Kalandra employs a team of professionals with backgrounds in health, business and cumulatively more than 60 years’ experience in tertiary education.
Management & Administration Team
Chief Executive: Dr. Christine Clark
Dr. Christine Clark, Founder and Chief Executive of Kalandra Education Group, brings extensive expertise as a Registered Nurse with a Doctorate in Aged Care. Beyond her professional roles, she champions community welfare as a former board member and Chair of Neuro Connection.
In her capacity as Chief Executive, Christine shapes the organisation's vision and provides strategic leadership, serving on the Kalandra Governance Board to ensure robust oversight. Personally, she enjoys her role as a grandmother of four and pursues her passion for running, having completed an impressive 76 half marathons to date, showcasing her determination and resilience
Contact: christine@kalandra.ac.nz
General Manager: Alexandra Clark
Alex Clark, the compassionate General Manager at Kalandra, is dedicated to healthcare and education. With a background in emergency care for children, she has over 15 years of experience in tertiary private training organisations, now leading as GM. Alex's passion stems from personal experiences with exemplary and subpar care for her grandparents. A mother and volunteer medical first responder, she pursues continuous learning, currently completing a Masters in Health Science. In her leisure time, Alex enjoys baking and reading.
Contact: alex@kalandra.ac.nz
Chief Operations Officer: Kelly Clark
Kelly, our Chief Operations Officer, bringing over two decades of expertise in administration and management within independent training organisations. Alongside her career, Kelly cherishes her role as a mother to three children, including lively twins. With a Masters in Tertiary Management, she excels in student enrolments, project management, and government communication. During her leisure time, Kelly finds joy in reading and prioritises self-care, including rest. Her dedication to excellence in both professional and personal realms reflects her commitment to making a positive impact in education and organisational management.
Contact: kelly@kalandra.ac.nz
Student Engagement and Operations Manager: April Protacio
April, our dedicated Student Engagement and Operations Manager at Kalandra Education Group, brings a wealth of customer service experience from various industries in the Philippines. After pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration in New Zealand, April joined our team, demonstrating exceptional skills in tertiary education and operations management. With her proactive approach and commitment to student success, April significantly contributes to our growth and success.
Contact: training@kalandra.ac.nz
Campus and Pastoral Support Coordinator: Joan Abrazaldo
Joan is a mum of two amazing teenagers who started her journey in New Zealand as an international student. With extensive experience and a solid background in health and human resources management, her focus has been on recruitment and pastoral care. Joans healthcare experience has fueled my passion for helping people, and as a former international student, she easily adapt to the needs of students. In her free time, she loves playing pickleball.
Contact: joan@kalandra.ac.nz
Registrar: Abby Knight
Abby, our dedicated Registrar at Kalandra Education Group, brings a wealth of diverse experiences and a deep commitment to family. With a background in primary education and versatile skills gained from various roles, Abby embraces her role while nurturing her three children in the Waikato region. She also contributes to her family's boutique vineyard and olive grove. Passionate about supporting her children's interests and enjoying outdoor activities, Abby enriches the Kalandra community with her warmth and unique perspective.
Contact: online@kalandra.ac.nz
Academic Faculty
Maxine Habraken - Lecturer
Maxine is an accomplished lecturer at Kalandra, specialising in Intellectual and Physical Disabilities at levels 3 and 4. With extensive experience in teaching adult learners, she brings a diverse skill set, including management, customer service, administration, logistics, and care. Maxine is dedicated to fostering student growth and providing unwavering support.
Outside of work, Maxine is a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and exploring New Zealand with her husband, John. Her passion for education and vibrant personal life enrich the dynamic environment at Kalandra.
Contact: maxine@kalandra.ac.nz
José Balarezo Galarreta - Lecturer
José is our dedicated lecturer for Level 4 and 5 students, holding a Bachelor of Psychology from Peru. With extensive experience in Dementia, Diversional Therapy, Palliative Care, and Rehabilitation, he enriches our curriculum with practical insights.
Before moving to New Zealand, José impacted Peruvian schools by creating and facilitating workshops, providing support, guidance, and counseling to teachers, students, and families.
José is currently undertaking his Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science at Massey University, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth. We are thrilled to have him on our team, enhancing our students' learning experience.
Contact: jose@kalandra.ac.nz
Nika Manuera - Lecturer
Nika is a Registered Diversional Therapist with education in Dementia, Psychology, Palliative Care and Māori Well Being. With a primary focus on Aged Care, Nika has expanded her practice to meet the needs of each individual and support community and family involvement. She has held roles as a recreational team leader and been appointed as a national advisor for Diversional Therapy In Dementia care as well as head Māori and Pasifika equity initiatives. Through gateway programmes, secondary school career expos and TEC endorsed healthcare promotions, Nika has taught and recruited students and staff to enjoy the privilege of working in healthcare.
Contact: nika@kalandra.ac.nz
Janine Austin - Lecturer
Janine Austin is a licensed and practicing Funeral Director and Embalmer. Bringing over 15 years of experience in the funeral industry. Prior to this transition into funeral services, was involved in the Aged Care Health Sector for many years.
She believes in fostering a sense of faith and confidence in students’ abilities, guiding them to not only to excel in their craft but to understand but also uphold the highest standards for any family member in their care.
Currently involved in the Industry Association of NZ Embalmers Association.
She has two American Spaniels and lives under the cloak of Taranaki Mounga and the tranquil sea and rivers close by. Enjoys spending time with her husband Tiny and loves to create something soft out of something hard through stone carving and also painting using acrylic medium.
