About Us
Functional Adaptive Movement™ Ltd (FAM™) is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through group exercise classes and personalized one-on-one training sessions. Our establishment in 2018 marked the beginning of a journey that has since touched the lives of over 500 individuals with disabilities in New Zealand, each with their unique abilities and challenges.
As we continue to grow, our unwavering mission remains constant: to offer people with disabilities the opportunity to partake in strength and conditioning training, promoting improved fitness and daily functionality. At FAM™, we don't merely see our clients as participants; we view them as athletes who form the very bedrock of our FAMily.
Our FAMily extends its embrace to encompass healthcare and disability organizations, devoted support workers, aspiring students, and, most significantly, our knowledgeable and passionate coaches. Beyond the evident physical benefits of participating in FAM™ sessions, being a part of our FAMily cultivates a profound sense of belonging. It serves as a bridge to the community, fostering the growth of social and professional networks.
Join us at FAM™, where we're more than just a fitness program; we're a community committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Michael Hynard
CEO / Founder
Michael's journey in the realm of health and fitness isn't just a career; it's a profound calling and a heartfelt passion deeply rooted in a personal connection.
In 1996, Michael's daughter Siobhan, only one year old at the time, received a life-altering diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and other conditions. This moment ignited a resolute sense of purpose within Michael.
Inspired by his own experiences, Michael founded the FAM™ Program. He believes that success in this field requires a collaborative approach, especially for those with special needs. Michael collaborates with specialists from various fields to ensure the program serves athletes comprehensively.
Michael is an AdaptX-Certified Inclusive and Adaptive Fitness Coach, an ATA (Adaptive Training Academy) certified Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer, and a national martial arts champion. He also holds a CrossFit Level 2 trainer designation and a 1st Dan in traditional Jiu Jitsu.
Before founding FAM™, Michael gained experience in the corporate sector as a salesperson and sales & leadership coach. These experiences honed his adaptability and people skills.
Clients describe Michael as enthusiastic, profoundly knowledgeable, impeccably professional, and exceptionally motivating. His commitment to enriching lives is unwavering and humbling.
Michael is the first recipient of the inaugural Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award presented at the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards 2025. This award honours those individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on disability sport in Aotearoa, continuing Sir Murray’s vision of inclusion and empowerment.
Meet the Team
Karla Granville
Coach
Kia Ora ! After having worked in several operational management roles in the hospitality industry, I completed a BSR in Sport and Exercise Science & Nutrition, this has allowed me to gain an academic and professional focus of functional fitness. Programming movement for the body and mind results in increased overall strength and wellbeing, FAM™ facilitates this through inclusive group exercise and one on one training sessions which then quickly brings about enhanced happiness, and improves quality of life.
My time with FAM™ began as a Volunteer, gradually following with becoming a Coach, and now I’m grateful to be working with Michael to help improve and extend the FAM™ programs in an operational management role. With research, education, and support for our team of coaches, collectively we will find ways to continue championing inclusion, adaptation, and accessibility for all in safe and supportive environments.
Merryn Robertson
Lead Physio FAM™Tūi
physiotherapist with over 20 years of
dedication to helping children reach their full physical potential. Originally trained
in South Africa, she earned her Master’s
in Physiotherapy before relocating to
New Zealand in 2009. A Bobath trained therapist since 2006, Merryn has worked across diverse settings, including preschools, schools, private clinics,
hospitals, and family homes.
Passionate about fostering movement,
confidence, and well-being, Merryn collaborates closely with families and the team to support each child’s unique journey. She is a strong advocate for pain-free growth and building strong, healthy bodies from an early age. Committed to excellence, she continuously refines her practice through ongoing learning, international evidence-based approaches, and regular peer
reviews-ensuring every child receives the
highest standard of care.
Matt Roy
Physio FAM™Tūi
Matt is deeply passionate about helping people reach their full potential. He takes a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside whanau to identify key focus areas and provide guidance. He is a strong advocate for fostering independence, educating whanau on ways to support their loved ones, and enhancing the quality of life for his clients. Before pursuing his studies, Matt gained valuable experience through coaching in the disabilites space. After graduating from AUT, he has worked in private practice and more recently transitioned to a specialist school, where he helps children and their whanau make meaningful progress toward their goals.
Matt has a strong commitment to working within the disabilities space. He is dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse needs in achieving their best, all while creating a fun, enriching, and empowering therapy environment.
Renee Thornley
Coach
Kia Ora,
My name is Renee, and I’ve recently completed my Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, minoring in Sports Science. In 2024, I was fortunate to complete a year-long placement with FAM™, where I found my passion for the adaptive fitness industry. Since finishing my degree, I’ve returned to the "naughty north" (Whangarei), where I grew up, to lead FAM’s Whangarei location.
