About Us

Alexandar has completed his Master of Engineering studies, followed by a Postgraduate Degree in Business and Administration, when he arrived to an understanding that his actual interest is in health and wellbeing.

For nearly 20 years, most of my focus, when not working on my career, was to learn new skills and knowledge that would allow me to become more efficient and productive, while staying healthy, so I could work continuously.

Because of this tunnel vision, it took me a while to realize that I was only investing in my health so that I could work for extensive periods of time. Instead, I should have been focusing on my health for the sake of being healthy.

During this period of time it was a challenge to find good and reliable content on health and wellbeing topics. Today there is too much content, and a lot is inaccurate or outdated. But how do we know which one is which?

This is one of the main goals behind D’Connect, and that is to offer current and well-researched information that everyone can understand and use to improve their health, because what is life without health?

Living is much more than a sum of quick tips on “how to”, and I believe that we can all benefit greatly by learning more about ourselves.

With D’Connect, adding new knowledge and positive habits that can improve our health, wellbeing and quality of life will become easy, fulfilling and joyful.

Vicky has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Sports Science from Loughborough University, U.K. She now works in Auckland as a full-time professional tennis coach, alongside freelance editing and proofreading. She has a Specialist Award in Editing and Proofreading from Learning Cloud NZ and a Distinction qualification from the Proofreading Academy, U.K.

I have always had an interest in health and wellbeing, as it is so crucial to the sporting performance. All aspects of sport can be influenced – mental, physical, physiological, and emotional. This also extends to daily life, but often we want to help ourselves and don’t know where to start.

D’Connect allows for a wide cross-section of people to learn and educate themselves. The crucial thing for me is that D’Connect has no agenda; it is a neutral educational tool, here to benefit us all.

In my role with D’Connect, I hope to help present the content clearly and effectively. Our information should engage our readers and encourage them to do further research. Consequently, I hope they feel they have the autonomy to make informed decisions to help their own wellbeing.

I believe the value of a team is that we can all learn from each other, and I am certainly excited to learn from the experts in this field!

Lynley has completed a study course of Proofreading and Editing Diploma in 2019 with New Zealand Business Studies. She also has many years experience in administration, proofreading, editing and document presentation.

D’Connect is a platform that has reliable and well sourced information in regards to health and wellbeing. A great health education arena for those wanting to understand different health topics and to be able to actually understand what is being shared.

Being part of a team like this that is focused on educating people on different health topics encourages myself in my journey of my wellbeing. I also enjoy seeing articles and content that is well written and presented.

Beverly is a seasoned communications professional with a Bachelor of Communication Studies, a Masters in Information Studies, and is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication. Specialising in delivering comprehensive editing services, Beverly is committed to ensuring that content is not only accessible but also well-crafted and reliable, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.

Beverly’s academic and professional journey has highlighted the critical importance of clear and dependable information, particularly in the realm of health and well-being.

As a member of the D’Connect team, I wholeheartedly embrace my role in assisting the delivery of meticulously crafted content. D’Connect provides a crucial platform for people to learn and connect with resources about health and well-being. The resources are both informative and engaging and most importantly reliable.

I find immense value in teamwork and the opportunity to learn from the seasoned experts in this field. I’m dedicated to playing a role in ensuring that D’Connect remains a trusted source of information, offering invaluable guidance for those seeking to make positive choices regarding their nutrition and well-being.

Helmut holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Science from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and brings a wealth of experience from his 30-year tenure in the software industry, with a focused decade-plus in web development. His journey includes a role as Software Product Manager for a SaaS-based eCommerce product discovery platform, where he delved deep into SEO. Currently, Helmut is leading the SEO function for a digital asset marketplace based in Melbourne, applying his prowess in eCommerce, Enterprise SEO, and Technical SEO, along with substantial experience in International, Content, and Mobile SEO.

As a staunch advocate for health and wellness, I firmly believe in the potential of platforms like D’Connect to educate the public in embracing healthier lifestyles. With countries like New Zealand amidst a health crisis, struggling to cater to an aging and increasingly unwell population, I recognise the urgent need for educational health platforms.

The success of platforms like D’Connect in encouraging individuals to proactively manage their health and well-being will inevitably lead to a healthier community at large.

I’m optimistic about significantly expanding D’Connect’s reach by zeroing in on health topics that resonate with the public. Through the strategic and ethical application of SEO, I aim to enhance the content, driving meaningful and organic traffic growth substantially.

When the opportunity arose to volunteer my time, I was eager to contribute. I’m committed to the dissemination of high-quality health information that empowers individuals to lead not only healthier, but also happier and longer lives.

