We’ve got a fantastic team supporting the 2024 Cleft Camp – find out more about the Camp Leadership team by checking out their bios below! Find out more about the camp here.
Kenny Ardouin – Camp Manager
Kia ora, my name is Kenny and I am very excited to be leading the team at camp! This will be my third cleft camp – I am a Speech Language Therapist and I work for the University of Canterbury as a Lecturer, and I used to work for Cleft New Zealand. I was born with a cleft myself and am looking forward to getting to know you all at camp!
Ellen McKee – Deputy Camp Manager
Kia ora, I’m Ellen, I volunteered on the previous two cleft camps and am looking forward to being part of the upcoming camp. I love running group activities as well getting to know people one on one. I have experience with this through my previous work facilitating speech-language therapy social skills groups and in my current job helping adults with hearing loss. I love the outdoors and enjoy sharing this with others. I can’t wait to meet our campers and to make sure everyone feels welcome, included, and has loads of fun! Camp is a place for creating lifelong memories and friendships.
Ailie – Camp Leader
Hi, I’m Ailie ! I am originally from Whangarei, but currently living in Dunedin in my second year of university, studying Anatomy with Anthropology. After my degree I plan to get a Masters in Speech Language Therapy. As someone who attended the last camp when I was 11, I am very excited for this camp and to spend time with other clefties!
Brad – Camp Leader
Hi, I’m Brad and I am the Dad of a 9-year-old boy with cleft. We are a very outdoors family. I feel this camp is going to be a great experience and I am really looking forward to being involved. I am a Senior Operation Manager for Laser Plumbing and a Certified Plumber. In our spare time we are camping in our 1975 Lightweight Caravan.
Chase – Camp Leader
Hi, my name is Chase and I was born and raised in Auckland, but now live in the Winterless North with my partner, daughter, cat and dog! I am a qualified vehicle mechanic and have my own business in Marsden Point. My top interests are Sports, Fishing, Cars, and everything else Outdoors! Looking forward to supporting, helping and having fun during the time at Camp, Can’t wait to see you there!
Fiona – Camp Leader
Kia ora, I’m Fi! I work as the administrator at University of Canterbury Rose Centre Clinics. I live on a lifestyle block in West Melton (just out of Christchurch) with cattle, sheep, hens and 3 Cairn terriers – oh and my lovely husband Dave! Other interests include playing in a string quartet, hiking in the beautiful South Island, art and sewing. I am super excited to be a member of the 2024 Cleft Camp team! I’m really looking forward to meeting you all soon!
Photo and bio coming soon!
Maia – Camp Leader
My name is Maia, and I am very excited to meet you all at camp!
My family and I travelled from England to Aotearoa when I was young, and I am now approaching the end of my Speech and Language Pathology degree in Canterbury. Throughout my studies, I have had the privilege to research and work with individuals born with a cleft lip and/or palate, and I am very passionate about supporting them to lead a fulfilling life. I also love reading and the outdoors and I am looking forward to discovering what you enjoy too.
Sam – Camp Leader
Hello! I’m Sam from Te Waipounamu. I live in Christchurch and sometimes work at the University of Canterbury (and sometimes study there too). I love learning and science, and have worked with butterflies, planets, lasers, and LEGO robots. I am excited to be coming on camp to meet everyone and play Moose Moose (make sure you come to camp to find out how to play!).
Tammy – Camp Leader
Hello I’m Tammy from Christchurch. I have been working in aviation security for the past 7 years. I enjoy travelling and love all things related to dogs, Disney and Taylor Swift. I was born with a cleft palate. I volunteered at the first Cleft NZ camp in 2013 and I’m excited for the opportunity again to meet new people and all the fun activities.
Tessa – Camp Leader
Kia ora fellow campers! My name is Tessa and I live in Christchurch Central with my cat Ida. In my spare time I love to read and spend time with my niece. I have worked as a Speech Language Therapist for 6 years. This will be my third Cleft Camp and they’re always so much fun – I’m really looking forward to meeting you all!
Tracy – Camp Leader
Hi, I’m Tracy and I’m a mum of 3 kids (16yo,13yo,10yo). I work part time at a local high school as a food technology assistant and live in west Auckland. I help behind the scenes as a board member at Cleft NZ in my spare time.
I’m passionate about seeing kids thrive and look forward to watching kids explore and have fun!
Kenny Ardouin 
Leave a comment