“In one way or another I have been connecting people for more than 40 years, at first through teaching, and then through media and advertising. I perfected the art of connecting in a very successful boutique executive recruitment agency. And I am furthering my connection skills by completing relationship counselling qualifications, which I can’t wait to use to help people find lasting and fulfilling personal connections.”

In the early days of her career Cindy Mitchener was a teacher in breadline areas. It was a tough role for a young woman and on returning from an OE, she moved into the world of media and quickly advanced through the ranks to several high-profile roles including Director of Sales and Marketing at TV3, National Media Director at Saatchi & Saatchi and Chief Executive at eVentures.

Working in media and advertising, Cindy was heavily invested in researching and understanding the New Zealand psyche and was the inaugural Chairperson of the AC Nielsen Ratings Panel. When a change of pace beckoned again, she formalised her networking in executive recruitment, initially as a partner in a specialist business and then for herself at Mitchener & Associates.

Cindy appreciates the fine art of putting the right person into the right job. She believes that so much matchmaking rests on culture and understanding the idiosyncrasies of people. These are nuances that cannot be detected by a software program. She is a firm advocate of the human touch and believes that people connect with people, not algorithms.

Cindy knows it isn’t easy to put oneself out there and is excited by Compatico’s offering for mature singles. Her skills and knowledge in leading a team of matchmakers will ensure Compatico delivers a great experience for members and successful matches..

Compatico is a win-win for Cindy. She gets to do what she loves best and work with an amazing group of women helmed by the splendid Theresa Gattung.

“I am passionate about making people feel supported as they navigate their future and Compatico aligns with my belief that you focus on the person first. The rest will follow. I have learned that true and meaningful connections only happen when one is feeling good about oneself. And when that happens, the heart opens.”

Jo Stredder is a professional matchmaker with a BSc (hons) in Psychology and a PGDip Psychotherapy. Her natural intuition in comprehending human nature and her innate ability to connect and build trust with people enables quality and insightful networking.

Jo hails from the UK and moved to New Zealand in her twenties. In leaving her well established personal and professional networks, Jo had to rebuild her connections and her professional reputation and create new friendships.

Over the years Jo has embraced the diversity of the industries she has been fortunate to work in. And at the heart of it, it is the appeal of working with people that charms her.

Before joining Compatico Jo specialised in a People and Culture role, skilfully managing a wide variety of people in work situations.

“Finding love is hard, and it is particularly difficult today. The loneliness epidemic is real, and people crave connection with real people. Connection creates a ripple effect which makes for a better world. The prospect of creating many more connections through the exemplary service curated for Compatico excites me and I am delighted to be part of this much-needed service in New Zealand.”

With a background as a psychologist, relationship therapist ( Emotion Focussed Therapy trained) and corporate leadership coach, Tiare brings all her knowledge into the collaborative co-creation of Compatico. Tiare’s core value is entrenched in connection, and she is delighted to bring her professional acumen and deep understanding of human behaviour to this service.

Beyond the initial allure and excitement of a new romance Tiare knows the essential elements required to nurture healthy and fulfilling relationships. She is enthusiastic about contributing to the creation of more authentic love in the world by sharing her knowledge and insights with the Compatico community.

“It is an honour and a joy to work with the Compatico crew to invest our time, diverse skills, and energy into connecting people. I am inspired by the building of a purpose-led business that can make a real difference. Connecting people is a pleasure and an instinct to me; I have been told for many years that it’s my calling and a natural talent!”

Andrea Hammond is another one of Compatico’s natural-born connectors. She is a professional communicator who works in marketing, advertising, PR and brand strategy. Andrea has a great reputation for helping people and brands work out what to say, how to get their story across and how to put their best foot forward. Her talent has inspired many memorable occasions, and Compatico members will get to see her flair through our unique line-up of exclusive experiences.

Andrea is an arts and culture fan, trustee of the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, and collaborates with artists and arts organisations including the British Council, Anton Forde, and Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts.

“I’ve always taken a holistic approach to wellbeing, so it was no surprise to anyone who knows me that my PhD, Rangatahi Wellbeing Needs in Alternative Education, explored the needs of rangatahi from both a Māori and a Western perspective. My research highlighted the importance of connections in building social ecosystems, and as a practitioner I have focused on strengthening relationships and building connections and communities to best support wellbeing outcomes.  I am excited to walk alongside others as they embark on their dating journey.”