Amanda holds a Diploma of Web Development from the Yoobee College of Creative Innovation (formerly Natcoll) in Wellington. She has over ten years of experience in building and maintaining websites, and enjoys both the creative and problem-solving aspects of the field. She loves that there is always something new to learn in web development.

Much of life is about educating yourself and problem-solving to improve the quality of your life, both mentally and physically. Good health is often not thought about until we get unwell or sick.

D’Connect serves as a reminder that we need to be proactive when it comes to our health and wellbeing, and it does that by providing Kiwis with trusted content so we can make good, informed decisions.

I find the content on D’Connect fascinating and inspiring; fascinating because there is so much to learn about the human body, and inspiring because you learn that there are different ways of supporting your health. This means that everyone can find their own path to health that works best for them and their situation.

My goal with D’Connect is to showcase high-quality health content by providing an easy-to-access online platform that is well-presented and a joy to use.

Robin specialises in frontend web development, and currently works as a full-time frontend engineer. For the last 4 years he has dedicated himself to powerlifting and developing a deep understanding of everything that goes into competing at a high level in this sport. In his spare time he makes health and wellness content on Instagram and provides mentoring for neurodivergent peers.

I believe having an independent resource for all things health and wellbeing related is pivotal. Knowledge is empowering. I found this out myself very early on in my career, both in lifting and in software. I progress the quickest when I understand what I am doing, and am learning. I’m empowered to make the best decisions when I have enough information to discern what is most beneficial for my individual circumstances.

In the age of information, it can be difficult to find reliable and unbiased information. D’Connect provides a platform of experts that gives you, the user, the information you need and leaves the decisions with you, without the sales pitch.

D’Connect is independent and self-funded, meaning no vested interests to sell us something we don’t actually need. This aligns strongly with my own values, and is the driving force behind me joining the team.

Lia has graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Interaction Design.

From the start of my career I have wanted to focus on creating a real difference which is one of the reasons why today I am part of D’Connect.

Being a part of the team allows me to learn from a different number of health professionals and experts, who understand that though health is universal, all of us are different in some way which means that we should have a unique approach to our health.

Today, finding and accessing this information, and making sure it’s trustworthy, is not an easy task. D’Connect changed this, and it’s great that we now have everything in one place.

I hope and look forward to implementing new learnings in my own life as well as making a positive impact on the lives of others because everything starts by having a good foundation, and that foundation is our health.

Duong Tran holds a Master’s Degree in User Experience Design from Victoria University of Wellington. She began her career in design with 8 years of experience in Branding design, before transitioning to Digital design.

Growing up with a health-conscious mother, D’Connect immediately caught my attention, and their mission and purpose resonated with me.

With many individuals encountering health challenges as they reach different age milestones, mostly due to poor and uninformed life choices, I would like to avoid making the same mistakes. This is why having an independent and fact-and-science based platform that focuses on prevention is important.

Joining the D’Connect team provides me with the opportunity to educate myself and my family about health and wellness from a reliable source.

I am eager to contribute to D’Connect’s growth with the goal of helping people live healthier lives, and with my skills and design experience, I aim to provide a seamless and intuitive design for readers.

Ana has completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Sculpture although she now spends more time painting and drawing as a means of closely observing and feeling the world. Ana is also a Graphic Designer which to her is a different creative language. She enjoys the combination of both; the subjective and objective as each expression informs the other.

I’ve always been a keen gardener and have grown my own food organically with respect to other living organisms in the soil and environment. I believe in giving the body the right information. With good healthy habits and activities the body can thrive, heal and will give back a positive experience of life.

D’Connect’s ethos is to educate and promote health and wellbeing, prevent diseases and prolong life by sharing research-based information from reliable and relevant resources in a way that is accessible and readable to everyone. I’m a part of this great initiative as a way of helping and making a difference in the community, and also to gain more knowledge and educate myself and my closest ones.

I hope that we shall all choose wellbeing as a way of life.

Elspeth has degrees in Fashion Design and Graphic Design, and has worked as an illustrator for over thirty years, mainly in publishing for children. She is also a botanical artist and landscape painter.

I wish that a platform like D’Connect had been around when I was diagnosed in my thirties with serious autoimmune disease and I was looking for reliable, unbiased and factual information on natural health solutions to use in conjunction with the conventional medication I was prescribed.

I believe that D’Connect and the information it offers will be an invaluable resource for those wishing to treat and improve their health and longevity in a holistic way.

I hope that my illustrations will contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the various topics and that in the process I will learn more in order to help me on my own health journey.

With over five years of experience in the world of design, Lesi has mastered the art of turning ideas into visual realities. Lesi holds a Bachelor of Multi-Media from Wellington Institute of Technology (Weltec) and has collaborated with businesses in different fields.

