Meet the team
Our company is new. Our product is new. But our experience and reputation are not.
Graduating with first-class honours in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Canterbury in 2014, Anneke has worked across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK as a clinician, clinical lead, and service manager. Currently completing an MBA at UC, she brings together clinical expertise and strategic insight to reshape how dysphagia rehabilitation is delivered. With a strong focus on using technology to bridge gaps in care and improve health outcomes, she’s passionate about redefining what high-quality, tech-enabled swallowing rehab can look like. She thrives on collaboration and is driven by working alongside clinicians to create meaningful change for patients. Outside of work, you’ll find her trail running in the Port Hills, heading out for walks with her springer spaniel Arthur, catching up with friends over coffee, or being the favourite aunty to her nephew.
Cambell is a passionate software developer with experience across a variety of disciplines.
He spent several years working for Stats NZ as a geospatial design analyst – contributing to all aspects of the national census. After becoming involved with the local game development industry, Cambell fell in love with being able to work closely with the people you're developing a product for. He's more than excited to see the impact SwalTech can have on people's lives and be part of their journey to recovery alongside a dedicated, passionate team.
Outside of work, you can often find Cambell rock climbing, at a local games event, or soaking up the sun at a beach near Ōtautahi Christchurch.
He spent several years working for Stats NZ as a geospatial design analyst – contributing to all aspects of the national census. After becoming involved with the local game development industry, Cambell fell in love with being able to work closely with the people you're developing a product for. He's more than excited to see the impact SwalTech can have on people's lives and be part of their journey to recovery alongside a dedicated, passionate team.
Outside of work, you can often find Cambell rock climbing, at a local games event, or soaking up the sun at a beach near Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Charlotte is an independent director, and advisor to tech companies that are scaling and exporting. She has spent the previous 20 yrs leading global medtech, fintech, and hi-tech manufacturing businesses. Her governance career has seen roles on the boards of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and Enable Fibre, and a Future Director role with Fisher and Paykel Healthcare.
Currently she is the Chair of the Dodd Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, board roles with Streamliners and Tait Contel Trust, and indulges her enthusiasm for all things tech and export as a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Beachhead Advisor.
Outside of work she has 3 crazy teenagers, and is an avid fan of new tech, jeeps, and star trek.
Darcy graduated with a degree in Software Engineering from the University of Canterbury in 2023 and has since been learning and growing into his role at SwalTech. With a passion for designing applications that delight users, simple solutions to complex problems, and the curiosity to learn, Darcy is thrilled to be working alongside a dedicated and skilled team, on technology that changes lives. Outside of work, Darcy enjoys exploring the scenic trails and slopes of the local Southern Alps, or skating through the streets of Ōtautahi, Christchurch.
Bringing a variety of experience in filmmaking, social media management, and leading content for national brands, Ella joined SwalTech as a Sales and Marketing Coordinator in early 2025.
She’s interested in finding better, more human ways to communicate – especially when it comes to helping people navigate health. At SwalTech, she’s enjoying working closely with clinicians and patients, learning the ins and outs of healthtech, and spreading the good word of BiSSkApp to ears that want to hear it.
When not glued to her emails, Ella can be found in her vege garden, sharing a good wine with friends, or tinkering with an art or film project.
She’s interested in finding better, more human ways to communicate – especially when it comes to helping people navigate health. At SwalTech, she’s enjoying working closely with clinicians and patients, learning the ins and outs of healthtech, and spreading the good word of BiSSkApp to ears that want to hear it.
When not glued to her emails, Ella can be found in her vege garden, sharing a good wine with friends, or tinkering with an art or film project.
