Who We Are
Officers
Jen Bartlett
Chairperson
Jen is an experienced professional with a strong background in human resources and the hospitality industry. She currently serves as the Chair of Lipoedema Australia, where she brings her wealth of professional experience to the role.
Jen is highly regarded for her exceptional organisational skills and meticulous planning. Her love for spreadsheets is well-known and has been demonstrated through her successful co-organisation of the 2022 Lipoedema Australia National Conference. By bringing together a diverse range of speakers and exhibitors, Jen provided an important platform for attendees to learn about lipoedema and connect with others in the community. This event played a significant role in raising awareness and offering support to those affected by lipoedema.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Jen is passionate about supporting individuals impacted by lipoedema. She actively works towards increasing public awareness and providing assistance to those in need. As a new mother, she doesn't have much spare time between looking after her two young boys and her volunteer work with Lipoedema Australia, however she one day hopes to get back into her old hobbies of photography and travelling.
Janine Donaldson
Vice-Chairperson
Janine has been an integral part of the Lipoedema Australia team since joining in 2019. Originally from New Zealand, Janine has also lived in the UK before calling Australia home. Her generosity and passion for helping others, particularly women, is demonstrated by her volunteer work as a Lifeline counsellor.
With her background in IT Management, Janine continues to make a highly valued contribution to the team by taking on the administration of some of our IT requirements. As a senior and experienced Program and Change Management professional, Janine utilises her skills to direct the board, encouraging each board member to embrace new ways of learning and working.
Janine co-organised the 2022 Lipoedema Australia National Conference, with her expertise proving invaluable in managing the complex logistics of such a large-scale event. Thanks to her meticulous planning and dedication, the conference was a resounding success. Janine's leadership and vision were instrumental in ensuring that the conference provided a forum for learning, networking, and collaboration among professionals in the industry. Janine enjoys her family life in Wollongong, and also likes to travel to New Zealand whenever possible to spend time with her loved ones.
Louise Mansfield
Financial Manager
& Public Officer
Louise has been a highly valued member of the Lipoedema Australia team since joining the board in 2012. She currently serves as both Financial Manager and Public Officer.
Louise holds a Commerce Degree from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and became an integral part of the Aussie Accountants team upon graduating in 2002. Her hard work and dedication to her craft earned her CPA qualifications in 2006, and she is now a co-owner of Aussie Accountants. The attention to detail and commitment to accuracy that Louise possesses are unparalleled, and she is a true quiet achiever. With her accurate and timely financial record-keeping, the Lipoedema Australia team can rest assured that the finances are in good hands.
In addition to her impressive financial expertise, Louise has also been closely involved with all of the Lipoedema Australia National Conferences, even taking on the role as speaker at our 2022 conference. Her passion and dedication to Lipoedema Australia, its mission and values are inspiring. Louise has an unwavering dedication to the continuing work of making a difference in the lives of those affected by Lipoedema.
Alyce Katsanos
Company Secretary
Alyce, a successful senior corporate leader with a proven track record in communication, facilitation,strategic delivery and governance, is an invaluable participant in helping Lipoedema Australia achieve its mission. Currently serving as the Head of Transformation Portfolio at a large superannuation organisation, Alyce has overseen a wide range of projects spanning organisational design, technology, product development, growth, and regulatory compliance.
Beyond her impressive professional accomplishments, Alyce is also a certified Executive Coach who is passionate about helping people overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. As someone who has faced her own share of challenges due to chronic illness, including lipoedema, Alyce is committed to advocating for greater recognition and understanding of this condition in both the healthcare system and society at large. She is determined to ensure that future generations do not have to endure the same struggles she faced before receiving a diagnosis and taking control of her condition. Alyce's passion and expertise will make a significant impact in increasing awareness of lipoedema and the improvement of the lives of those affected by lipoedema.