I noticed that due to busy life and work, more and more people are experiencing a negative impact on their mental and emotional health, as well as well-being, which has made me think about my own health and routines. This is where D’Connect has made a difference.

As a part of the creative team, I’m passionate about creating a wide range of designs for readers, and make potentially complex topics easier to understand. At the same time, I can learn more about different health-related subjects, and hopefully, can incorporate them into my lifestyle.

I believe that D’Connect is a potent digital tool and platform that New Zealand needs.

Rebecca has completed a Bachelor of Communications, and has focused for most of her career on marketing and client management, before deciding that photography is where her true passion lies. Today, Rebecca predominantly does wedding and commercial photography.

My interest in holistic health began during the time I had a stressful corporate job and was desperate to look after my own mental and physical health. Soon, I learned how difficult it was to find accurate and reliable information.

To me D’connect is a much needed platform that can help educate people by providing them the information and tools that have the power to change their lives.

As part of the team, my focus is on creating and capturing meaningful imagery that goes alongside information that will help people become the best versions of themselves.

For Katrina photography has been an ever-present companion throughout her life. It has followed her through every challenge and success, through her studies in computer science, her move to a new continent and raising a family. With time, she has understood and appreciated every aspect of this beautiful art form. In 2007, Katrina followed her heart’s desire by pursuing visual arts studies with a major in digital photography.

As a freelance commercial photographer, I strive to capture the essence of businesses through my brand photography, showcasing what makes each one unique. The convergence of my technical expertise and my passion for visual expression has enabled me to make a positive impact on businesses across various industries, resulting in a truly enriching experience.

I have always been fascinated by the connection between physical activity, nutrition, and overall health. When my children struggled with eczema, I became even more intrigued by this link.

The goal behind D’Connect is to provide insights and guidance that will assist many to live healthier lives, whether they are seeking recommendations to overcome a condition or simply striving for a healthier and happier life.

As a professional photographer, my primary focus is to create and capture visually compelling and meaningful imagery that complements and enhances the information provided on our platform.

Everyone deserves access to the latest information and clinical advancements in health and wellness, and that’s why I’m excited to be part of D’Connect.

Let’s work together to make healthier choices!

Guy has a graduate diploma in teaching from Victoria University and has spent years as a classroom teacher in both the primary and early childhood education sectors. He’s also been a film and television screenwriter in genres ranging from horror to animated children’s shows.

Many moons ago, I worked part-time in the UK fitness industry in a role, which required me to hold a Level 2 YMCA Instructor Certification. Today, I’m in my late forties. Sometimes, I put my back out by sleeping wrong. Recent changes to my hairline make it harder for barbers to work their magic. I get outworked and outperformed by training partners who don’t know what a rotary phone is or who The Wombles are. I’m at a point where I’m still active, but my athletic peak is behind me. This has prompted a bigger focus on sustainable, long-term wellbeing.

I’ve found D’Connect to be a wonderful source of well cited articles that can arm me and other people with valuable knowledge in this area. Contributing to D’Connect provides me with a way to collaborate with an incredibly knowledgeable team with the mission to provide Kiwis with credible, honest, evidence-based information that can lead to longer, healthier, happier lives.

As a scriptwriter for D’Connect’s content, I combine my background in education and media with a genuine interest in health, exercise and longevity. D’Connect is only to get more helpful as it grows. It’s great to be able to be a part of that.

Lilla is a retired legal secretary with over 35 years of experience working in electric power companies, insurance, and legal firms. Her career began in 1976 after obtaining her Secretarial Certificate from Carrington Technical Institute in Auckland. Throughout her working life, Lilla has undertaken various administrative, secretarial, and legal secretarial roles. The fast-paced and detail-oriented nature of legal work pushed her to deliver her best.

Despite the challenges, Lilla found the sense of accomplishment in her work to be highly rewarding. Now retired, Lilla has turned her focus to her love of writing. Her recent novel, “Soldier Sailor Lover Slave: A Story of a Woman’s Nine Past Lives”, published under her maiden name of E.F. Holt, delves into the concept of reincarnation, a topic that has always fascinated her.

I have always felt overwhelmed by the constant stream of contradictory health advice online, finding it frustrating and confusing.

D’Connect is dedicated to empowering people with accurate, evidence-based information they can trust. By providing access to accurate information, D’Connect equips people with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions.

Individuals who prioritise their well-being are more likely to adopt healthy habits, prevent chronic diseases, and contribute positively to their social circles.

My background in writing is a perfect fit for crafting clear and engaging content, and I am delighted to be part of the team.

