Our team
Dedicated
to hope.
Mastering Mountains was born in 2015 out of a desire to help people with neurological conditions find hope, positive change and community through outdoor adventure. As a team, we also believe that the outdoors should be accessible to all and that there are enormous benefits to getting outside.
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Nick Allen
MANAGER & TRUSTEE
Nick runs Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust from Ōtautahi. He started the trust after being diagnosed with a neurological disease and seeing the need for a supportive community of active people. Nick has functional neurological disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia and a keen interest in the intersection of positive psychology and the outdoors in the context of neurological rehabilitation.
When he is not climbing or tramping, Nick also works as a content creator and brand ambassador for several international brands. Nick is also a public speaker and writer. Contact Nick
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Jessie Snowdon
TRUSTEE - PHYSIOTHERAPY LEAD
Jessie is the founder of On the Go Physio – an Ōtautahi based company working to support people living with neurological conditions as well as age related health and mobility issues. Her background includes developing a self-management programme for people with MS related fatigue and general day to day business governance.
Away from work Jessie and her husband enjoy attempting to drag their semi-reluctant teenage daughters on day walks and mini-adventures.
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Dr John Alchin
TRUSTEE - RESEARCH LEAD
John is a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician (FFPM ANZCA) and Occupational & Environmental Physician (FAFOEM RACP). John teaches part-time at the University of Otago Christchurch, having retired From 25 years of clinical practice at Burwood Hospital.
In his retirement, John is heavily involved in the daily lives of his children and 6 grandkids in Christchurch. He also maintains a small cottage nestled in native podocarp forest in the foothills of the Southern Alps, where he enjoys some hill walking. Sadly, back problems have curtailed his passion for skiing.
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Katy Glenie
TRUSTEE - FUNDRAISING LEAD
Katy lives in Ōtautahi with her husband and daughter. She has a background in communications and sustainability, and has worked across the public, private and non-profit sectors in purpose-led organisations.
When not at work Katy loves anything outdoorsy, including rock climbing, mountaineering, tramping, open-water swimming and skiing. Katy was diagnosed with MS in 2019 and was a recipient of the Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant in 2021.
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Peter Allen
TRUSTEE - GOVERNANCE LEAD
Peter is an industry leader in governance practices and owns Business Torque Systems Ltd. His passion is to work with people who want to learn good governance practices, and brings a high level of rigor and insight to the Mastering Mountains board.
Based in Taupō, he researches, develops, and advocates a style of governance that is effective for New Zealand businesses and non-profit organisations.
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Francis Charlesworth
TRUSTEE
Francis works for the New South Wales Emergency Service, supporting and coordinating emergency responses to floods and storms. Francis has worked for several not-for-profit organisations, specifically within the outdoor industry in NZ and the UK, and brings considerable experience to risk management and strategic decision-making.
When not working, he enjoys sharing experiences with others in the outdoors, be it in the mountains, the surf or on a bike.