Our Team
Amardeep is an international waste management and marine litter expert. Amardeep has extensive experience providing waste management and policy analysis and provides practical solutions for waste management challenges and control of land and marine sources of plastic litter in the marine environment. Amardeep has more than 15 years of experience working with academia, local government and international aid organisations across Australia, the Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Africa and Asia.
Amardeep has experience managing teams of experienced waste management professionals, as well as in-country project teams, to co-create waste management solutions. She has extensive experience in waste data and project management, waste auditing, recycling, technical reporting and evidence-based policy. Her strengths include strategy and program planning, stakeholder engagement, community consultation, training and delivering projects on time and within budget.
She has a proven track record of designing programs and projects that allow for valid, robust and appropriate collection of data whilst keeping the practical realities of waste management in mind.
Over the last six years, Amardeep has led more than 30 projects in the waste management and circular economy space for various donor agencies.
Olivia is an active member of her community, often volunteering for both her local rotary club and school as a member of the Student Leadership Group. She’s always open to new opportunities, recently participating in events such as the 2025 Climate Conference and Clean Up Australia Day demonstrating her commitment to environmental issues. Olivia is incredibly excited to work and learn from the WREN team through her admin internship.
Olivia is an active member of her community, often volunteering for both her local rotary club and school as a member of the Student Leadership Group. She’s always open to new opportunities, recently participating in events such as the 2025 Climate Conference and Clean Up Australia Day demonstrating her commitment to environmental issues. Olivia is incredibly excited to work and learn from the WREN team through her admin internship.
Jessica is an environmental science professional with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation & Wildlife Biology and Marine Biology, specialising in entomology, water quality, and biomonitoring. She has extensive experience across the Northern Territory, including contributing to large-scale aquatic biomonitoring programs with the Supervising Scientist Branch, where she undertook macroinvertebrate collection, preservation, and identification, as well as DNA/RNA extractions and ecotoxicology culture maintenance.
Jessica has also supported groundwater quality monitoring and vegetation surveys with EcOz and the NT Government’s Flora and Fauna Division, often working in remote and challenging conditions. Her strengths include taxonomic identification, water sampling and analysis, and integrating field and laboratory data to support environmental monitoring and reporting. Passionate about conservation and sustainability, Jessica brings technical precision, adaptability, and teamwork to every role.
Jessica is an environmental science professional with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation & Wildlife Biology and Marine Biology, specialising in entomology, water quality, and biomonitoring. She has extensive experience across the Northern Territory, including contributing to large-scale aquatic biomonitoring programs with the Supervising Scientist Branch, where she undertook macroinvertebrate collection, preservation, and identification, as well as DNA/RNA extractions and ecotoxicology culture maintenance.
Jessica has also supported groundwater quality monitoring and vegetation surveys with EcOz and the NT Government’s Flora and Fauna Division, often working in remote and challenging conditions. Her strengths include taxonomic identification, water sampling and analysis, and integrating field and laboratory data to support environmental monitoring and reporting. Passionate about conservation and sustainability, Jessica brings technical precision, adaptability, and teamwork to every role.
WREN Caribbean
Giselle Mahung specializes in project coordination and management, with a strong focus on community and stakeholder engagement within the natural resources management, conservation and climate change sectors. She provides comprehensive support for research institutions, private sector companies and non-profit environmental organizations, encompassing research and business writing, business administration, external communications and relations.
As a Local Consultant in Belize and Logistics Manager in Antigua and Barbuda for Asia Pacific Waste Consultants (APWC), she facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions, aided in conducting waste quantification research and trained field staff. Mahung also played a vital role in a community research project in Hopkins Village, Belize, in partnership with the University of Central Florida, aiming to incorporate local perceptions and knowledge into disaster management and planning.
Her commitment to community-driven initiatives is further evidenced by her role as Community Outreach and Stewards Coordinator for the Belize Maya Forest Trust. In this role, she supported community-based initiatives aligned with the organization’s long-term plan, focusing on engaging and assisting stakeholder communities in northwestern Belize.
Ritchie Bardalez is a seasoned web designer with 13 years of professional experience in Belize. Renowned for his innovative designs and user-centric approach, Ritchie has crafted visually stunning and highly functional websites for a diverse clientele, ranging from local businesses to international organizations. His expertise spans responsive design, SEO optimization, and intuitive user interfaces. Ritchie’s passion for web design is matched by his commitment to using technology to create environmentally-friendly solutions.
