Kirsten Taylor – CEO | Naturopath, Herbalist, Nutritionist, Health Researcher and Sleep Specialist

About: I am mad about sleep, getting people to sleep, improving sleep and making super cool sleep formulations that make people’s lives better.

I wasn’t always a such sleep enthusiast but after being in my Naturopathic clinic for 7 years I couldn’t deny the irrefutable evidence that not sleeping impacts on every single body system. We all know that now because the science has caught up and every one is going on about it – which is a very good thing. For me, discovering that sleep is so important, early on and focussing on it so that I can positively impact on every aspect of people’s lives drives me to keep going. I LOVE helping people be healthier and happier. I am determined to take SleepDrops to the world so we can help as many people as possible sleep better. Imagine what a fantastic world we will have?!

What is something not many people know about Kirsten? I originally wanted to be a lawyer.

Jonathon Gee – Chief Operating Officer

About: Following a successful engineering career, in March 2021 I joined the award winning and innovative team at SleepDrops® as their Chief Operating Officer.

Over my working life, I’ve been lucky enough to develop extensive management, leadership and governance experience by working with a diverse range of amazing people and on projects across the UK, New Zealand and the South Pacific, enabling me to call upon a wealth of expertise and fresh thinking to each situation.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team helping people all over the world live healthier, happier lives, though better sleep, with SleepDrops.

What is something not many people know about Jonathan? My wife and I recently bought Vespas, gained our motorcycle licences and enjoy exploring the North Shore, one beach at a time.

Dr Claudio Motta – Global Education and Research Director CleverSleep® & SleepDrops® International Ltd

About: Dr Claudio Motta graduated in medicine, specializing in Cardiology from the Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, in Brazil. Claudio has over 17 years of experience in Medicine including working as the Chief of Cardiology for the Hospital for the Heart in Brazil.

During his time in Cardiology he realised despite his best efforts he couldn’t help patients as much as he would like. The link between healthy sleep and optimal heart health was clear to him and the need for Integrative and Preventative care for improving his patient’s health outcomes. Claudio jumped at the opportunity to embrace the role of Global Education and Research Director for CleverSleep® & SleepDrops® International Ltd to achieve his mission and make a real change in people’s lives and ultimately a change for the world.

What is something that not many people know about Claudio? Claudio took a year off Medicine to try his hand at being a chef.

Dr. Estelle de Beer – Dr of Natural Medicine

About: Dr Estelle De Beer has been the head of the SleepDrops Sleep and Wellness Centre for two years specialising in our difficult sleep cases. Our specialist clinic is where we work alongside Sleep Physiologists and specialists to enable us to treat a variety of sleep challenges. Estelle qualified from the Durban University of Technology (South Africa) in 2007, as a Doctor of Natural Medicine. Dr Estelle has been in consulting and treating patients since 2007 but has been working in holistic health care since 2003.

See more info @ www.sleepandwellnesscentre.co.nz

What is something that not many people know about Estelle? Estelle always wanted to be a racing car driver and has a ‘need for speed’.

Alastair Russell – Global Sales Manager

About: Alastair has over 20 years of experience in the Health, Fitness and Wellness industry and specialises in developing and maintaining strong customer partnerships in a global setting. Alastair prides himself on being a values based, genuine and transparent relationship manager who enjoys connecting with others and working towards shared goals. He is passionate about working for SleepDrops International as he has personally experienced a transformation in his sleep and health using our products. He is proud to offer these amazing products globally to achieve our mission of helping the world lead healthier, happier lives.

What is something people don’t know about Alastair?Alastair has worked with New Zealand’s heavy weight boxing champion, David Tua for many years but never stepped in the ring with him.

Jenny Stewart – Global Content Manager

About: Jenny Stewart is a Registered Nutritionist who graduated Otago University with a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Health, a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology and Human Nutrition as well as a Bachelor of Physical Education. Jenny has a strong background in research and content development from ten years working in public health and four years in corporate wellness. Jenny calls herself a ‘pracademic’ breaking down complex science into simple key messages. Jenny is passionately obsessed with sleep after an ongoing battle with insomnia throughout her life which she is now winning since starting at SleepDrops!

What is something that not many people know about Jenny? Jenny has visited over 40 countries and has been confused for a local in Spain, Turkey, Italy and Greece.

Anders Gee– Digital Marketing Coordinator

About: Anders was a formidable baker before joining SleepDrops® as the newest member of the digital marketing team in 2021. Danish-born Anders moved to New Zealand in 2011, he became a proud Takapuna Grammar School pupil, where he even worked on a dropshipping website with a fellow student. After spending most of his teen years surrounded by friends, he has noticed the impact of poor sleep on himself and his friends. And now finds himself highly involved and dedicated to promoting the importance of getting a good night’s sleep.