Emma has over a decade of experience in the Medical Device sector, with expertise spanning engineering, production, project management, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance. She has been instrumental in delivering both low and high-risk orthopaedic medical devices to various global markets. After meeting Maggie-Lee and learning about dysphagia, Emma discovered a passion she didn’t realise she had for swallowing. After realising the significant impact swallowing impairments have on people’s lives, and the absence of technology to support, joining SwalTech to advance their mission to produce life changing innovations was a no-brainer. Since joining SwalTech, Emma has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities, guiding the company’s operational and strategic growth. Originally from Ireland, Emma moved to New Zealand in 2012 and now resides in Christchurch. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, Nelson and Oatie, running silly distances and exploring all that New Zealand has to offer.
Eric was a paid fire fighter of 12 years before his life changed dramatically after a massive stroke leaving him without the ability to speak or swallow. After intensive rehabilitation in 2013 under the watchful eye of Maggie-Lee at the Rose Centre, Eric gained the ability to swallow and to the delight of his friends and family, speak again and he hasn’t shut up since! Eric knows first-hand what it’s like to lose what you took for granted and worked so hard to gain. He is passionate about helping others like himself by applying his living experience as a patient advocate, ensuring that the patient is kept at the core of everything that Swallowing Technologies does. Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending time exploring Christchurch indulging in the culinary delights it has to offer with his partner Jess.
John is a “retired” businessperson from a 6 generation farming and horticultural business in Nelson.
He has 5 decades of serious governance experience. His public involvements include Chairmanship of NZ Kiwifruit Marketing board, taking over during the industry crisis in 1991. He led the recovery, and development of a new marketing strategy with the launch of Zespri. He led the Trust Bank NZ shareholding company on behalf of community owners, to the successful sale to Westpac. In 2001 he became the chair of Air New Zealand at the time of the Government recapitalisation for $885m. When he left in 2013, the airline had 3 times been the world airline of the year. He's a Distinguished Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors, and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, ONZM.
Maggie-Lee worked as a clinician in the US healthcare system for 17 years before the frustration of never knowing ‘the Answers’ prompted her to pursue an academic career. She is the Founder and past Director of the Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research in Christchurch NZ. This clinic and clinical research facility welcomes patients as research partners, to develop diagnostic and rehab solutions for swallowing impairment that are co-designed with those they are intended to support. Currently, as a Distinguished Professor at the University of Canterbury with 26 years of clinical research and 40+ years of patient engagement to support her, she is now expanding her role to include that of MedTech Entrepreneur. With a driving purpose to transfer research from the ivory tower into the hands of clinicians and patients who will benefit, Maggie-Lee is the Founding Director and Chief Scientific Officer for Swallowing Technologies Ltd. When she is not working, she…oh never mind! As a start-up founder she is always working.
Ryan brings knowledge and experience designing and manufacturing embedded systems to Swallowing Technologies. After receiving a degree in Mechatronics Engineering, he gained industry experience in risk management as well as electrical and automation engineering while working with energy, followed by food and beverage contract engineering firms. Having a passion for R&D, Ryan subsequently moved into the OEM business, gaining knowledge and experience working to design manufacturable embedded systems with industrial and medical applications for the global market. Now focusing solely on the medical industry, Ryan is excited to be working with a great team to help bring innovative, life-changing technology to life. When not working, Ryan enjoys fencing (the sport with swords), and tinkering with electronics.
Steve worked for Deloitte for 36 years in IT consulting and accounting in New Zealand, the UK and the USA, after graduating from the University of Canterbury with Commerce and Computer Science degrees. Since taking early retirement from the big-4 five years ago, he has been a professional director and trustee, and focused on governance from start-ups to large organisations. His experience includes deputy chairman of the Canterbury District Health Board, chairman of the NZ Health Innovation Hub, pro-chancellor of the University of Canterbury, director of the HealthOne electronic medical record system limited partnership, and chairman of EVNEX Limited, an electric vehicle charge point company. Steve enjoys bringing his mix of commercial and technology skills to large complex organisations and small entrepreneurial start-ups, and working with a team who are brilliant, motivated, and working to make a positive difference in improving people’s lives.