Madeleine (BA (Psych), PGDip (Psych), PhD) has worked in the field of Psychology for more than 15 years with people of all ages and stages. With her deep insights and understanding of human attachment she knows how to help people build and maintain close connections and healthy relationships. Madeleine understands that making new contacts and meeting people can be daunting, and so she’s driven to support people in overcoming the challenges they may be experiencing in the dating world. She knows that when we tap into our own emotional wisdom we will be more at ease with our authentic selves and be better prepared for meaningful and loving connections.

Madeleine has happily accepted the chance to join Compatico’s dedicated team, who truly believe in enabling an authentic, enjoyable and rewarding matchmaking experience.

"In my career, I have seen tension between couples, and I am reminded of just how disillusioned many people feel within a relationship, despite the importance of a healthy relationship in our overall wellbeing. So, I am excited to be a part of Compatico's initiative-taking approach to dating and relationships and with the chance to change the way we develop new relationships. We all know the idiom that prevention is better than cure and I am looking forward to the opportunity to foster confidence through self-awareness right at the forefront of a new partnership."

Alexander Terblanche MSxlgy (Professional), PGDipSxlgy, PGDipPsychotherapySt, PGDipCounsTh has always championed self-aware relationships, a focus that was nurtured during two decades of health education, behaviour change facilitation, and specialist academic study in the fields of psychotherapy, counselling and human sexuality. Alexander is also among a handful in New Zealand with a master’s qualification in Sexology. Through his foundation in evidence-based techniques, he empowers clients to cultivate enduring connections, whether they are re-entering the dating scene or enriching existing relationships.

He is looking forward to assisting members in reaching their relationship aspirations alongside the exceptional Compatico team.

"Joining the team at Compatico was an easy decision for me. Not only do I get to work alongside a group of exceptional women whom I admire and respect both personally and professionally, but also I get to pursue my passion for making people look their best and to capture them while they are feeling most confident. The ability to transform people through my expertise in make-up artistry, hairstyling, photography, and fashion styling is a dream job, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity with Compatico and its members.”

Lisa Matson is a prominent stylist in New Zealand, highly sought after by premium beauty and multinational consumer brands alike. Her exceptional abilities extend beyond her eye-catching photography and include make-up design, creative direction and styling. With an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with local and international celebrities, as well as a track record of successful beauty events, fashion shows and advertising campaigns, Lisa has established herself as a leader in her field. Her illustrious 10-year role as L’Oreal Paris make-up director in New Zealand further attests to her expertise and influence.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lisa's respected reputation extends to the media, where she is regularly consulted for her insights and opinions on the beauty and fashion industry by many of New Zealand’s most popular magazines.

"I love the positive energy and boost in confidence that a personal styling session can provide to people. I believe that one’s personal style is a pathway to personal development and is as important as spiritual and mental health and physical wellbeing. It communicates who you are in everything you do, not just in what you wear."

Stacey Beatson is a New Zealand-based stylist and is well known for her fashion and beauty expertise through her in-demand style services. Prior to becoming a stylist and establishing her thriving business Stacey had a successful career as a hairdresser and make-up artist, giving her a holistic approach to evolving her clients' style and beauty.

Her clients will tell you that working with Stacey is an enlightening and empowering process and those who have experienced her handheld journey of self-discovery have a new understanding of the styles that complement and work for them. From wardrobe edits to home makeovers, Stacey brings an energy that leaves people feeling more confident about new prospects in careers, love and enjoyment of life.

Stacey brings the gift of personal style to Compatico and she is looking forward to assisting Compatico members on their own personal journeys.

"What I find most fulfilling as a personal stylist is witnessing the transformation in individuals with the assistance of a thoughtfully curated wardrobe. By incorporating figure-flattering, fashionable and functional pieces, it becomes effortless for them to create stylish ensembles for any occasion. The value I bring in my role is assistance with selecting casual and elegant outfits that will stand the test of time and ensure you are always ‘date ready’ whatever the occasion."

Anna Clark earned a law degree, but the early days of her legal career in an office setting clashed with her creative flair. Opting for a career shift, Anna underwent retraining as a professional photographer. She subsequently enjoyed numerous fulfilling years working in advertising and editorial photography. Over time, her skills and ability extended into a successful career of fashion, home and food styling. Career highlights for Anna include dressing many celebrities, actors and television personalities for TV shows, glamorous red carpet events, magazines and film.

Anna is enthusiastic about assisting individuals as they embark on new relationships, ensuring they both look and feel their best.