President
Brendan Edwards
Brendan is a qualified chemical engineer and project manager with over 15 years experience managing small to medium sized projects predominantly within the dairy and fertilizer industries. Brendan has an MBA from Deakin University and brings strong communication and problem-solving skills to the board. Brendan is married to Rosie and is the proud father to Noah, who has Down syndrome, Pippa and Hamish.
Treasurer
Wendy McNabb
Wendy brings to the Board a management background of finance, manufacturing and logistics spanning 30 years in the agricultural, milling and bakery sector working in large corporates including Bunge and Goodman Fielder. Wendy is also involved in managing the family farm at Learmonth with her husband Rodney where they run Corriedale sheep and Hereford cattle. Wendy and Rodney have an adult son James with Down syndrome who works two days a week at Ballarat Regional Industries, one day at Sovereign Hill and two days on the family farm.
Wendy is also involved in the Ballarat Down Syndrome Family Connections Group and is passionate about ensuring regional families have access to all the resources DSV can provide. She and her peers in Ballarat run regular coffee and information sessions which enable all families to remain informed and connected.
Board Member
Dr Felicia Koh
Dr Felicia Koh is a specialist general practitioner and has over 20 years’ experience across the public and private healthcare sectors.
She volunteers to support pregnant mothers who are expecting a child with Down syndrome and is a keen supporter of family centred early intervention and preventative health screening.
She is married to Peter and they have three children, one of whom has Down syndrome. When not juggling her various roles, Felicia can probably be found enjoying a bubble tea whilst scrolling Instagram.
Board Member
Lachlan Vivian-Taylor
Lachlan has a physiotherapy and executive leadership background in public administration and personal injury, as well as the acute, rehabilitation, health, and disability sectors. He has a proven track record of engaging, inspiring, and leading teams to achieve their highest potential, including large operational departments and specialist functions such as quality & safeguarding, innovation, performance, quality assurance, and provider management. Lachlan is passionate about fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture that values individuals’ wants, passions and dreams.
Lachlan lives down the surf-coast of Victoria with his partner and two boys and can often be seen enjoying a different type of “Board meeting” particularly when the swell hits and the off-shore winds blow.
With Lachlan’s extensive leadership experience, diverse expertise, and executive skills, he is excited to make a significant contribution to Down-Syndrome Victorian and its community.
Board Member
Pieta Manning
Pieta Manning is mother to four awesome humans, including Caitlin, who has Down syndrome. Caitlin is 21 years old, has Type 1 Diabetes and a strong vision for herself as a creative and independent member of the community. Pieta and Caitlin moved to Melbourne in 2020 from regional NSW and love their new home.
Starting with a background in parent advocacy, Pieta has worked in the disability sector for the past 10 years, supporting families and individuals through the transition to the NDIS as an independent support coordinator, sharing knowledge and building their skills to get the best outcomes from the scheme through government-funded sessions across the eastern states. Her consultancy work included developing training and operational resources for several large providers as they moved into NDIS services.
Pieta currently works for Mable in Sector Partnerships and is a keen amateur potter.
Board Member
Loren Pettigrew
Loren was volunteering with the Advisory Network and the DSV team for a couple of years before joining the board. Her sister’s youngest daughter, Sienna, who lives in the USA, has Down syndrome and is the reason Loren reached out to get involved in the community here in Victoria.
For the last 15 years, Loren has worked in the leadership and development space as a coach, facilitator, head of sales, General Manager and COO. Loren has led and worked with a diverse range of organisations to optimise performance, improve team dynamics, and accelerate strategic growth.
Loren is the Managing Director and Founder of Jade Ambition, a sales and leadership development firm. Her ‘people first’ approach to leadership and business is values-aligned with the work we are doing at DSV.
Board Member
Jenna Weeks
Jenna is a governance, regulation, and conduct professional with extensive experience across the financial services sector, including financial advice, superannuation, wealth management, and insurance. She is passionate about ethical leadership, regulatory integrity, and supporting positive outcomes for consumers.
Jenna is married to Daniel, and together they have two children, Hudson and Lucy. Lucy was diagnosed with Down syndrome the day after she was born in 2023. Jenna and her family received invaluable support from Down Syndrome Victoria during this time, which helped them navigate early challenges and empowered them as advocates for Lucy. This experience inspired Jenna to join the DSV Board, where she contributes her professional skills and lived experience to support and empower other families.
Board Member
Talia Boltin
Talia is a mother of five children including gorgeous four-year-old Pearl, who has Down syndrome.
Talia’s educational and professional background is in General and Aboriginal Medicine and International Public Health. She is active within a number of not-for-profit organisations, including as the producer and lead creative of an inclusive community theatre group. She has completed AICD board directorship training and, as well as Down Syndrome Victoria, currently serves as a board director for Yavneh College, an independent community school, as well as for Emunah Australia, an international social welfare organisation.
Talia is excited to be able to contribute to Down Syndrome Victoria and is motivated to help it thrive as both an organisation and community.