Phil Marshall-Lee

General Manager

When Phil met Simon Challies, he wanted to join the Canterbury Brain Collective because he has experience living with close family members with Parkinsons and Dementia.  Phil wants to help other people living with these neurological conditions to live a better life. He also sees BrainTree as a great opportunity to put his broad commercial, management and property experience to good use to develop a first of its kind holistic wellness centre for brain health in New Zealand.

Before joining the Canterbury Brain Collective, Phil was CFO at Mike Greer Homes, GM for Fairfax Media Southern, CFO for Soltius/Zag and FD for KPMG Consulting, as well as many other senior commercial roles across industries. 

Phil is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. He is a shareholder & executive director in Hardmarsh Ltd, an independent director in LJT Ltd, a board trustee for Rangi Ruru Girls School foundation and he holds board advisory roles.

Phil believes BrainTree will be a game changer. His hope is to educate the wider community about better brain health so that as a society we can normalise and integrate people living with neurological conditions to have a better life.

Email Phil: phil@braintree.org.nz

Melanie McConnell

Front of House Manager

Melanie has a strong background in business development and territory management, along with technical education in the Beauty Therapy industry. She is passionate about delivering high-quality customer service, maintaining efficient administrative processes, and building positive, long-term professional relationships. In addition to her industry experience, Melanie is proud to be a Facilitator for Look Good Feel Better, supporting individuals through education, confidence-building, and compassionate care. 

 Email Melanie: melanie@braintree.org.nz

Ange Charity

Project & Events Manager

Ange joined the Braintree team as Project & Events Coordinator and adds extensive expertise in supporting business executives, business units, office administration and customer service, having worked in both private and public sector organisations in a variety of roles.

Ange’s husband was the Development Manager through the construction phase of the project, so through that association and her long-term friendship with Tracey & Simon Challies, was also very keen when asked to join the team and help the great cause.

Ange is highly motivated and organised and being a people person, enjoys building relationships with colleagues and clients alike. Her passion is being active, whether it be cycling, trail running, mountain biking or yoga. Ange loves spending time with good friends, travelling and having fun.

Email Ange: ange@braintree.org.nz

Ella Batstone

Cafe Supervisor

After leaving school Ella began working in Cafes and found her niche as a barista. She joined BrainTree in January 2024 as our Cafe Supervisor.

In her spare time, Ella enjoys spending time with friends and family, loves the outdoors and keeping fit.

Ella says the highlight of working at BrainTree is the wonderful community we have visiting us in the cafe.

Email: ella@braintree.org.nz

Loretta Richards

Barista

Loretta has recently joined the BrainTree Café Team as our Barista; bringing with her, a passion for creativity and love of coffee and food - a perfect match! Originally from Central Otago Loretta enjoys spending time with her young family and making amazing cakes!

Email Loretta: loretta@braintree.org.nz

Debra Davies

Accounts Administrator

Debra joined Braintree in January 2026 as our Accounts Administrator, following her involvement as a volunteer since 2023. Debra is also connected with the Adult Conductive Education Trust, an organisation that partners with Braintree to deliver programmes for young adults with physical disabilities.