Our Team

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DSQ is made up of around 4,000 members and over 30 staff members that share the common goals of providing the best possible support to people with intellectual disabilities in Queensland. We work to support individuals and families through a variety of supports and services, from prenatal support all the way through to educational and social programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Chief Executive Officer

Chris McMillan

Chris McMillan is the Chief Executive Officer of Down Syndrome Queensland and a Board Director of Ozcare. With a career spanning the health and corporate sectors, Chris has amassed extensive experience across diverse industries. She spent over two decades in the not-for-profit sector, serving as the CEO of Cancer Council Queensland, Variety, the Children’s Charity (NSW & ACT), Fundraising Institute Australia and Australian Business Learning. Additionally, Chris has held the position of General Manager at the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia (NSW & ACT), Financial Planning Australia, Securities Institute Australia, and Australian Institute of Management QLD & NT. Chris’ profound knowledge of health and not-for-profit, combined with her expertise in business and organisational development, makes her a valuable asset to the team.


Business, Finance and Administration Services

DSQ’s Business and Administration services support each program area to meet the optimum business capacity and help the workflow across the DSQ office locations in Brisbane. They can also assist with invoicing, appointments, program information and any further with ad hoc tasks. You can contact the Business and Administration Services via (07) 3356 6655 or email office@downsyndromeqld.org.au.

Finance, Governance and Risk Manager

Kathleen Hunt

Kathleen Hunt is the Finance, Governance, and Risk Manager at Down Syndrome Queensland, responsible for overseeing financial operations, governance, and risk management. A Chartered Accountant with a decade of experience in audit and governance across both private sector and government organisations, Kathleen brings a robust financial acumen to her role. With a background in Education, she possesses a unique perspective that informs her strategic decision-making. Outside of work, Kathleen enjoys quality time with her family, exploring new destinations through travel, and is known for her amiable nature and collaborative approach in the workplace.

Office Manager

Georgie Greaves

Georgie Greaves serves as the Office Manager for Down Syndrome Queensland, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the office. With over 6 years of dedicated service to DSQ, Georgie brings a wealth of experience in administration, accumulating 20+ years in the field. Known for her friendly personality, she has a genuine love for working with DSQ members. As the first point of contact for the office, Georgie plays a crucial role in fostering positive relationships and facilitating effective communication.


Support Services

The Support Services team at DSQ provides information, advice, support, advocacy and training for individuals with intellectual disabilities, family members and professionals. The team regularly runs a range of workshops and webinars on topics relevant across the lifespan, as well as individual consultations. You can contact the Support Services team via (07) 3356 6655 or email early_years@downsyndromeqld.org.au.

Support Services Manager

Laura Mugaba

Laura Mugaba is an accomplished allied health and human services professional serving as the Support Services Manager at Down Syndrome Queensland. With a wealth of experience in not-for-profit and government organisations, Laura’s most recent role as State Development Manager at St John Ambulance Qld involved collaborating with stakeholders such as Multicultural Australia, Carers Qld, and National Disability Services. Her expertise includes quality assurance, compliance, and governance, demonstrated by successful preparations for audit and registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Prior positions at Each (NDIA Partner in the Community) and the NDIA have further enriched Laura’s skill set, along with her involvement in casework and counselling within various nonprofit organisations. With qualifications in Psychology and Project Management, Laura brings a comprehensive range of expertise to enhance the capabilities of the Support Services Team.


Community Engagement and Fundraising

The Community Engagement and Fundraising program area coordinates a range areas, such as fundraising events, newsletters and communications, sponsorships, and marketing. DSQ Brew, Now and the Future Podcast, and the Tri21 Series are also featured projects in this area. You can contact the Community Engagement and Fundraising team via (07) 3356 6655 or email engagement@downsyndromeqld.org.au.

Community Engagement and Fundraising Manager

Michael Harrison

Michael Harrison is the Community Engagement and Fundraising Manager for Down Syndrome Queensland, leveraging over 25 years of experience in the Hospitality industry. With a customer service-focused approach, he is a strategic thinker who specialises in Revenue Management. Michael has held key roles such as Regional General Manager, overseeing hotels and food and beverage facilities across Queensland and Western Australia. Additionally, he served as the State Revenue Manager for 18 hotels spanning New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria, managing an inventory of over 1500 rooms. As a father of a child with Down syndrome, Michael is driven by his deep passion and determination to make a positive difference in the world. His qualifications include Business Management, Hospitality Management, and training and assessment expertise.


Programs

DSQ offers an excellent range of social and educational programs to develop skills, build capacity and empower people living with intellectual disabilities, including:

  • Monthly events for DSQ Teens and Club
  • Challenge Weekends
  • Online virtual events
  • Latch-On
  • Skills for Independence
  • Continued Education Program (CEP)

To register for a social program, or for more information, contact the Social Programs team via (07) 3356 6655 or email tcossor@downsyndromeqld.org.au.

Programs Manager

Teagan Cossor

Teagan Cossor, Programs Manager for Down Syndrome Queensland, brings over 7 years of experience in the events industry to her role. With qualifications in Event, Hospitality, and Tourism Management, Teagan’s expertise is grounded in her prior position as an Event Planning Manager at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where she skillfully managed diverse events for numerous clients. In her current role, Teagan excels in leading a team that delivers impactful social and educational programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as overseeing the DSQ volunteer cohort.


Education

Our Education team at DSQ provides support to teachers and schools to ensure students with intellectual disabilities are maximising their educational outcomes in the most inclusive learning environment possible. This support is provided by our Education Consultants, via both the SDSS and NSSNO programs through the Queensland Government’s Department of Education and Training. To make a referral, or for more information, contact the Education Team via (07) 3356 6655 or education@downsyndromeqld.org.au.

Lead Education Consultant

Dr Carly Lassig

Dr Carly Lassig is the Lead Education Consultant at Down Syndrome Queensland. Additionally, she holds the position of Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education, and Social Justice and is a valued member of The Centre for Inclusive Education at Queensland University of Technology. With a remarkable 20-year career in education, Carly has served as a primary school and middle years teacher both nationally and internationally. She has also made significant contributions as a university researcher and educator, a project officer at Independent Schools Queensland, and a consultant collaborating with Government, Independent, and Catholic schools. Carly’s passions lie in inclusive education and gifted education, advocating for inclusive pedagogies such as differentiation and Universal Design for Learning. She is deeply interested in understanding parents’ experiences with education for their children with disabilities and actively fosters creativity in school settings.