Ritchie Bardalez is a seasoned web designer with 13 years of professional experience in Belize. Renowned for his innovative designs and user-centric approach, Ritchie has crafted visually stunning and highly functional websites for a diverse clientele, ranging from local businesses to international organizations. His expertise spans responsive design, SEO optimization, and intuitive user interfaces. Ritchie’s passion for web design is matched by his commitment to using technology to create environmentally-friendly solutions.
Ivory Kelly has worked as a freelance copyeditor for over ten years, with clients in academia, government, NGOs, and various technical and professional fields. She holds a Master’s Degree in English with a concentration in creative writing from East Carolina University and has taught English and creative writing at the university and high school levels for over two decades. Author of two collections of short stories and poems, her works also appear in journals and anthologies in the Caribbean, the United States, the UK, Brazil, and Mexico. She volunteers as a blog editor and writer at her local church and as editor for a students’ blog at the University or Belize where she currently teaches. She enjoys reading, long walks, and baking.
WREN Pacific
Sipaia coordinates all activities in the Pacific region and specializes in project coordination and management, with a strong focus on community and stakeholder engagement. He provides local support for research institutions, private sector companies and non-profit environmental organizations, encompassing research and business writing, business administration, external communications and relations. Having spent his working career as a public servant in Samoa, Sipaia has strong networks in Samoa and the Pacific Island Countries.
Faafetai is a highly experienced waste management specialist with over two decades of leadership in solid waste strategy, project implementation, and environmental policy across the Pacific. He has served as Assistant Chief Advisor for the JICA-supported JPRISM I & II programs, providing technical support to Pacific Island countries in areas including disaster waste management, landfill rehabilitation, and the establishment of recycling associations. Faafetai has also consulted for SPREP, APWC, and various national governments, leading waste audits, policy development, and strategic planning. He brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, regional coordination, and advancing sustainable recycling systems. Faafetai holds an MSc in Project Management from Salford University and post-graduate qualifications in environmental studies and biodiversity conservation.
Faafetai is a highly experienced waste management specialist with over two decades of leadership in solid waste strategy, project implementation, and environmental policy across the Pacific. He has served as Assistant Chief Advisor for the JICA-supported JPRISM I & II programs, providing technical support to Pacific Island countries in areas including disaster waste management, landfill rehabilitation, and the establishment of recycling associations. Faafetai has also consulted for SPREP, APWC, and various national governments, leading waste audits, policy development, and strategic planning. He brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, regional coordination, and advancing sustainable recycling systems. Faafetai holds an MSc in Project Management from Salford University and post-graduate qualifications in environmental studies and biodiversity conservation.
Vineta Pisia is an experienced Administration Officer, bringing a dynamic background in administration, youth and social work, and community engagement across Samoa, New Zealand, and Fiji. With a passion for supporting both organisational efficiency and community wellbeing, Vineta excels in multitasking and delivering high-quality administrative support in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.
Her career spans over a decade of hands-on roles in finance, youth mentorship, project coordination, and leadership within non-profit and community sectors. Vineta has successfully led and facilitated a range of impactful projects, including food parcel distribution for vulnerable families, wheelchair and water tank initiatives for rural and disadvantaged communities, and educational workshops linking climate change to gender-based violence. Her work is characterised by a strong commitment to social inclusion, practical problem-solving, and fostering collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.
Vineta holds a Certificate IV in Youth Work and a Diploma in Business, complemented by ongoing professional development in safeguarding, leadership, and workplace wellbeing. Fluent in Samoan and English, with working knowledge of Fijian, she is adept at engaging diverse communities and delivering culturally responsive services.
As part of the WREN Consulting team, Vineta leverages her extensive administrative expertise, project management skills, and community focus to contribute to sustainable waste management solutions and positive environmental outcomes. Her dedication to continuous learning and adaptability ensures she remains a valuable asset to both her colleagues and the wider community.
Vineta Pisia is an experienced Administration Officer, bringing a dynamic background in administration, youth and social work, and community engagement across Samoa, New Zealand, and Fiji. With a passion for supporting both organisational efficiency and community wellbeing, Vineta excels in multitasking and delivering high-quality administrative support in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.
