Our People

Meet the team…

buddhaLeesa Thomason

Leesa is Above & Beyond’s lead facilitator and Managing Director – a highly respected, passionate and engaging trainer with serious expertise and experience.

Education & Training

  • Post Graduate Diploma – Human Resources Management
  • Bachelors of Hospitality Management (with distinction)
  • Small Business Management Diploma
  • National Certificate in Adult Education & Training, Level 5
  • Managerial Customer Service Certificate
  • Assessor – New Zealand Qualifications Authority (Level 5)
  • Qualified Judge

Personal Achievements

  • Hawkesbury Medal, University of Western Sydney for Academic Achievement BHospMgt 1999
  • Horwath Asia Pacific Award – Best Overall Graduating Student BHospMgt 1999
  • Finalist – HSI Excellence in Training Awards 2003 – Assessor of the Year
  • Winner – 6th Annual HSI Excellence in Training Awards 2008 – Assessor of the Year
  • Finalist – 8th Annual HSI Excellence in Training Awards 2010 – Workplace Trainer of the Year

Hospitality Industry Related Achievements

  • Finalist – all categories - 7th Annual Monteith’s Wild Food Challenge 2004
  • Winner – 7th Annual Monteith’s Wild Food Challenge ‘Best Spirit of the Challenge’ 2004
  • Winner – New Zealand Beef & Lamb Hallmark of Excellence Award 2004
  • Winner – New Zealand Beef & Lamb Hallmark of Excellence Award 2005
  • Finalist – Cuisine Restaurant of the Year 2007 – The Martinborough, Peppers Martinborough Hotel
  • Winner – Best Casual Dining – Regional – Cuisine Restaurant of the Year 2007 – The Martinborough, Peppers Martinborough Hotel

Industry Involvement

  • Chair, Auckland University of Technology, Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree program 2000 – 2003
  • Board Member – Mangere Employment Technical Training Centre Incorporated (METTCI) 2003
  • Published Articles: Annual Hospitality Careers Supplement, 2002, Professional Services, Hospitality, 3/2003
  • Interviewee – National Radio – Customer Service 2003
  • Presenter – National Food & Beverage Tutor’s Conference, Napier 2003
  • Salon Co-ordinator, National Culinary Fare 2007
  • Judge: School Competitions (2007) and Waikato Culinary Fare 2008

Practical Experience

  • 25 years industry experience within a variety of food and beverage and accommodation establishments throughout New Zealand, Australia and the USA holding both line staff and managerial roles
  • 10 years training experience both on and off job.