Senior Leadership
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Payne
Commencing in the role in 2019, Dan is known to many of our Down Syndrome Victoria community as he – with his wife Corina and children Holly, Abby and Tyson – has been an active member since 2010. Between 2016-19, Dan was a member of the Down Syndrome Victoria board and helped to ensure that the voice of our members was consistently front of mind in all our decision-making. Prior to commencing at Down Syndrome Victoria, Dan worked within the financial services industry for 14 years in a variety of roles which provided valuable and extensive experience in leadership, program management and business performance. Dan brings a great balance of advocacy, empathy, understanding of our sector, commercial focus and positive energy. Dan is motivated and privileged to work alongside people with Down syndrome and their families to reach their potential and live the life they choose.
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.
Senior Program Manager, MyTime & Advisory Network
Madison Robinson
Madison was a Club21 volunteer for many years prior to joining the DSV staff.
Madison now manages the Victorian MyTime program, with over 45 peer support groups around Victoria.
With a degree in Psychology and Psychophysiology she is passionate about helping people and making a positive contribution to the Down Syndrome Victoria community.
Communications Manager
Lucinda Bain
Growing up with a sister who has Down syndrome developed Lucy’s strong belief systems and passion to work towards a society that values true inclusion, equity and opportunities for all individuals. After working at organisations such as YMCA Victoria, the Epilepsy Foundation, EACH, and Deakin University, she has found her niche in the fabulous communications team at Down Syndrome Victoria.
Lucy has a degree in Disability Studies along with qualifications in Professional and Creative Writing.
HR & Compliance Manager
Leonie White
Leonie has a background in education and has worked within the disability sector for over 17 years, initially in parent support followed by coordinating the MyTime program for Playgroup Victoria. Leonie began working at DSV in 2012 and over the journey has been heavily involved in the process of DSV’s NDIS registration and seeking grant funding. She has a daughter with Down syndrome and passionately advocates for people with disability and their families.