Contact: janine@kalandra.ac.nz
Dhanasekaran (Dhana) Subramanian- Lecturer
Originally from Singapore, Dhana completed a Bachelor’s degree in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery and a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga in India, where he began his career as a homeopathic consultant and youth health promoter with an NGO. After relocating to New Zealand, he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from the University of Auckland in 2013 and has since worked with organisations including Spectrum Care, Odyssey House, Pathways Health, and Emerge Aotearoa.
Dhana’s professional roles have centred on supporting individuals with mental health challenges, including assisting clients in securing employment through a partnership with the Auckland District Health Board's Community Mental Health Clinic. He is a registered member of the New Zealand Council of Homeopaths and has also taught international students in health and wellbeing programmes—bringing together clinical knowledge, a commitment to education, and a strong focus on community support.
Contact: dhana@kalandra.ac.nz
Jessie Magge - Lecturer (Part time)
Jessie is a Chinese medicine practitioner, originally from Germany. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science with further Education in - Education and Psychology. Jessie has seen much clinical success treating in the realms of; chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, paediatrics, and mental health conditions as an Acupuncturist in New Zealand. She brings a warm, professional, and holistic approach to health; and as a lecturer, is dedicated to sharing these skills and passion with our learners.
Contact: jessie@kalandra.ac.nz
Christine (Chris) Stanley - Lecturer (Part time)
Chris is a nurse with over 15 years of experience across surgical nursing, forensic mental health, and general practice. Her extensive clinical background is complemented by a strong commitment to healthcare education, with a particular interest in supporting the development of future health professionals.
Chris brings a well-rounded and holistic perspective to her work, shaped by her interest in Te Ao Māori, Rongoā Māori, and natural therapies. She is passionate about promoting personal wellbeing and is actively involved in initiatives that support health, education, and cultural understanding.
Outside of her professional life, Chris is family-oriented and enjoys reading, sports, and continuous learning. Her values, experience, and dedication to both clinical practice and education make her a valuable contributor to the healthcare sector.
Contact: cstanely@kalandra.ac.nz
Jeremiah Buenafe - Support Lecturer
Jeremiah is a distinguished healthcare professional with extensive experience and a strong academic background, holding a BS and Master’s in Nursing. He began his career as an emergency nurse at Dr Garcia Medical Centre in the Philippines before becoming a Nurse Educator and Clinical Instructor at Angeles University Foundation, dedicating eight years to nursing education. He gained significant mental health experience during his preceptorship at the National Centre for Mental Health in the Philippines.
In 2014, Jeremiah moved to New Zealand, contributing to the aged and disability sector through roles at Geneva Health, Royal District Nursing Service, and Spectrum Care, where he led a residential facility for five years. His dedication to elderly and disabled care, coupled with his clinical and educational expertise, makes him a valuable asset to our team, enhancing our commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.
In 2024, Jeremiah achieved his New Zealand Nursing registration and returned to his passion of nursing, while assisting us as a support lecturer in our level 4 programmes.
Contact: jeremiah@kalandra.ac.nz
Jemy Tomy - Support Lecturer
Jemy, is a highly accomplished Registered Nurse in New Zealand with a Master's in Nursing, and also holds registrations as a Nurse and Midwife in India. With over a decade of teaching and clinical experience, she has made significant contributions as a nurse educator and clinical supervisor.
Jemy's teaching covers a wide range of health courses, including Bachelor of Nursing, Pregnancy and Parenting, Health and Wellbeing levels 3 and 4, Disability and Mental Health, and Diversional Therapy. Her clinical expertise spans various areas such as Neurological ICU, Medical & Surgical Wards, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Wards, Labour Room, and Aged Care facilities.
Driven by a deep belief in compassionate care, Jemy mentors students to develop robust healthcare skills and deliver quality care. Her infectious positivity and commitment to patient care, teaching, and professional development make her an invaluable asset to our academic community.
In 2025 Jemy returned to her passion as a full time Nurse, while assisting us with our online programmes.
Contact: jemy@kalandra.ac.nz
Monika Manu - Support Lecturer
Monika is a dedicated level 4 Healthcare Assistant with eight years of hands on experience in aged care and healthcare support in the community. Her journey began when she witnessed her mother suffer a stroke. Stepping in to provide care during that challenging time ignited her passion for caregiving, starting as entry level healthcare assistant in a resthome, monica advanced her skills through hands on experience and formal education, earning health and well being certificates at levels 2, 3 and 4.
Monika’s commitment to excellence led her to take on roles as a mentor, team leader and medication competent healthcare assistant.
For Monika, caring for others is not just a job, it’s a passion. Her deep commitment to person centered care and her extensive experience now fuel her mission to educate and inspire the next generation of healthcare workers.
Samu De Silva - Lecturer (On leave)
Samu De Silva is a qualified medical doctor from Sri Lanka, she has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and has also gained her MBA in Health and Health Care Administration and Management from Edinburgh Napier University United Kingdom and has also completed a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waikato. Samu brings her skills and experience into the classroom, teaching international students health and wellbeing so that they can gain employment in New Zealand. Samu’s passion is about making a positive impact with the healthcare industry through education and training.
Joanna Kilgour - Embalming Programme Support (Casual)
Joanna, with prior roles in health as a student midwife and mental health support worker, joined Kalandra in 2017 as a resource writer. Now, she heads Learning and Development, focusing on quality assurance and introducing new learning paths. Her notable contributions involve crafting content tailored for neurodiverse learners and driving the development of the Embalming Diploma.
Contact: joanna@kalandra.ac.nz
Last updated: 20 May 2025
