
Meet the Team
The Buzz team are skilled, experienced, and qualified in working with young people with diverse needs.



Helen McDonnell: Buzz Committee Co-Chair

Jane Linn: Buzz Committee Co-Chair & Operational Team

Ali Beasley: Buzz Co-Secretary, Committee member & Grant Writer

Sal Randall: Buzz Committee & Operational Team

Graham Warner – Committee Member and Treasurer

Alice Lee: Committee member

Lucy McDonnell: Committee Young Persons’ Rep & Buzz member
I like building up my skills at The Buzz and I am a good team worker. I get a “buzz” out of helping people! Making friends makes me happy. When I am not at The Buzz I spend a couple of days at NMIT and do some part time work. I enjoy swimming, playing basketball and photography. Most of all I love to dance and sing in my room.

Alfie Linn: Committee Young Persons’ Rep & Buzz member

Jana Boensch - Work Skills Facilitator

Gera Verheul: Volunteer Operations Team
Kia ora I love embracing the diversity of people, all our differences make for a better society. I am an autism coach working with people of all ages, with families, schools and organisations. On Fridays I volunteer at the Buzz group, it's my highlight of the week, The young people are great fun and inspirational, with many hidden talents. I love that we can help other organisations like the Foodbank and Restore. I'm passionate about creating the right environment so people can succeed. To treat people equally you have to treat them differently. In my spare time I love to swim in the sea all year, I like going for hikes and bike rides, pottering in my garden and I'm a keen knitter and crocheter.

Michele Columbus - The Buzz Committee member, Co Secretary, Co-Grant Writer and Administrative Support
I feel very blessed to have been invited to join The Buzz Committee. The mission of The Buzz being centred around the needs of our wonderful “differently abled” young folk, is very exciting.
Throughout my son’s life, I have been involved in various groups and always taken active roles on committees and Trusts. We have lived in a number of regions around the country, giving me broad experience with many groups catering for young adults with diverse needs. With the vision of the Enabling Good Lives principles and the person-centred philosophy, the mission of The Buzz will grow within our Top of the South community and be a very positive influence in the lives of our young adults within our region.