ABOUT Our TEAM
Wavewise consists of passionate people believing in the healing power of the ocean and in personal growth through strength based mindset approaches. They either have a qualification in one or both of those fields or are assistants to those qualified.
Pana Leontiadu
Positions: Manager and Founder of Wavewise // Adult Sessions and Youth Sessions
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts – Social Work // Postgrad Certificate in Counselling Studies // Current Masters of Counselling student // Surfing New Zealand Surf Instructor Level 2
Liane Battcher
Position: Social Worker for Youth Sessions
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts – Major in Psychology and History // Master Applied Social Work // Certificate in Adventure Leadership // Surfing New Zealand Surf Instructor Level 1
About OUR Board of Trustees
Chairperson – Lorraine Scanlon
Secretary/Treasurer – Maegan Bird
Trustee – Pana Leontiadu
About OUR wider networks
We are proud to be part of ISTO (International Surftherapy Organization) – the worldwide network for surf therapy organizations:
As well, we are proud to be part of the founding group for the Surf Therapy Aotearoa New Zealand Network, which was founded in April 2020 at its first ever Meet Up to support the collaboration and growth of surf therapy around Aotearoa.
(Picture: Surf Therapy Aotearoa New Zealand Network organizations from left to right: Restoke, Gisborne Boardriders Surf for Life, Surfing for Farmers, Wavewise, Shaka Tribe, LiveForMore):
About the Founding Story of WAVEWISE
As a greek-german kiwi-resident, social worker, surf instructor and a worldwide travelled surfer, Pana founded Wavewise. Here is what drove her:
“Surfing changed my life! Since I surfed, I never stopped! Not only because surfing is a lot of fun, but because it made a massive difference in my personal life – I experienced firsthand how this lifestyle can enhance my mental wellbeing and my overall satisfaction with life.
Not only has surfing itself done its bit, but in talking to other surfers I realized that my experience as Social Worker in combination with surfing provides me with a way of reflecting on personal challenges that helps me to get through every day challenges.
This lifestyle has had such a profound effect on me, it has even caused me to leave my home in Germany and my greek family 18,000 km behind! Since then, I have travelled the world in pursuit of new waves and new experiences and to finally discover my new home here on the West Coast.
I now have the opportunity to pass on the gift and benefit of utilising surf sessions as a reflective tool to draw upon life lessons.
I know, surfing has created real positive change in my life – I want to provide the same experience to others.
I am honoured to have such awesome people as our Wavewise Team to share this mission, who provide great role modelling and dedication to our young people”
Get your Wavewise Session now and provide the same for our youth: Wavewise Adult Sessions
