Meet the board
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 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.
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.
April Parris-Barbieri
Officially joining our board in 2025, April serves to lead initiatives that strengthen community engagement, drive inclusive funding strategies, and support impactful events. In her role, she provides strategic leadership across key initiatives, establishing partnership commitment, securing impactful improvements, and delivering meaningful change that reflect the organisation’s values.
Known for her ability to inspire, April is a strong advocate for inclusiveness and equality. Her passion for policy development and educational reform aligns with her commitment to empowering communities and creating engaging, effective pathways for lasting and meaningful support. With a strong background in health, financial governance and regulatory compliance April contributes valuable strategic insight and oversight to the board. Her advocacy in this space highlights her unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting positive public understanding. Through her work, she actively champions awareness and support for families affected by CHARGE syndrome, a cause close to her heart. April brings a solid foundation in corporate management and is committed to continuous improvement through training, development, and mentoring within the sector.
Beyond her professional achievements, April enjoys the outdoors, travelling, and cooking. She treasures time spent with her young family and brings warmth, purpose, and a deeply personal sense of mission to her work on the board. Her values of compassion, service, and integrity are at the heart of everything she does, making her a valued leader and community advocate.