Meet our Board
These expert minds are the passionate leadership team that make up the Waves of Wellness Board of Directors…
Tim Oldman, Chairman
Tim is an ex-banker specialising in risk management, returning to Oz from Hong Kong in 2020. He is a Non-Executive Director of Bank of China Australia Limited and Indue Limited. He loves the way WOW delivers practical results for those needing support and that our approach is supported by solid clinical research. He calls it a winning combination of heart and head! You’ll find him surfing anywhere with an open-faced left hander, a gentle offshore and ideally with his son as a surf buddy. And if you were wondering, Tim tells us you CAN surf in Hong Kong… if you search hard enough and are very patient!
Steve Brennen, Director
Steve is a devoted father of two daughters and an accomplished professional in business growth. Originally from the UK but now calling Australia home, he possesses a deep personal understanding of the hurdles associated with mental health, igniting his passion for the cause. Steve's career spans pivotal C-level positions in globally recognised companies like PayPal, Uber, eBay, Virgin, and Zip, where he played a pivotal role in propelling three of these brands to industry-leading status. When not immersed in professional endeavours, Steve enjoys the coastal lifestyle of Bondi, Sydney, where he can be found riding the waves and savouring moments with his daughters.
Philip Ward, Deputy Chairman
Phil is a clinical neuroscientist and UNSW professor of psychiatry who has always loved body surfing. Since working with Joel Pilgrim in 2013, Phil has been blown away by the positive outcomes that surf therapy can achieve for people living with mental health challenges. Phil is a passionate advocate for building the evidence base for this novel therapy and is inspired by the positive vibe that surrounds WOW and the people who support it.
Helen Jenkins, Director
Helen embarked on a portfolio career in Oz after spending decades abroad as a corporate lawyer working in Europe and China. She loves the energy, sense of purpose and the depth of research and experience that are the pillars supporting WOW. Not to mention the joy and connection among program participants and facilitators. When she’s not working you’ll find her at Elwood beach on Port Philip Bay, where she is gently easing herself into year-round open water swimming. She also backs herself as a trivia master, so long as the music questions are capped at the nineties!
Elizabeth Stratford, Director
Libby comes from a background in Finance, as the Chief Financial Officer at UNSW Sydney she is responsible for the University’s financial direction and management. Prior to this, Libby has been a Senior Executive in the NSW Government and held senior leadership roles in the Justice, Communities, Arts, Education, Treasury and Health portfolios. Originally from Dubbo, Libby grew up far from the ocean, yet her awareness of the significant Mental Health strain on the community led her to the board of directors at WOW. When Libby isn’t crunching numbers or offering financial advice, you’ll find her snuggled up with her two chihuahuas - Josie and Javier - her self-expressed ‘replacement children’.
Sarah Patel, Director
Sarah is a Registered Psychologist, with experience in HR, Leadership Development and Change Management. As an Executive Manager at Westpac and mum of 2 daughters, Sarah uses meditation, yoga, and hiking to help keep her mind, body and spirit balanced. Sarah became part of the Waves of Wellness tribe through her passion for helping others be the best version of themselves, and her belief in the power of nature to heal and inspire. Sarah says there’s nothing more grounding than sand between your toes and a deep breath of salt air…before you get dunked by the next wave.
Lindsey Evans, Director
Bio coming soon!