President
Hayley Warren
Hayley joined the Down Syndrome NSW Board in October 2017 and has been the President and Chair since October 2019. Hayley has an older sister, Sarah, who has Down syndrome. She understood from a young age the challenges faced by people with Down syndrome and their families, particularly those living in regional areas of Australia. Hayley is also a lawyer with over 10 years’ experience gained in both private practice and in-house.
Vice President
Margot Elliffe
Margot has been a member of Down Syndrome NSW for 32 years following the birth of her daughter Tara. Margot is passionate about education, training and community for families and people living with Down syndrome.
Secretary
Chris Elenor
Chris has a son Tom, with Down syndrome and has been a member of part of the Association since its inception, 40 years ago. In the past, Chris has held the positions of President and Treasurer.
Treasurer
Nicholas Gotsis
Nick has an older sister with Down syndrome and a long-term history of volunteering with Down Syndrome NSW. He is an accountant and manages a chartered accountant’s business.
Board Member
Andrew Hinde
Andrew is the father of 8 year old daughter with Down syndrome. He has previously served as a board member of the organisation. He has over 20 years of technology sales and general management experience within the financial services, government, telecommunications and other sectors.
Board Member
Rene Pennock
Rene is the father of an 11 year old son with Down syndrome. With over 14 years-experience as CEO or Company Secretary for NFPs, Rene offers a complete range of corporate and governance skills.
Board Member
Sonya Volker
Sonja is the mother of a 5 year old son with Down syndrome. Sonja has nearly 20 years-experience working for a financial institution in a wide variety of roles.
Board Member
Gemma Namey
Gemma is the mother of two girls. The eldest was born in 2014 and has Down syndrome. She is committed to human rights and the rights of people with disabilities. Gemma has worked in the corporate, community and government legal sectors.
Board Member
Dr Trishima Mitra-Kahn
Dr Trishima Mitra-Kahn has 15 years of leadership and senior management experience across academia, systemic advocacy and government in Australia and the UK. She is a proud woman of colour with a physical disability and is passionate about good governance in the NFP sector.
Board Member
Christopher Hebert
Chris is the father of 2 children and his 4 year old daughter has Down syndrome. He works in the public service in research and communications.
Board Member
Debra Jefferis
Debra is a parent to Molly and Sam. Sam, 22 years, was born with Down Syndrome and started early intervention when he was 6 months old. Debra has been part of this Inclusion Service for the past 16 years and as a Family Support Worker for for 12 years. She is passionate about helping guide parents through the maze when they first receive a diagnosis, supporting their child’s transition to the NDIS, connecting them with other families and empowering families to advocate for their child. Living in regional NSW, on the South Coast, she has initiated many new programs to support families and is excited about the opportunities provided through new technologies to help connect families in regional and rural NSW.
Board Member
Lyn Legge
Lyn is the mother of four girls, the youngest two girls have Down syndrome. She has an accounting background and has served on a number of committees. Living in Coffs Harbour, Lyn has a focus on families in regional areas. She been active in organising local events for families and sees new technologies as an opportunity for regional areas to better connect with other families and events.
Board Member
Lorraine Clark AM
Experienced Project Management Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry. Long term volunteer and administrator. Lorraine has held numerous board member appointments for DS NSW and Australia and within the Asia Pacific region. Her lifelong work for Special Olympics has also seen her hold many positions nationally and internationally.