Meet the Team
Joe Winkles
Joe was on a big health journey when he came to Maia. Growing in Wellington up he had always played sports but had let things slip during his college years. These days he’s motivated to be a good role model for his family and teaching his kids the importance of prioritising health. He’s proud to have rediscovered his health and become able to do things physically that he hadn’t done before.
His journey back to health had such a profound positive impact on him and his whanau that Joe became a coach to give back to the community that helped him so much. Always bringing big positive energy and a smile to his classes, Joe is helping members to improve their own health, learn new things and enjoy their fitness.
A quote Joe lives by: Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini “my success should not be bestowed upon me alone, as it was not individual success but success of the collective”
John Mollo
Turning Unmotivated to Unstoppable
About Me: With over seven years of personal CrossFit experience and five years as a coach, my goal is to support individuals in achieving a healthier lifestyle through fitness. My own journey with CrossFit started when I was unfit, unmotivated, and low on confidence. I decided to make a change, and it not only reshaped my body but also boosted my mood and self-confidence.
Qualifications: I hold a CrossFit Level 1 certificate, and I've completed the CrossFit Coaching the Aging Athlete course. These qualifications have further enriched my coaching abilities and enable me to offer comprehensive support to individuals of all fitness levels.
Why CrossFit? CrossFit, for me, is more than just a fitness regimen; it's a way of life. I'm drawn to its varied movements and the constant challenge it presents. The sense of community within the CrossFit world is what truly sets it apart. We're not just a gym; we're a community that supports, motivates, and celebrates each other's achievements.
Aging Gracefully: I'm a firm believer in the power of movement and exercise to mitigate the effects of aging. CrossFit provides a holistic approach to health and fitness, and I enjoy helping individuals of all ages discover the benefits of staying active, strong, and healthy.
Beyond CrossFit: While CrossFit is at the core of my fitness philosophy, I also have a deep love for rugby and performance psychology. These interests, combined with my Bachelor's degree in Economics, Marketing, and Commercial Law, have enhanced my coaching ability, allowing me to understand the mental and physical aspects of performance, both on and off the gym floor. In addition, I'm currently studying Psychology at Massey University, which further informs my coaching approach and helps me support individuals in achieving their fitness and mental well-being goals.
Stephanie Rae
Having spent five years in the emergency department as a nurse, Steph has cultivated a deep appreciation for the value of health. Expanding beyond medical expertise, her knowledge encompasses anatomical awareness, considerations of physical and mental health, and the competence to work with individuals of all ages and abilities. Throughout Steph's eight-year journey in CrossFit, she has not just honed her own skills but also invested five years in coaching others, guiding them to become the best version of themselves, both mentally and physically. Her passion for holistic well-being significantly influences her coaching approach, fostering an individualized method to support your goals inside and outside the gym.
Growing up in a family that always promoted the benefits of exercise, Steph has led a predominantly active life. Over the years, she has engaged in various sports at both social and competitive levels. This diverse sporting background has profoundly enriched her approach to CrossFit, which she embraced at the age of 16 to complement her existing athletic pursuits. The initiation of Steph's journey began with winning the 'Fittest Teen in Wellington' competition, and Māia CrossFit has continuously provided opportunities that challenge her, push her boundaries, and fuel her personal growth. Since then, she has actively participated in numerous CrossFit competitions, primarily as a team-based athlete.
Steph's time at Maia CrossFit has not only brought her to the point of being the happiest and healthiest she has ever been but has also imparted invaluable skills such as confidence, resilience, and self-belief. She is determined to extend this positive transformation to the members of Maia, creating a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment for them to achieve the same. Embarking on a new fitness journey may seem overwhelming and uncomfortable, but rest assured, Steph understands the challenges, and she is dedicated to providing guidance and fostering a sense of community. She will navigate through the uncertainties, celebrate victories, and help each individual fulfill their 'why’.
Natasha Pilitati
With a competitive sport upbringing, Tash brings a wealth of experience to the world of fitness.
Growing up, Tash was involved in a variety of team sports, a passion that was shared with her triplet sisters, making it a challenge for any opposition on the court. Her journey led her through the sports scene at a regional and national level, where she established lasting connections with people across the motu.
During lockdown Tash was introduced to the world of CrossFit and loved the constant growth, strength and heartiness that comes with it. She started her CrossFit journey in the Māia whare at the start of 2023 and had an instant connection with the Māia community. Māia’s values align with Tash’s personal values, creating a seamless integration of her own ethos with the kaupapa upheld at Māia and an easy yes to be a Coach.
Coming from a large whānau, Tash has the natural ability to connect with people, a trait that has been a cornerstone of her coaching philosophy. She is dedicated to sharing everything she’s learnt as an athlete, emphasising not only physical fitness but also personal growth in all aspects of life. She is always encouraging and guiding our members to be the best version of themselves and enjoys walking alongside their fitness journey.
