways - it always added the special touch we needed for our tasks ahead.”

Our Board

  • Erwin van Asbeck

    Chair, Board of Trustees

    Brings rich experience across NGO, mental health, education, and the arts. Passionate about growing impact and supporting a thriving, sustainable future.

  • Alison Greenaway

    Advisory to the Board - Whānau

    Social researcher who cares deeply about community wellbeing. Loves supporting youth and building strong, connected families.

  • Alysha Dodampegamage

    Advisor to the Board - Young Circus Artist Representative

    Dedicated circus performer and emerging youth leader.
    Helps bring energy and creativity to youth programmes and festivals.

  • Angela Withers

    Advisor to the Board - Youth Portfolio

    Enthusiastic teacher who champions creativity in young people. Believes in the powerful impact of circus arts in education.

  • Chris Adams

    Board of Trustees - Health and and Safety Portfolio

    People-focused events professional with a big heart for community. Proud to support Circability’s inclusive and growing impact

  • Claire Johnston

    Advisor to the Board - Neurodiversity

    Passionate advocate for neurodiverse voices and inclusion. Brings insight, resilience, and a strong commitment to change.

  • Kahuraki Marino Aroha Bronsson-George

    Cultural Advisor to the Board

    Creative circus artist grounded in te ao Māori. Dedicated to uplifting culture and strengthening Māori presence in circus.

  • Roka Nash

    Roka Nash

    Advisor to the Board - Disabled Community Representative

    Circus performer who brings joy, laughter, and connection. Proudly represents the disabled community.

  • Ron de Vries

    Board of Trustees - Finance Portfolio

    Brings global experience and a thoughtful, strategic approach. Supports the team with strong financial guidance.

Auckland Headquarters

  • Thomas' Portrait juggling some circability balls

    Thomas Hinz

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    A pioneer of community circus with a lifelong passion for inclusion. Inspires people of all ages and abilities to join the circus.

  • Diane Eaglesome

    FUNDING ADVISOR

    Driven to create inclusive opportunities for all. Passionate about building support that helps communities thrive.

  • Marilia portrait

    Marília Pereira

    OPERATIONS MANAGER

    Highly organised and always ready to help things run smoothly. Keeps the team on track with care and attention to detail.

  • Xan Hamilton

    COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT LEAD

    Brings creativity and experience from the world of live performance. Passionate about sharing stories and connecting communities.

  • Vita Manuputty

    OFFICE COORDINATOR

    Organised and approachable, creating a warm, efficient environment that supports the team and keeps everything running smoothly. Vita has fond memories of going to circus shows with her dad when she was little, which inspires her to be part of the Circability whānau.

  • Maria Ismael

    INTERN OPERATIONS SUPPORT LEAD

    Thoughtful and solutions-focused, with a passion for improving systems and how things flow. Committed to creating smooth, efficient operations while supporting both team and community.

  • Franchesca Tanchanco

    VOLUNTEER SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT LEAD

    Creative and detail-oriented, supporting content and community engagement to amplify Circability’s impact and voice.

  • Imesh Gunawardena

    VOLUNTEER WEBSITE DESIGN SUPPORT

    Supportive and detail-focused, helping maintain and design the website to keep Circability’s online presence clear, engaging, and up to date.

Auckland Hub

  • Mark Williams

    LEAD TUTOR

    Award-winning juggler with over 20 years of experience around the world. Brings creativity and joy through his unique and evolving hoop style.

    Contact Mark: aucklandhub@circability.org

  • Tobias Miller

    Tobias Miller

    PROGRAMME COORDINATOR, LEAD TUTOR

    Started in gymnastics before discovering a love for circus arts. Enjoys sharing a wide range of skills and helping students grow with confidence.

  • Achmed Abmann

    LEAD TUTOR

    Brings over 30 years of circus experience from around the world. Loves inspiring and supporting students on their circus journey.

  • Anthony Te Puke

    TUTOR

    Māori dance artist passionate about culture, storytelling, and identity. Loves empowering others through movement and creative expression.

  • Artemis Goed

    TUTOR

    Grew up in a circus family and brings a lifelong love of performance. Passionate about aerials and sharing circus with her community.

  • Ayden Jacobs

    Ayden Jacobs

    LEAD TUTOR

    Experienced tutor with a love for clowning, juggling, and connection. Finds joy in creating fun, inclusive, and meaningful experiences for all.

Bay of Plenty Hub

  • Rowan Dawson

    HUB MANAGER, TUTOR

    Circus performer and teacher who loves bringing people together. Enjoys seeing students light up as they discover new skills.

    Contact Rowan: bophub@circability.org

  • Charlie Mehlberg

    TUTOR

    Performing arts creative and co-founder of a local fire group. Enjoys sharing skills through teaching and creative projects.

  • Charlotte Howe

    TUTOR

    Performer with a love for theatre and working with young people. Brings warmth and creativity to her teaching.

  • Danni Van Der Heijden

    TUTOR

    Talented juggler and stilt walker with a love for circus. Enjoys teaching and performing within the community.

  • Ella Hodgson

    TUTOR

    Gymnastics-trained teacher with experience across schools. Passionate about helping students build confidence through movement.

  • Katie Roberts

    TUTOR

    Experienced circus tutor specialising in aerial and acrobatics. Loves sharing her skills and inspiring others to grow.

  • Nathan Lockwood

    TUTOR

    Background in martial arts and flow arts led him to circus. Enjoys creating engaging and dynamic learning environments.

  • Regina Dejong

    TUTOR

    Former rhythmic gymnast with a background in events and performance. Brings creativity and energy to her teaching.

Christchurch Hub

  • Flair McKay

    HUB MANAGER

    Community-focused leader with a love for circus and connection. Passionate about bringing people together and growing community.

    Contact Flair: christchurchhub@circability.org

  • Calvin Preston

    TUTOR

    Experienced circus performer specialising in juggling and rola-bola. Loves encouraging others to challenge themselves and have fun.

  • Kahuraki Marino Aroha Bronsson-George

    TUTOR / CULTURAL ADVISOR

    Circus artist grounded in te ao Māori and creative expression. Passionate about uplifting culture and community through circus.

  • Nathan Bonner

    TUTOR

    Entertainer known for his vibrant performances and good vibes. Brings energy, experience, and fun to every session.

  • Pablo Rodriguez Yaksic

    TUTOR

    Juggler and balance artist who loves connecting with people. Creates fun, challenging spaces for everyone to learn and grow.

  • Valentina Plasente

    LEAD TUTOR

    Aerial specialist with a passion for social circus and inclusion. Loves combining creativity and care in her teaching.

Northland Hub

  • April Atkinson

    HUB MANAGER, TUTOR

    Lifelong circus artist who brings joy, laughter, and connection. Passionate about sharing circus with people of all abilities.

    Contact April: April@circability.org

  • Nina Subritzky

    TUTOR

    Creative performer and teacher with a love for community. Finds joy in sharing circus and being part of its magic.

  • Ziah

    TUTOR

    Circus artist passionate about youth, wellbeing, and belonging. Loves creating safe, joyful spaces for people to express themselves.