I’m excited to use my knowledge to create inclusive, fun, and effective fitness environments that empower individuals of all abilities to move, grow, and thrive. My goal is to build a welcoming community where everyone feels supported and celebrated on their journey.
When I’m not coaching, you’ll find me exploring the Northland outdoors, walking my dog, hanging out with my family and friends, or attending one of many concerts.
Naomi Render
Coach
Kia ora Team! I’m a small part of the talented FAM coaching sector in Auckland, providing classes and 1:1 sessions. I joined for work experience in 2024 as part of my Personal Training certificate, and enjoyed the vibes so much I decided to stay on. My favourite thing about FAM is that we meet you where you are at and push you to achieve the things that profoundly improve day to day life, whether you think you can achieve them or not! I love seeing people leave with a massive smile after doing something they didn’t think they could do. Our community is strong, and our belief is stronger.
Alongside my PT work I am applying for a career in fire fighting, I love to surf (badly) and be anywhere close to the beach, try new recipes in the kitchen and hang out in the gym or on the tennis court. See ya soon!
Connor Dann
Coach
Yuan Pu
Coach
I'm Yuan.
I finished my BSR, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition. I enjoy discovering people's different strengths through daily training to help them improve their strength, skills and self-efficacy more effectively. In addition to this, being active in training and experimenting with different cuisines is what makes me happiest outside of work and I aim to share this with my friends by associating food with an active and healthy lifestyle!
Ally Gow
Coach
Hi everyone! My name is Ally and I’m a recent graduate from a Bachelor of Science majoring in exercise science and psychology at the University of Auckland. For the past 2 years I have been working as a support worker helping differently abled people with a variety of programs each tailored to their unique interests. Many of the people I supported had a keen interest in exercise and given my background I eagerly put my hand up to take them to the gym. However, I soon realised how modern day gyms simply were not equipped or inclusive enough for the people I was supporting which lead me to searching for gyms that had a specific focus on people with disabilities. I knew as soon as I found FAM it was something special. Everyone deserves to feel the amazing benefits of strength training no matter your ability level, that is exactly what FAM provides, an inclusive exercise space specifically adapted to anyone and everyone's skill and fitness level.
Claudi Wollaston
Coach
Tēnā koutou katoa,
I joined with FAM™ as a volunteer way back in 2017 during my BSR in Sport and Exercise Science. After a break where I studied both a Masters in Applied Sciences in Dunedin, and a Masters of Teaching and Learning in Christchurch, I now am a full time PE teacher. I coach the Saturday class as I love the environment provided at FAM™, working together with everybody's strengths to push each other and become the best versions of ourselves through fitness. I am passionate about providing a space for people to achieve their goals, build confidence, try new things, and most of all enjoy themselves. When I am not coaching or teaching, I love to spend my own time being physically active, I love hiking and spending time outdoors as well as strength training and running. Hope to see you at class sometime soon!
Diogo Freire
Coach
Diogo is a Strength and Movement coach who is passionate about working with people to develop their skills, strength and confidence in everyday tasks. Through his experience coaching kids and adults, he focuses on where his clients are at and helping them enjoy the small incremental wins a good process brings. He takes his work seriously, all the while not taking himself too seriously - he believes that having fun, some banter and connecting with people is paramount for an enjoyable workout (and life, isn't it?). When not working with his clients, he's likely to be practicing Olympic Weightlifting (his sport/obsession of choice) or doing some core strengthening as his two young boys use him as a human trampoline.
Ollie Smith
Ollie Smith
Trainee Coach
Kia Ora, my name is Ollie. I am currently finishing off a Bachelor in Sports and Exercise Science at Ara. Prior to this I have completed 2 diplomas at the New Zealand Institute of Sport. (NZIS) I have right-sided hemiplegia which causes the right side of my body to be weaker, making me slightly less mobile and I have reduced fine motor skills. To compensate for this, I attend the gym regularly to strengthen the right side of my body making the muscle imbalances less evident. Along the journey I have established a real passion for health and fitness. Living this lifestyle has inspired me to motivate others to push themselves to their limits, not only in the gym setting. In May 2024 I got in touch with FAM™ enquiring about voluntary opportunities and a few weeks later I was assisting to run the classes in Christchurch. I really enjoy watching people improve their strength and fitness and love helping out where I can at FAM™. I am continuously improving my skills as a coach and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me here at FAM™!
Samantha Glenny
Trainee Coach