Board Members
Cassie Marsden
Cassie brings exceptional qualifications and experience to the Board and Advisory Board of Lipoedema Australia, including a Bachelor of Science, Master of Reproductive Biology, Graduate Diploma Secondary Education and Master of Education. Currently, Cassie works as a head school teacher in the Sciences. Not only is Cassie astute, caring, and passionate about Lipoedema Australia and its mission, but she also excels in the educational aspect of the cause. Her dedication to empowering others with evidence-based knowledge about Lipoedema is inspiring.
Cassie is a valuable advocate for Lipoedema Australia, as demonstrated by her involvement in the filming for ‘The Project’ and her participation in the Make a Wish photo shoot, and she is always willing to lend her expertise to presentations and public speaking engagements. Her involvement organising the National Conferences is yet another testament to her commitment of advancing the Lipoedema Australia mission, and making a difference in the lives of those affected by lipoedema. Her extensive experience in education and her passion lead her to being an invaluable member of the Lipoedema Australia team.
Lucy Melican
An accomplished physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience, Lucy has been contributing to the Lipoedema community for many years, and a Lipoedema Australia Board member since 2021. In 2007, Lucy became a highly skilled lymphoedema therapist, specialising in the diagnosis and management of lipoedema and lymphoedema, as well as providing outstanding care and support to patients in Melbourne and beyond. Lucy’s skills are instrumental in the development of lipoedema protocols.
Lucy's unwavering commitment to Lipoedema Australia is highly valued and respected. Her expertise and best practice knowledge have enabled Lipoedema Australia to deliver high-quality services and support to the lipoedema community. As a speaker, Lucy is in high demand; she has presented at numerous conferences, including the Lipoedema Australia National Conferences in 2018 and 2022. In addition to her clinical work, Lucy has also demonstrated an extraordinary level of dedication to raising awareness and promoting education about lipoedema.
Sharyn Frantz
With her extensive experience running a small business and a Masters degree in Psychology, Sharyn joined Lipoedema Australia in 2023, and along with serving the board, she is also currently working on her PhD examining the healthcare experiences of women with lipoedema. Sharyn brings with her an impressive background in volunteer work.
Sharyn's passion for women's rights and her dedication to improving the lives of women with lipoedema make her a valued member of the Lipoedema Australia board. Her experience in marketing, sales, fundraising, and event organisation allow for the advancement of lipoedema awareness, as well as a positive contribution and impact for the lipoedema community. When she's not working hard on her PhD and to support our cause, she can be found creating beautiful sculptures in her ceramics studio.
Meegan Treen
With a diverse background that includes event management, banking, data analytics, logistics and supply chain management, as well as an extensive career in hospitality and tourism management, Meegan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Lipoedema Australia. Since returning to Australia in 2017 after more than six years living and working in Africa, Meegan has been running her own business. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to success make her a valuable asset to Lipoedema Australia.
Meegan has personal experience with lipoedema, having been diagnosed 30 years after first showing symptoms. This diagnosis inspired her to become a passionate advocate for raising awareness and educating others about Lipoedema, so that future generations do not have to face the same challenges in receiving a diagnosis and accessing treatment as she has. Meegan's passion and expertise will not only make a positive impact at Lipoedema Australia, but also on the lives of those affected by Lipoedema.
Liz Knox
Liz is a skilled communications professional with a deep passion for technology, creative storytelling, and social justice. With a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing, Business Information Systems) from the Australian National University and years of experience across various industries, Liz has honed her skills in independent community sector peak bodies since 2017. As the Communications Coordinator at the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania and a Consumer Representative volunteer with Flourish Tasmania, Liz brings her expertise in advocacy, awareness campaigns, and lived experience representation to raise the profile of Lipoedema Australia.
Liz is a proud neurodivergent woman, drawing on her lived experience with ADHD, mental ill-health, and disability to excel in her work. She is a staunch advocate for accessible lipoedema treatment and a cure, and in the meantime, she refuses to hide her legs away. As an emerging burlesque performer, Liz proudly showcases her legs on stage and inspires others to do the same.