Her career spans over a decade of hands-on roles in finance, youth mentorship, project coordination, and leadership within non-profit and community sectors. Vineta has successfully led and facilitated a range of impactful projects, including food parcel distribution for vulnerable families, wheelchair and water tank initiatives for rural and disadvantaged communities, and educational workshops linking climate change to gender-based violence. Her work is characterised by a strong commitment to social inclusion, practical problem-solving, and fostering collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.
Vineta holds a Certificate IV in Youth Work and a Diploma in Business, complemented by ongoing professional development in safeguarding, leadership, and workplace wellbeing. Fluent in Samoan and English, with working knowledge of Fijian, she is adept at engaging diverse communities and delivering culturally responsive services.
As part of the WREN Consulting team, Vineta leverages her extensive administrative expertise, project management skills, and community focus to contribute to sustainable waste management solutions and positive environmental outcomes. Her dedication to continuous learning and adaptability ensures she remains a valuable asset to both her colleagues and the wider community.
In early 2021, Bella completed more than six years as the Solid Waste Management Adviser at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). In this role, Bella provided technical guidance on strategic approaches for various solid waste issues, including policy development, capacity building and implementation of best practices to achieve the regional vision of a cleaner Pacific environment, as outlined in the Pacific Regional Waste and Pollution Management Strategy.
Over the past seven years, Bella has worked extensively with stakeholders in all Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). She provided technical assistance in the establishment of the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association, from its inception to its operation. Bella remains an affiliated member of the Association and is consulted on activities as needed.
Bella’s experience working in both developing countries such as the Philippines and developed countries like New Zealand and Australia has provided a solid foundation for her work in the Pacific Region. Consequently, she possesses extensive and up-to-date knowledge of the solid waste sector throughout the region, which can be applied to other regions.
Marina began her journey in the waste industry at the age of 16. She was trained and mentored by her father, the first recycler in Samoa, for a period of nine years. In 2005, she became the COO of his company. Through her leadership, she established a new company and founded the first recycling association in the Pacific. Additionally, she assisted in setting up recycling associations in other Pacific nations.
Marina is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and for the involvement of women in resource recovery and waste management. She frequently uses her platform to apply the knowledge she has gained over the past 27 years to address waste issues not only in Samoa but also in the wider Pacific region. She has received the Samoa National Environment Award four times, in the years 2005, 2014, 2019, and 2022.
Mr. Maloni Havea serves as the Local Coordinator for Waste Management in Tonga, championing sustainable practices and innovative solutions to address the unique challenges of waste management in Pacific Island communities. With extensive experience and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, Maloni collaborates with local stakeholders, regional organizations, and international partners to promote effective waste management strategies that benefit both the community and the environment.
Mr. Maloni Havea serves as the Local Coordinator for Waste Management in Tonga, championing sustainable practices and innovative solutions to address the unique challenges of waste management in Pacific Island communities. With extensive experience and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, Maloni collaborates with local stakeholders, regional organizations, and international partners to promote effective waste management strategies that benefit both the community and the environment.
Berry George Mahau is an experienced development facilitator and waste management specialist from Tanna, Vanuatu. With a strong background in environmental projects across the Pacific, Berry has contributed to multiple regional waste audit initiatives, including work in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Palau, and Samoa. His expertise spans waste data collection, auditing, team management, and community training. Berry is passionate about sustainable development and continuously seeks to enhance his skills through collaboration and learning.
Berry George Mahau is an experienced development facilitator and waste management specialist from Tanna, Vanuatu. With a strong background in environmental projects across the Pacific, Berry has contributed to multiple regional waste audit initiatives, including work in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Palau, and Samoa. His expertise spans waste data collection, auditing, team management, and community training. Berry is passionate about sustainable development and continuously seeks to enhance his skills through collaboration and learning.
Our Network of Experts
Ana is a marine scientist with over a decade of experience in marine debris research, particularly focusing on plastics and microplastics. She has international experience, having previously worked in Australia, New Zealand, and most recently in Samoa for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), conducting a comprehensive review of marine debris issues in the Pacific region.
She also has extensive fieldwork experience in research conducted in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, and Easter Island. Ana is skilled and experienced in working in remote locations under varying conditions, as well as in culturally diverse and fast-paced office environments. She holds a PhD in Marine Science from the University of Auckland and a master’s degree in Marine Science and Management from Southern Cross University.
Ana is a marine scientist with over a decade of experience in marine debris research, particularly focusing on plastics and microplastics. She has international experience, having previously worked in Australia, New Zealand, and most recently in Samoa for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), conducting a comprehensive review of marine debris issues in the Pacific region.