Marco Mollo
NZ Registered Dietitian and CrossFit Coach for six plus years, Marco purchased Maia in 2022 to continue improving the health and well being of New Zealanders.
Born and bred in Island Bay, Marco had been playing rugby since he was 5 years old, up to and including 1st XV and Wellington rep level in his teens. He had been wanting to do CrossFit for a while when a competition came up for a free month of membership at Maia. He was so committed to winning the competition he kept entering after the close off time just to make sure. Once the membership was his, he would walk 6km every day just to get to Miramar to train.
As a coach Marco is most passionate about seeing the beginner progress to a confident and competent athlete and helping them find enjoyment in the process. Being healthy and fit allows us to get the most out of life for longer and helping others do this is what inspired Marco to become a coach.
As an athlete Marco is proud to have won a Bronze medal at New Zealand Weightlifting Nationals and is inspired by Ross Edgley and Rich Froning, the greatest CrossFitter to have ever lived.
Sarah de Bes
I still clearly remember the day I walked through the big garage door at Maia to try out a class. I hadn’t even started the class yet and I knew this was the place I’d make some pretty epic memories and call my second home. That was all the way back in 2013 when I was working as a personal trainer and personal trainer and it didn’t take long to add Coach to that list as well.
Outside of Maia I am a wife to a tradie, a mum to two boys (who also love coming along to CrossFit) and #1 dog walker to our fur child Cooper. Being a mum has definitely challenged me to fit in exercise. I know it is incredibly important to me for my mental health, and the physical benefits come after that.
Even after all these years of CrossFit with pregnancy x2, injuries and other life changes, I am still constantly learning and adjusting to be the best version of myself inside the gym and out. And that’s where the Maia community really steps up. You are always surrounded by friendly faces who won’t hesitate to encourage you when you are deep into a big set of burpees, or celebrate your wins even if it’s just a 1kg PB.
Jess Condliffe
With a background as a physiotherapist and a postgraduate diploma in Sports Medicine, Jess brings a wealth of expertise to her coaching, particularly in movement analysis, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Her journey at Maia started in 2016, following the birth of her second child, when she decided it was time to prioritise her wellbeing and embrace a healthier, more active way of life.
Jess's physiotherapy knowledge means she is uniquely equipped to support our members when preventing or recovering from injuries. She has navigated the complexities of training during pregnancy and understands the nuances of postpartum exercise, making her an invaluable resource for members facing similar challenges.
As a masters athlete, and a mum to two active children, Jess knows the delicate balance of juggling life's demands while striving to stay active and healthy. She understands the difficulties you face - from learning new skills you never thought possible, to moving gracefully when your body isn't quite what it used to be.
Jess’s goal is to help members face and overcome the challenges that both intimidate and thrill you and encourage you to work beyond your comfort zone. Whether it's taking that first step into the gym, picking up a heavier dumbbell, or squatting deeper than you ever imagined, it’s about making a choice - and acting on it. Each small victory will steer you towards a stronger, healthier, and more resilient you—both physically and mentally.
Mike McCalib
Mike (he/him), a self-professed nerd and former hater of exercise, didn’t grow up an athlete. He didn't like team sports, couldn’t stick to running, and describes himself as non-competitive. It took months of convincing to get him into Māia the first time in 2019, but between the supportive coaching style, the warm welcome by the Māia community, and the exciting challenge of constantly varied workouts, he dove in and now proudly calls himself a “gym person.”
As a coach, Mike works to build a safe environment for all members to challenge themselves. With a strong focus on rudiments, body awareness, and moving intentionally, he loves helping others achieve that “aha!” moment during a movement or a workout.
As an athlete, Mike seeks to learn everything he can from those around him, which he achieves by asking approximately a thousand questions per class. He loves meeting new people and is always up for a conversation, so feel free to say hello when you see him around the gym.
Jason Willis
Kia ora!
My name is Jason Willis and I joined Maia just before the first COVID lockdown in 2020. I was looking for a new fitness challenge and my PT at the time had suggested I do the CrossFit open with him. I enjoyed the experience and the CrossFit methodology. My trainer had spoken very highly of Māia CrossFit and as I'm Miramartian, I thought I would come down and see what it was all about. Needless to say - I was hooked! I completed my Level 1 coaching training in 2023 and am really enjoying supporting other people on their CrossFit journey and learning more about myself as I settle into coaching.
Outside of CrossFit I am an ATM and Uber driver for my three awesome children - Luca, Augustina and Indiana. I work full-time as commercial manager at One Roof, a property website, and I coach my son's cricket team. I add value at home by mowing our lawns/weed garden with precision and delivering perfectly-cooked meats whenever we're entertaining.
Sport and fitness have alway been an important part of my life - from cricket and rugby at school to indoor netball while flatting, from karate in college to kickboxing in my 30s and the annual snowboarding trip - so much of my enjoyment and sense of wellbeing has come from being active. As a coach I hope to bring that love of movement into my sessions and empower the class to feel the same.