What is something not many people know about Anders? Anders enjoys spending his free time working on his car, at the gym, or with his whanau.

Leigh Painter – Graphic Designer & Media Producer

About: Leigh is an experienced Radio Broadcasting Producer, Office Manager and Graphic Designer with extensive radio broadcasting, media marketing, and office management experience. Leigh is our dynamo creative in the office who can literally turn her hand to anything from creating our social media imagery to shooting a video.

What is something not many people know about Leigh? Leigh is a talented singer who has an album waiting to be discovered….

Paige Cowley – Naturopathic Sleep Specialist | Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)

About:  Paige is our resident Aussie and one of our Naturopathic Sleep Specialists here to help all of our customers achieve their best sleep.

With over 8 years’ experience in the health industry, first as a nurse and now as a naturopath, Paige has dedicated herself to learning, understanding and educating on the best way to empower health and wellbeing through the life stages. She is passionate about helping people achieve their health goals and believes that poor sleep is often a major block for healing. When not focused on tackling people’s health challenges you can find her searching the New Zealand coast line for the her next surf spot, or drinking endless cups of tea with a good book.

What is something not many people know about Paige? She has been in love with her husband since high school…CUTE!

Vivian Zhao – China Sales and Marketing Manager

About:  Vivian is qualified with a dual master’s degree in Clinical Medicine and Marketing. She has a seven-year background in clinical medicine in Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has worked as a Product Training Lecturer for a global dietary supplement brand (MitoQ). She achieved her master’s degree in Marketing with distinction from Auckland University of Technology and participated in the publication of an academic article during her studies. Before coming to New Zealand, she had 4 years of sales and marketing experience in Beijing, China with two industry-leading multinational pharmaceutical companies (Pfizer and Eli Lilly). She loves challenges and has ambitions to grow our fabulous products in China market.

What is something not many people know about Vivian? Vivian is a travel enthusiast who often goes hiking, surfing or skiing on weekends and holidays and posts travel tips on social media as an amateur blogger.

Paul Kung – Warehouse Manager |  Mechanical Engineer, Certificate in auto engineering

About:  Paul was born in Hong Kong and had been living in New Zealand for 24 years. He has an engineering background and had extensive management experience in multisite operation.  He is also equipped with years of experience in the logistic of pharmaceuticals and cosmetic manufacturing industry.  Paul loves music and sports and enjoys working as a volunteer in his free time.  Paul is a dedicated Buddhist and is a proud grandfather of a little girl who is a talented ballet dancer.

What is something not many people know about Paul? Paul is actually a petrol head and he learnt to race Motorcars in Japan.

Sandy So – Lab Technician

About:  Sandy was born in Hong Kong and was a qualified garment manufacturing technician before coming to New Zealand with her family in 1995. She has years of experience as a packing supervisor in the cosmetic manufacturing industries in New Zealand.  She enjoys cooking for family and friends and is a self-taught baker.  Sandy is a Buddhist and love working as a volunteer in the temple.  And yes, she loves watching cooking shows and soap- opera’s.

What is something not many people know about Sandy? Sandy had won 2 medals in a swimming gala when she was studying in a technical institution.

Peggy Khor – Lab Technician

About:  Peggy was born in Malaysia and came to New Zealand in 1996.  She enjoys working at SleepDrops and love meeting the team every day. She is a mum of two sons, who are both in high school. Peggy loves cooking Malaysian food… she actually use to work as a chef in a Malaysian restaurant.  In her spare time Peggy enjoys jogging, shopping, watching movies, spending time with sons and living her life with passion.

What is something not many people know about Peggy? Peggy makes a mean Malaysian curry…

Dr. Anitha Vivekanandan – SleepDrops Specialist Sleep Consultant

About: Anitha is a qualified and experienced Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon and lecturer/researcher who has given up medicine to help people sleep. Anitha is a registered Life Coach with the International Coaching Federation and trained in a specialist form of BBT-i (Brief cognitive behaviour therapy specific to insomnia) and joins SleepDrops as the highest qualified Sleep Consultant in New Zealand. We are extremely grateful to have Anitha to work with our customers, our patients in our sleep and wellness centre, to support Dr Claudio and Dr Estelle in their research roles and to contribute to our CleverSleep® Sleep Coaching programme, a project she is working on with our Founder and CEO Kirsten.

What is something that not many people know about Anitha? She has co-authored an Amazon Bestseller where she has shared her personal story of going through Cancer.

Dr Anitha is available for Specialist Sleep consultations here at the SleepDrops Sleep and Wellness Centre on a Tuesday and Wednesday each week. Click here for Dr Anitha’s calendar.

Milo – Official Welcoming Committee