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 Founding 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 23 years of clinical research and 40+ year 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.

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.

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

Darcy graduated with a degree in Software Engineering from the University of Canterbury in 2023. Through an internship during university, Darcy developed technical skills in designing, developing, and deploying cloud-based solutions and user-friendly web applications. With a fresh set of eyes, an eagerness to learn, and technical knowledge acquired through university, Darcy is thrilled to be working alongside a passionate team, on technology that improves lives. Outside of work, Darcy enjoys exploring the scenic trails and slopes of our local Southern Alps, or skating through the streets of Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

Esther is a Biomedical Engineer who completed her Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Esther is intrigued by all aspects of engineering but she finds the application of engineering techniques to the human body a fascinating, absorbing, and rewarding area. She has been working for the last seven years in the area of swallowing disorders at the Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research, providing much-needed support in a wide range of areas from software and hardware development to study design and data analysis. Her passion resides in translation of ideas to products that can directly improve the health of the patients. Esther was born in Catalunya and embarked on a supposed one year adventure to discover New Zealand travelling on a gypsy van with her husband, 9 years later she calls Aotearoa her home. In her spare time, you will find Esther playing in nature with her energetic son Kauri, hiking on the hills and building community projects.

Eric was an ex 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 lived 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.

Lisa brings a wide range of regulatory, quality and business knowledge to SwalTech. Her experience providing regulatory and quality leadership for low and high-risk medical device companies for over 8 years as well as working in sales, customer support and logistics roles, has built an extensive base of business process understanding.

Lisa is passionate about making sure our products are the best quality they can be for customers by using appropriate RA/QA processes to achieve the desired results. A firm believer that the team is everything, Lisa is very happy to be working alongside a highly focused and talented team.

When not working, Lisa takes every opportunity to join her family pursuing their passion for rallying. Lisa, her husband and two kids are all rally co-drivers competing at the national championship level in New Zealand with both children having success overseas and bright futures in the sport.