Services and Supports
Senior Manager, Service Delivery
Karen Peters
Karen Peters is an experienced product and service delivery manager with over 15 years in the non-profit sector. Prior to working at Down Syndrome Victoria, Karen spent nine years leading a national team delivering programs to families of premature and sick babies.
Karen is passionate about providing services that educate, support, and empower individuals to advocate for themselves and others.
At DSV, she continues to lead and collaborate with the services team, delivering impactful programs that promote inclusion, support and empowerment for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, helping them to live their fullest lives.
Family Support Manager
Sonia Bonadio
Sonia is a social worker and a parent of a child with Down syndrome. She has worked with services in the disability sector, mental health and community based prenatal services. She has worked with DSV for over 10 years, firstly as a MyTime group facilitator and as the Family Support Manager since 2018. She is deeply committed to fostering belonging, promoting awareness, and equipping families with knowledge, resources and the guidance they need to navigate each stage of life with confidence.
Employment Connections Manager
Bree Mills
Bree has worked in the disability sector for 25 years, including the past 20 years in disability employment. She has an deep understanding of the benefits open employment can bring to the lives of people with disability as well as the broader community.
Growing up with an aunt with Down syndrome ignited Bree’s passion for making a positive contribution to the lives of people with disability and she feels privileged to work at DSV and is committed to providing the best possible service to the DSV community.
Club21 Manager
Helen More
Helen began at DSV as a volunteer with the Club21 program in 2013 and jumped at the chance to take on the role of Club21 Coordinator in 2018. Down Syndrome Victoria and Victorian Council of Social Service gave her the opportunity to complete a Certificate IV in Disability at RMIT graduating in 2019.
Helen is passionate about Club21 and promoting the inclusion of people with Down syndrome in the community.
FitSkills21 Manager
Chantelle Oliver
Chantelle holds a degree in health science and has extensive experience supporting individuals and families to participate in their community – enhancing health, wellbeing, confidence and independence.
Chantelle is passionate about inclusive practice and is thrilled to lead the FitSkills21 team, supporting participants, facilitators and volunteers to thrive in a positive environment that encourages physical activity and social belonging to support overall health and wellbeing. With personal connections to people with various disabilities, Chantelle values authentic relationships, community collaboration and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Information & Skills for Life Project Manager
Melinda McGrath (Mel)
With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Mel loves finding creative ways to make learning fun, accessible and meaningful.
Mel is passionate about inclusion and enjoys working alongside people with Down syndrome to create practical training, workshops and resources that build skills, confidence and independence.
Outside of work, Mel is kept busy by her three boys and loves coffee, running, making memories at the beach, live music and spending time with family and friends.