Meaghan Davis
Meaghan is a seasoned corporate executive with a career spanning over 25 years in top Australian listed companies. Her wealth of experience includes holding several senior executive positions, most recently serving as the Chief People Officer at Ampol. Prior to this, Meaghan spent time at Woolworths Limited and Lendlease. It was at Lendlease that Meaghan held several senior roles, including the Head of People and Culture Australia and the Program Director for the company's global transformation program.
Meaghan holds a Masters of Management from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, as well as memberships with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Human Resources Institute. Her exceptional track record and expertise position her as a valuable and respected asset to Lipoedema Australia.
Advisory Board
We are proud to announce the creation of the Lipoedema Australia Advisory Board. Members are well respected professionals who have been appointed due to their skill specialisation and experience in the treatment of lipoedema. They will work with the Board of Lipoedema Australia to provide independent, evidence-based advice.
Cassie Marsden
Cassie is the Advisory Board Chair, and will be the conduit between the Lipoedema Australia Board and the Advisory Board. Her scientific background and knowledge makes her ideal for the role.
Lucy Melican
Lucy is both a Lipoedema Australia Board and Advisory Board member. Her professional experience as a physiotherapist specialising in the diagnosis and management of lipoedema and lymphoedema provides an ideal addition to the Advisory Board.
Lisa Higgins
Lisa, a Vodder-trained Remedial Massage Therapist and Medical Intuitive is a valued member of the Lipoedema Advisory Board. Lisa's unique approach merges mainstream medical massage with her Medical Intuitive techniques to provide effective care for women with lipoedema and lymphoedema. Since 2006, she has been working with patients to guide them towards the tools they need to self-manage their condition.
In addition to her clinical work, Lisa regularly gives talks to cancer support groups and The Encore Program, sharing her knowledge and insights with those in need. She is also an active volunteer with Raise Foundation, where she mentors a Year 8 or 9 child within the school environment. Lisa's commitment to a toxin-free lifestyle, filled with crystals and healthy food, is a testament to her dedication to holistic wellness. Her approach to embracing the joy in small things is an inspiration to us all.
Megan Pfeffer
Megan is a degree-qualified Clinical Nutritionist, with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine. She is passionate about "food that loves you back". Megan's personal experience with lipoedema, diagnosed in 2019, has given her a deep understanding of the health and emotional challenges that women with this condition face. Her professional expertise and personal experience make her a valuable asset to the team.
Megan's extensive and impressive experience in the field of lipoedema is evidenced by her previous senior role with a lipoedema organisation in the US, where she served on the medical advisory board. She has presented at numerous international conferences in New York, Boston, and Italy, and has co-authored the 2019 research paper titled 'Ketogenic diet as a potential intervention for lipedema' and eBook with Dr Karen Herbst titled 'A guide to medical tests for women with lipoedema'.
Nathalie Mills
Nathalie is a Registered Nurse of more than 30 years experience, accumulating knowledge from many different fields including oncology, palliative care, as well as medical and surgical Nursing. She has also served as a Nurse manager in different sectors including surgical and theatre, oncology and medical. Nathalie finished her management career as a small town hospital manager in Central Queensland. This experience propelled her to open her own clinic, and she is now the proud owner and manager of a holistic health clinic specialising in lymphoedema and lipoedema. Nathalie is also a highly trained Life Coach for personal health, palliative care and trauma.
Nathalie's diverse heritage, her father hailing from Haiti and her mother French Canadian with Native American ancestry, has contributed to her passion for advocating for clients' health and well-being, particularly those affected by Lipoedema and Lymphoedema. Although Nathalie was born in Canada, she spent her childhood in Haiti, among her Haitian roots and family. She later moved to Australia, via Canada in 2004, and having spent more time in Australia than any other country, she now calls it home. Nathalie's calling for learning and serving others is evident in all aspects of her life. She is passionate, an avid learner and has devoted her career to being of service to others.
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