She also has extensive fieldwork experience in research conducted in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, and Easter Island. Ana is skilled and experienced in working in remote locations under varying conditions, as well as in culturally diverse and fast-paced office environments. She holds a PhD in Marine Science from the University of Auckland and a master’s degree in Marine Science and Management from Southern Cross University.
Andrew G. Irvin is a PhD. Researcher at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Arts & Cultural Management. He also serves as a Research Fellow in Urban Innovation at the University’s Melbourne Centre for Cities. He holds an MSc. in Climate Change (The University of the South Pacific) and a BFA in Dance & Drama (Kenyon College). Andrew works at the intersection of art and science, with a particular focus on island societies. As a US/Fiji citizen, he has worked across over a dozen countries. Engaging at all levels, from community-based art projects, national-level government and industry workshops, and international conferences, Andrew has worked across sectors, serving on steering committees, boards, and technical working groups for the past decade.
Andrew is regularly commissioned by various bilateral and multilateral agencies (e.g. – CEFAS, GGGI, GIZ, UNDP, UNESCAP, UNCTAD, World Bank Group) to identify pathways towards sustainable futures, particularly in relation to climate solutions across the transport, waste, and energy sectors. Producer of the City Innovation Series of the Signal Award-winning Climate Talks podcast, Andrew’s creative work has garnered international recognition as a writer and filmmaker. A seasoned social and behavioral survey designer and researcher, he’s also known for his robust one-on-one interviews on creative practice with writers and illustrators globally.
Benjamin Banai currently works with the WREN team as a Data Analyst while pursuing his PhD in the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb. As a freelancer, he has been involved in over 30 projects spanning academia and the business world.
His role typically involves developing research methodology, analyzing data, providing meaningful insights, and connecting the dots. He has worked on projects across diverse fields including youth mental health, mobile game development, market research, tourism, and waste management.
Arina is a psychologist and a linguist by education with a passion for numbers. During her studies she was involved in various research projects in the fields of neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and clinical linguistics, which led to a deeper interest in statistics and data science. She is continually working on improving her programming and data analysis skills, focusing on tools like R and Python. She enjoys taking on new projects and working in inter-/multidisciplinary environments.
Arina has spent the last three years working on numerous projects undertaking statistical analysis for kerbside waste audits, litter audits and landfill audits.
Arina is a psychologist and a linguist by education with a passion for numbers. During her studies she was involved in various research projects in the fields of neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and clinical linguistics, which led to a deeper interest in statistics and data science. She is continually working on improving her programming and data analysis skills, focusing on tools like R and Python. She enjoys taking on new projects and working in inter-/multidisciplinary environments.
Arina has spent the last three years working on numerous projects undertaking statistical analysis for kerbside waste audits, litter audits and landfill audits.
Gerry has been involved in the recovery of organic materials and their reuse in soils for 30 years both in Australia and overseas, including roles in New Zealand and consultancy work in Egypt, China, Scotland, India, Wales, Ireland, UK, France, Japan, Taiwan, Canada and the US. With an emphasis on community engagement, he developed the City to Soil collection program and helped refine an inoculant-based, odour-free, no-turn compost process based on the work of M. E. Bruce and Sir Albert Howard.
He has current projects in the fields of biochar, foliar fertilisers, feral animals, food waste and compost. He currently works as an Organics Consultant to local business, farmers groups and councils both in person and on-line.
Gerry has been involved in the recovery of organic materials and their reuse in soils for 30 years both in Australia and overseas, including roles in New Zealand and consultancy work in Egypt, China, Scotland, India, Wales, Ireland, UK, France, Japan, Taiwan, Canada and the US. With an emphasis on community engagement, he developed the City to Soil collection program and helped refine an inoculant-based, odour-free, no-turn compost process based on the work of M. E. Bruce and Sir Albert Howard.
He has current projects in the fields of biochar, foliar fertilisers, feral animals, food waste and compost. He currently works as an Organics Consultant to local business, farmers groups and councils both in person and on-line.
