Meet the board

Madelene

Madelene Rich

President

Madelene brings extensive not-for-profit experience and knowledge having held senior administrative roles in medical research and aged care, as well as previously running her own small business. In her time on the board of CSA, she has served in various leadership positions, including President from 2018 to 2024, Secretary from 2000 to 2008, and Conference Committee member in 2024, 2018, and 2002.

Passionate about improving life outcomes for individuals with CHARGE syndrome, Madelene is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for our community. She actively participates in consultations, working groups, roundtable discussions with peak bodies in the disability sector to highlight the challenges faced by people with CHARGE syndrome, particularly in healthcare, early intervention, education, employment, and housing.

Madelene's ultimate goal is to see the integration of a framework within the healthcare system that ensures all individuals with CHARGE syndrome receive care grounded in evidence-based best practices. As a mother to an adult son with CHARGE syndrome, she is deeply committed to this cause and the improvement of lives for people with CHARGE syndrome.

Felicity

Felicity Dillon

Treasurer

With over 40 years of experience as a Finance Professional I am dedicated to driving meaningful change through strategic leadership, collaboration, and innovation. My focus has always been on creating impactful programs that empower communities, raise awareness, and promote sustainable growth for underserved populations.

With my role as Treasurer, I have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the charity sector, and my expertise includes grant reporting, fundraising, program development, partnership building, and implementing systems. Through my work, I strive to amplify the voices of those who need it most and build lasting relationships with donors, partners, and volunteers who share our vision for a better world.

Liz

Dr Liz Levesque

Education

Liz, General Manager of the Victorian Deaf Education Institute, has taught in the deaf, deafblind and multi-sensory impairment fields for several decades. Liz has a strong interest in communication and language development of children with CHARGE syndrome and is a passionate supporter of self-advocacy for children with CHARGE syndrome and other complex conditions.