Our Team

Grant Rix is the co-creator of Pause Breathe Smile and a leader in mindfulness training, implementation and research.

For the past 20 years Grant has developed evidence-based mindfulness programmes and trained school teachers, counsellors, psychologists, high-performing athletes and other New Zealanders in mindfulness. He was the operations manager for Mindful Aotearoa, part of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, for seven years, and regularly presents on mindfulness and wellbeing at conferences, in workplaces and in the media.

Natasha Rix is the co-creator of Pause Breathe Smile and is experienced in strategic planning, mindfulness training and entrepreneurship. She has successfully created and managed two mindfulness training businesses, with proven expertise in developing and delivering mindfulness personal and professional development, reaching thousands of individuals, health professionals and educators since 2012.

Natasha co-founded the Pause Breathe Smile Charitable Trust in 2020 signing a Sponsorship Funding Agreement with Southern Cross and the Mental Health Foundation to provide evidence-based mind health skills free for New Zealand children. She established the Trust as an operational entity and managed the roll out of Pause Breathe Smile to over 46,000 children in the first year of operations.

Born and raised in the United States, Janel Atlas moved to New Zealand in 2015 and has since earned her PhD in Rhetoric and Composition, focusing on the importance of listening with compassion to women’s stories of pregnancy losses. She also is the author of They Were Still Born: Personal Stories about Stillbirth, a teacher and relationship coach, and a qualitative researcher with experience in tertiary education and in the health sector. Janel’s personal mindfulness practice supports how she relates to others, including with her three children. In addition to her work with Pause Breathe Smile training teachers and helping with new content development and te reo Māori delivery, Janel is also a self-professed relationship nerd who enjoys walking, swimming, pottery, and trying out new recipes at her home kitchen in Christchurch.

Betsy’s passion is to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. She sees immense value in introducing mindfulness to children at an age that can truly shape their lives for the better. Betsy has also taught mindfulness to adults, and is accredited to deliver the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. In her earlier career as an Organisation Development Consultant, Betsy facilitated professional training and development programmes across a variety of sectors including education, healthcare, NGOs, and private organisations. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Princeton University in the United States, and an MBA at Canterbury University. Betsy lives with her two children in Governors Bay, just outside Christchurch, where she enjoys hiking, biking, swimming and paddleboarding in the stunning hills and harbour.

Meet October (Tobi) a Marketing & Communications Manager turned passionate advocate for youth mental wellbeing.

With a solid background in corporate marketing, (Sony, NZTE) Tobi has transitioned her career focus to making a positive impact on the lives of young people. After welcoming three children into her life, Tobi experienced firsthand the importance of mental health awareness, especially during the formative years.

With her unique blend of corporate experience and heartfelt dedication, Tobi is dedicated to creating a brighter and healthier future for the next generation.

Lindy is dedicated and passionate and enjoys the unique blend of connection, organisation and creativity the role of Pause Breathe Smile Schools Coordinator brings.

Based in the stunning Mount Maunganui, Lindy loves running, walking, yoga, ocean dips, and the many other wonderful outdoor activities beach life provides.

She has practiced mindfulness and meditation for over 30 years and knows first-hand the amazing benefits having an embodied mindfulness practice brings both personally and professionally.

Carolyn Mortland has twenty years of experience as an executive in the food and beverage industry, holding a variety of roles in Fonterra including corporate counsel and Director of Global Sustainability. During this time Carolyn held responsibility for the Fonterra Milk for Schools and KickStart Breakfast programmes, supporting wellbeing for kids in school. Carolyn is a director of Service Foods Ltd and a board member on the Tāwhaki Joint Venture. She is also a member of the Zespri Sustainability Advisory Board and a Beachhead Advisor with NZTE. Carolyn has an LLB and BA (Victoria University) and is a Member of the Institute of Directors. She lives in Auckland with her husband and three children, and enjoys the busy household, walks along the beach and mindful moments.

Having a strong entrepreneurial spirit with marketing and strategy base, Anna has a passion of making a difference to others. She runs a mobile advertising business of 23 years and also project manages a number of community building developments including the ‘Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub’ located in Tairawhiti, Gisborne. Anna is passionate about giving back to the community and resides on a number of boards. Anna has served on the Rere School Board of Trustees for six years as Treasurer, is on the Midway Surf Rescue Community Trust, Raukokore Church Restoration and Preservation Trust and the Pause Breath Smile Trust. A mother of three, Anna resides with her husband on their hill country station, where they have a full and varied life. When it comes to downtime, Anna surfs, practices yoga, plays golf, and catches up with her friends and family.