Chamindra is an Environmental Scientist with more than 10 years of experience in editorial work and doing research in both Australia and Sri Lanka. Her primary research interest is studying the various hydrological and geochemical processes in aquatic and terrestrial environments. She would also like to apply her knowledge to understand and address the hazards faced by both terrestrial and aquatic environments. She is an Adjunct Fellow at Southern Cross University and has collaborated on various research projects. Over the past few years, she has been involved in conducting field-based studies and laboratory work, designing and executing research projects and grant applications, supervising undergraduate students, presenting the research outcomes via peer-reviewed articles and conferences, contributing to technical reports, and volunteering in manuscript reviewing. From April 2023 to April 2024, she worked as a Co-Guest Editor of a Special Issue titled “Impact of Plastic Pollution on Coastal Ecosystems in Tropical Regions” of the Sustainability journal. Also she is currently serving as an Associate Editor of the Frontiers of Environmental Science-Soil Processes section. She has published her work in several peer-reviewed, high-ranking journals and also a book chapter. Also, she has reviewed nearly 200 manuscripts in reputed journals and grant proposals from funding organizations.
Chamindra is an Environmental Scientist with more than 10 years of experience in editorial work and doing research in both Australia and Sri Lanka. Her primary research interest is studying the various hydrological and geochemical processes in aquatic and terrestrial environments. She would also like to apply her knowledge to understand and address the hazards faced by both terrestrial and aquatic environments. She is an Adjunct Fellow at Southern Cross University and has collaborated on various research projects. Over the past few years, she has been involved in conducting field-based studies and laboratory work, designing and executing research projects and grant applications, supervising undergraduate students, presenting the research outcomes via peer-reviewed articles and conferences, contributing to technical reports, and volunteering in manuscript reviewing. From April 2023 to April 2024, she worked as a Co-Guest Editor of a Special Issue titled “Impact of Plastic Pollution on Coastal Ecosystems in Tropical Regions” of the Sustainability journal. Also she is currently serving as an Associate Editor of the Frontiers of Environmental Science-Soil Processes section. She has published her work in several peer-reviewed, high-ranking journals and also a book chapter. Also, she has reviewed nearly 200 manuscripts in reputed journals and grant proposals from funding organizations.
Maxine Monsanto is an environmental and climate policy specialist with 25 years of experience in marine science, ocean governance, pollution control, and climate diplomacy. She has led initiatives across Belize, the Caribbean, and Central America, focused on blue economy development, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and disaster response, with a focus on oil spill management and pollution reduction.
While with the Government of Belize, she co-led the creation of Belize’s National Marine Litter Action Plan, and as Belize’s first Director of Blue Economy, Maxine played a pivotal role in developing the country’s first Blue Economy Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Plan. Following this she served as the Regional Climate and Environment Officer for the Caribbean with the UK government, supporting climate and environmental initiatives. Maxine has a proven track record of collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders from academia, civil society, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, media, and intergovernmental bodies, to advocate for sustainable development and climate action across the region.
She has led national initiatives and co-led regional projects across Belize, the Caribbean, and Central America, collaborating with governments, regional institutions, and multilateral organizations to address pressing environmental challenges. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with partners in the governments of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Barbados, as well as institutions such as CARICOM, SICA, IDB, World Bank, CDB, UNDP, and UNEP. Through these collaborations, she has successfully linked science, policy, and international cooperation to tackle issues like plastic pollution, enhance environmental management, promote sustainable ocean governance, and drive climate action.
Maxine Monsanto is an environmental and climate policy specialist with 25 years of experience in marine science, ocean governance, pollution control, and climate diplomacy. She has led initiatives across Belize, the Caribbean, and Central America, focused on blue economy development, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and disaster response, with a focus on oil spill management and pollution reduction.
While with the Government of Belize, she co-led the creation of Belize’s National Marine Litter Action Plan, and as Belize’s first Director of Blue Economy, Maxine played a pivotal role in developing the country’s first Blue Economy Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Plan. Following this she served as the Regional Climate and Environment Officer for the Caribbean with the UK government, supporting climate and environmental initiatives. Maxine has a proven track record of collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders from academia, civil society, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, media, and intergovernmental bodies, to advocate for sustainable development and climate action across the region.
She has led national initiatives and co-led regional projects across Belize, the Caribbean, and Central America, collaborating with governments, regional institutions, and multilateral organizations to address pressing environmental challenges. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with partners in the governments of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Barbados, as well as institutions such as CARICOM, SICA, IDB, World Bank, CDB, UNDP, and UNEP. Through these collaborations, she has successfully linked science, policy, and international cooperation to tackle issues like plastic pollution, enhance environmental management, promote sustainable ocean governance, and drive climate action.