Linda is a professional Voice Artist who has trained with Gravy for the Brain, NZ Voice Academy and Toby Ricketts.

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis at the age of 11, which has now turned to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. This resulted in an ankle replacement and I’m now awaiting a knee replacement. All of this has made me conscious of health, foods and exercise.

Trying to research and read about these topics, and many others that we come across along the way, is very time consuming and often tedious. It has taken me years to build the knowledge that I now have. Then, upon experiencing D’Connect, I realised how little information I was actually armed with.

D’Connect, while having a lot of information, is easy to navigate with everything in one place. Having a health and wellbeing platform that has so many health professionals sharing their expertise, made me rethink that pharmaceuticals are the answer for everything, and I’m now looking to include a more natural approach to health and living.

I’m now on a mission to come off all pharmaceuticals relating to my arthritis, and I am determined to better my education around food, exercise, mindset and all other areas of my life. This is where I’m relying on D’Connect to make this a successful journey.

Things can only get better and better from here. Onwards and upwards to peak health.

Jason has a background in multimedia and communications and 20 years in web production and broadcast. Currently based in Bali, Jason loves the power of photos, videos, and sound to create emotion, connection, and joy. He is currently creating visual content for yoga teachers, studios and healers, who are on a path of learning and growing their genius to positively impact hundreds of people along the way.

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my clients’ faces when they see their photos and video for the first time.

I got into yoga and wellness while living in Auckland and after tearing a hamstring in a triathlon, I felt I needed something that I haven’t done before in order to strengthen my core. The benefits of being flexible wasn’t the only realisation of my discovery of yoga, and I soon started focusing on breath and movement, which provided a larger platform to explore wellness.

A big part of moving to Bali was the growing yoga scene. Today, it’s a vibrant community where modalities like dance and singing are used every day to ground, heal and vibrate our lives.

This is why I decided to become a part of the multipotent D’Connect team so more people can learn about different health modalities and ideas that are now becoming more talked about.

Stuart has over thirty years experience in the television and video production industries, delivering high-end award-winning content for his clients both nationally and internationally. International broadcasters Stuart has worked with include Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Magnolia, Arte, ZDF, CCTV and Channel 5 UK.

In the last few years, long hours, stressful working conditions and unhealthy lifestyle choices have led me to ailing health. This encouraged me to reassess my life and consequently make my health and well-being my top priorities.

I feel that D’Connect is a great source of factual, health based information that can help many individuals like myself achieve goals, and support them on their health journey.

This is why I’m more than happy to support D’Connect’s quest to educate people in a clear and concise format and expand their reach so more people find their way back to health.

Elizabeth Castillo has completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Communication. Over the last few years, due to certain challenges many around the world were facing, she became more interested in mental health, active lifestyle and how to reduce stress.

Health is fundamental to having a happy and productive life, and I believe that everyone’s goal is to attain that work-life balance we often talk about. However, this can be challenging, as well as finding trustworthy sources of relatable and well-timed information.

This is where D’Connect makes a difference.

To me, D’Connect is an educational platform that everyone can benefit from, and easily access, and can assist people on their journey of becoming healthier.

As a part of the team, I have the pleasure to learn about other people’s experiences, expertise, challenges and wins, and by sharing these experiences everyone can benefit from. Also, the more we know, the less difficult our future struggles will become.

I see D’Connect becoming everyone’s “let me check something” platform when making decisions on all things health and wellbeing related, and as it grows and develops, I see myself learning, growing and developing as well.

Nathalia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Language Studies & Literature and has dedicated many years to teaching and working with special needs students. Today, Nathalia is a UX/UI designer and front-end developer focused on creating interfaces that provide equity-oriented experiences to users. Currently, Nathalia is working towards completing her studies in Information Systems and Digital Product Management to broaden her understanding of all aspects and stages of a digital product lifecycle.

My mission lies in designing and creating technology that meets people’s needs and enhances information accessibility. However, with the rapid advancements in technology, we now face an overwhelming amount of information, which makes finding reliable content challenging.

Fortunately, we have D’Connect. D’Connect serves as a reliable source for research articles on health and well-being. What sets it apart is its user-friendly platform that takes into consideration the varying levels of technical knowledge among readers, ensuring that the information is accessible to all.

As a technology professional, I spend long periods of time indoors, which doesn’t contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Since I joined D’Connect, I’ve felt the need to reassess my priorities and adopt healthier habits, which will be much easier with D’Connect as my guide.

D’Connect is looking to become New Zealand’s favourite digital platform for health and well-being, and being a part of a team that strives to improve people’s lives is a significant motivation for me.