Our Team
At Happiness House it's all about the people. Find out more about the team who make Happiness House the place it is!
Léna Boss
Manager
Bonjour tout le monde,
Kia Ora everyone,
Hola todxs!
I’m originally from Switzerland. I was trained there as a social worker for projects management. I have worked and lived in different countries, like Colombia, Ireland and Canada.
Queenstown is a very special place, it has a little bit of the atmosphere of Switzerland but on a different scale! It’s a beautiful place and very welcoming for new comers!
I hope to see you at Happiness House!
Steph Burbidge
Coordinator
Kia ora!
I grew up in the south of England and have called Tāhuna home for the past 7 years.
I love this community, there is so much diversity, friendliness and warmth here. It is a privilege to be working in a space that facilitates our community supporting one another. No day is the same at Happiness House and I love it!
When I am not at Happiness House you can find me hiking in the back country with my dog Rongo, trying new things like aerial silks and working on my veggie patch!
Ellie Forrest
Staff Member
Kia Ora!
I moved to Queenstown/ Tāhuna from my home in the USA back in 2007 for a grand adventure and like so many others, I never left.
I am a teacher by trade but I’m also super passionate about community. I’m a very keen traveller, gardener, reader and adventurer and I also love to lend a friendly ear to anyone who likes a chat.
I look forward to meeting you at Happiness House!
Lucca Rodriguez
Staff Member
I am originally from Uruguay, having travelled the world I found my haven in New Zealand, and have proudly called it home for seven years.
Working at Happiness House is a privilege as it allows me to contribute to a lively community hub that fosters connections and creativity.
As an artist, architect, and musician, my love for design and creating innovative community art spaces drives all my endeavors.
Paula Jones
Casual Staff Member
Kia ora,
I moved to Queenstown in 2016 after my ‘2 year OE to London’ turned into 20 years away from NZ. I’m originally from Invercargill, and spent most of my childhood summer holidays in Queenstown.
I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travelling, reading, and going to the gym.
I enjoy volunteering as you get to meet interesting people, and feel a part of the community.
Laura Todoni
Casual Staff Member
Hola!
I grew up in the South of Argentina and came to Queenstown by coincidence 13 years ago…
Straight away felt at home and even though I have been living in other places since then, I feel there is a big magnetic energy that always brings me back to Queenstown.
Happiness House has that power too… Since the first time I approached the team to donate meals, I have experienced a feeling of belonging, which I haven’t experienced before in any other community support organisation that I have volunteered with.
If I’m at Happiness House you would probably find me under a lot of bags, sorting out donations or the getting stuff ready for our winter fundraiser…!
Corey Sinteur
Casual Staff Member
I’ve been here in Queenstown for 12 years and have been involved with Happiness House for the last 10 years.
It’s a great place for people from different parts of our community to do activities, meet others and connect with available support services. I mainly help out with maintenance projects and running the annual winter fundraiser.
My passions are skiing/snowboarding as a ski guide up Coronet Peak, venturing for a kayak on the lake, golf, hiking/ biking and volunteering at one of our many local events. I’m also a tutor for money management and small business courses.
Wiléne de Wet
Casual Staff Member
Kia Ora,
Goeie Dag!
I’m originally from sunny South Africa, a vibrant country that has contributed so much to who I am today. The last 10 years I have spent abroad, almost 4 of that in Tāhuna.
It’s here where the word community started making sense. We have such a beautiful, diverse, authentic, talented, compassionate range of people around us who we can connect with and learn from. How lucky!
I love resting, adventures, sauna & cold plunges, photography, writing, music, dancing, finding and creating beauty, meaningful conversations, cooking and last but certainly above all, nature.