The Board
Megan Maack, Director and CEO
Megan is the visionary CEO and founder of Childhood Dementia Initiative who is leading world-first action and awareness for all children with dementia. She pioneered the collective consideration of over 100 neglected childhood dementia conditions to improve research, healthcare and policy responses.
Megan draws on her lived and professional experience. She is mother to 2 children with a type of childhood dementia, Sanfilippo syndrome, and the respected founder and former CEO of Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation. She also has an MBA and 15 years’ international experience as a Change Manager, Management Consultant and Project Manager.
In recognition of driving innovation, collaboration and positive change, Megan received a 2021 Pro Bono Australia Impact 25 Award and a 2022 Westpac Social Change Fellowship.
Professor Peter Schofield AO FAHMS PhD DSc
Professor Peter Schofield AO is a distinguished neuroscientist with extensive leadership experience in medical research. His significant contributions include serving as CEO of Neuroscience Research Australia (2004-2022), President of the Australasian Neuroscience Society (2020-2022) and Interim Director of the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (2016-2017). A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, Peter has published over 500 research papers and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to neuroscience research and to professional institutions. Peter is committed to accelerating transformative progress for children with dementia and brings with him experience as a Founding Director of both for-purpose and start-up organisations, including Research Australia and the Australian Dementia Network Ltd.
Sean Murray
Sean is the CEO and a founding director of the Mito Foundation, an organisation that supports the Australian mitochondrial disease community while driving research into mitochondrial disease to find preventions, treatments, and cures.
Sean’s background includes software development, business consulting and management, organisational change and project management.
Tiffany Boughtwood BSc MBA
Tiffany is the Managing Director of Australian Genomics, and manages the coordination, delivery and process evaluation of the $60 million program.
She has more than 20 years’ experience in molecular biology and research management.
Tiffany has led accredited genomic sequencing facilities, operated academic and accredited diagnostic laboratories, collaborated internationally in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer research, and consulted in genomic implementation and project management.
Our team
Deanne Bennett, Partnerships Fundraising Manager
Deanne brings over 20 years of experience building transformative strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives. She has a proven track record in driving sustainable growth and is deeply committed to changing the world for children with dementia.
Shivangi Chaturvedi, Head of Development
Shivangi brings expertise in complex partnership development and fundraising to the Childhood Development Initiative, honed through experience managing philanthropy and development teams both in the not-for-profit and corporate sectors in the UK and Australia over the last 14 years.
Sue Coxon, Education Lead
Sue is a registered pharmacist with over 10 years experience as a clinical pharmacist in paediatric hospitals in the UK and Australia and over 20 years experience in Health Professional Education.
Ellie Da Ros, Program Manager
Ellie brings extensive experience in managing cross-functional teams on global scale projects, both through her work as a Management Consultant, and as Head of Commercial Projects for a leading international health and beauty retailer. She applies a strong, data-driven approach, while working closely with stakeholders to deliver sustainable, systemic solutions.
Kristina Elvidge PhD, Head of Research
Kristina has more than 20 years experience in the medical research field, over 8 of those in the childhood dementia sphere. Kristina’s expertise lies in gathering evidence and galvanising stakeholders to accelerate the development of much needed treatments.
Gail Hilton, Head of Programs
With 15 years’ experience in the non-profit sector both in Australia and overseas, Gail brings governance, project and people management excellence to the Childhood Dementia Initiative.
Joanne Kershaw, Lived Experience Manager
Joanne brings expertise in elevating lived experience to initiate positive change and raise awareness. She has extensive experience in community organisations and the not-for-profit sector, building inclusive and equitable networks.
Isobel Lindley, Communications Manager
Isobel is a strategic communications and marketing leader with over 17 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector lifting brand awareness, supporting programs and generating revenue.
Melanie Orr, Operations Manager
Melanie’s excellent commercial acumen, business strategy, financial analysis and operational management skills enable sustainable growth. These skills have been developed from her experience working in large corporates, small businesses, not-for-profits and consulting to social enterprises.
Brad Phillips, Fundraising Manager
Brad is a versatile digital marketing professional who brings broad expertise and skills from his 20-year career in health promotion, fundraising, and financial services.
