The Down Syndrome Australia Team
Chief Executive Officer
Darryl Steff
Darryl joined Down Syndrome Australia in January 2023 from his role as CEO of Down Syndrome Queensland where he led the organisation for over 7 years successfully advocating for the needs of people with Down syndrome. Darryl’s has over 20 years of experience in commercial and financial management, governance, process improvement and the leadership and management of teams. This experience, combined with being the parent of a child with a disability provides Darryl with a unique insight and perspective enabling him to successfully advocate for change for people with intellectual disabilities.
Operations Manager
Christine Walsh
Christine manages the operations, finance, and governance for Down Syndrome Australia. Christine is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years of experience gained in public practice working with clients in the not-for-profit and corporate sectors.
National Health Project Manager
Currently vacant
We are currently recruiting for this role.
Manager, National Website and Inclusive Information
Zoe du Cann
Zoe oversees the implementation of the national website and national information project for Down Syndrome Australia and coordinates resources, information and accessibility. Zoe is an allied health professional with 20 years’ of experience in non-profit organisations, disability, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies. She is undertaking post-graduate research on disability, dementia and the use of smart technology.
Administrative Assistant
Lyn Williams
Lyn is the Administrative Assistant to the CEO, Board and DSA Staff. She has an extensive background in executive assistance and office management/administration in the not-for-profit and corporate sector. During her career she has also worked as an instrumental music teacher and creative arts director.
Project Manager
Rachel Spencer
Rachel works on a range of projects at DSA and provides participation support to people with Down syndrome. Rachel has worked in disability rights for over 20 years. She enjoys supporting people with disability to be leaders in this work. Rachel studied Social and Community Development and is now completing a Masters in Human Rights Law and Policy.
National Communications Manager
Alyssa Shaw
Alyssa has held leadership roles across government, private and not-for-profit organisations. She is driven to create structural change to achieve economic and social equity, and realise wellbeing for individuals, institutions, and communities. She has managed national campaigns and projects including Raise the Rate, NAIDOC Week and universal access to reproductive healthcare. She has also served as the CEO of a charity focused on student welfare. Alyssa is currently the Chair of Better Renting, and Co-Founder of 4 Day Week Australia.
Senior Advocate
Erin Papps
Erin joined the team at Down Syndrome Australia in December 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in advocacy, policy and service provision. Erin is a leader in the disability sector and has a drive for seeing systemic change in the community. This has included work on ending proposed Independent Assessments in the NDIS, and as a member of the Executive Committee of the P&C Council of the ACT. She is passionate about the fulfilment of human rights for people with disability, especially in inclusive education and the right to live a life free of violence. Erin has completed a Graduate Certificate in Education Studies and is completing a Masters of Autism, and is a parent and individual advocate for herself and her child in the local community.
Voice Editor
Nathan Scolaro
Nathan is the editor of Down Syndrome Australia’s VOICE journal. He is a writer, editor and communications specialist who helps individuals and organisations tell their stories. Previously the editor of Dumbo Feather magazine, he enjoys a good ‘deep and meaningful’, as well as shining a light on ideas and work that help bring about a more beautiful world.
Project Manager
Liz Willis
Liz joined the team at Down Syndrome Australia in July 2023, as the World Down syndrome Congress Coordinator. Liz is now manages the Employment project at DSA. Liz is a passionate advocate for all persons with Disability. She began her career running a camp for adults and children with Disability in New Jersey USA and most recently developed the Get Active Program at Down Syndrome Queensland – an educational tool kit for coaches and volunteers to enhance their capacity to coach people with intellectual disability including Down syndrome. Liz is passionate about the fulfilment of human rights for people with disability, especially in inclusive education, employment and sport and recreation, and the right to live a life free of violence.
Communications Officer
Kate Jeremiah
Kate oversees DSA’s social media, newsletters and other communication channels. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing and events in both not-for-profit and corporate settings, she enjoys crafting clear, engaging, purposeful content and effective communication strategies. Above all, Kate’s passion lies in working with values-driven organisations to share inspiring stories that truly resonate with readers.
Inclusion Lead
Alison Richardson
Alison lives in Sydney/ Warrane and is an ally for people with disability, a champion of inclusion and diversity and an advocate for equality. This has been demonstrated across her 20 year career working alongside people with disability, their families and supports mainly in inclusive arts contexts. Her passion for empowering people has led her to establishing employment opportunities, mentoring programs and training and education pathways for people with disability and she received a Churchill Fellow to explore inclusive mentoring and training programs in the arts across the UK and Europe. Alison’s approach is collaborative, responsive and open to the needs of the community and she is passionate about the power of storytelling as a transformative tool to enact change. She also loves ocean swimming and her dog, Buddy.
DSA Health Ambassadors
Ten self-advocates with Down syndrome from across Australia work with DSA as Health Ambassadors. Each Ambassador has a story to tell about their journey within the health system. The Health Ambassadors want to share this information to ensure that in the future, people with Down syndrome get access to better quality care. These self-advocates believe that through improved communication between people with intellectual disability and health care workers, health outcomes for people with disability will improve.
Read more about our Health Ambassadors or book a Health Ambassador to speak at your organisation on our website here.