The NOFASD Team
We strive for excellence in everything we do. Our goal is not only to provide quality care, but also build relationships with each individual, making them feel valued and important no matter how complex their needs.
We’re also focused on raising awareness and community support by providing education workshops and training on a variety of FASD-related topics.
The NOFASD team is dedicated to supporting individuals with FASD. We provide the highest quality of coaching, education and training for our clients so they can live their best lives possible!
Sophie Harrington
Chief Executive Officer
Sophie brings extensive leadership experience in frontline services and senior management roles across the alcohol and other drugs, out-of-home care, and justice sectors. As the CEO of NOFASD Australia, Sophie oversees strategic initiatives, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder engagement to support individuals and families affected by FASD. Her leadership has been instrumental in coordinating the lived experience focus on key projects, including the National FASD Awareness Campaign, the FASD Diagnostic Guideline Review, and the development of sector-wide training initiatives.
With lived experience of FASD, Sophie combines professional expertise with personal insight to drive impactful change within the sector.
Cheryl Dedman
Chair of the Board
Cherly is an experienced educator and passionate advocate for families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). As a long-time carer of a young adult with FASD, Cheryl has firsthand experience navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with supporting individuals in this community.
Cheryl’s dedication to raising awareness has earned her recognition, including the 2024 Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contributions to community health. Cheryl is committed to educating professionals and families about FASD and supporting NOFASD’s mission of reducing stigma and fostering systemic change.
Cheryl believes in the power of community education and collaboration to create a world where every individual living with FASD can thrive.
To find out more about Cheryl click here
Tony Miers
Director
Tony is a retired South Australian public servant with a career spanning civil engineering, economic development, and government innovation, including managing one of Australia’s first online transaction platforms.
His connection to FASD began as a foster parent to his youngest daughter, later diagnosed with partial FAS. Tony’s wife, Sue Miers, founded NOFASD Australia in 1998, and together they have supported FASD advocacy through lived experience and activism.
As NOFASD’s Acting Treasurer and long-time Public Officer, Tony has been integral to the organization’s growth, from managing its first website to supporting Sue’s advocacy efforts. His vision is for a future where NOFASD’s services are no longer needed.
Professor Elizabeth Elliott
Director
Professor Elizabeth Elliott AM FAHMS FRSN is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Sydney and a Paediatrician at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. She is Co-Chair of the National FASD Advisory Group and a Director of NOFASD Australia.
For over 20 years, she has led research, clinical care, and advocacy on FASD and alcohol use in pregnancy, contributing to national guidelines, the FASD Hub, and awareness campaigns like Every Moment Matters. Internationally, she has collaborated with the WHO and other global bodies to advance FASD prevention.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Member of the Order of Australia and the AMA Excellence in Healthcare Award.
To read more about Professor Elizabeth Eliot click here
Christine Brooks
Director
B.Ed.
Christine is a caregiver to a teenager with FASD and a dedicated advocate for students living with this hidden disorder. With an extensive teaching career that includes time in a remote Northern Territory community, Christine has provided parent education, taught early primary levels, and supported teens facing diverse challenges.
Her lived experience with FASD, combined with her commitment to the well-being of young people in the education system, drives her passion for educating educators about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Melanie Walker
Director
Melanie is the CEO of AADC and a Director for NOFASD Australia, based in Canberra. Before joining AADC, she served as Chief of Staff to the ACT’s Deputy Chief Minister. Her career includes leadership roles such as CEO of the Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), Deputy CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, and senior positions within the Australian Government Departments of Health and Human Services and ACT Health.
Melanie’s experience also spans roles as an AOD service coordinator, adviser to a former ACT Chief Minister and Senator for QLD, and work with the former Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia. Earlier in her career, she worked as a broadcast journalist.
April Wilson
Director
April has been a caregiver for her immediate and extended family for over 30 years, raising her great niece and great nephew alongside her four biological children. Her great nephew’s FASD diagnosis marked the beginning of her journey with NOFASD Australia, where she now serves as a Board Member.
As a parent advocate with lived experience, April has presented at conferences and forums, including for the Department of Education and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She has supported FASD advocacy through consultations at government and community levels, served as a consumer representative on the South Australian FASD Consortium, and contributed to the development of the University of Western Australia’s online Graduate Certificate in FASD Diagnosis and Assessment.
April remains dedicated to supporting families and raising awareness of FASD
Louise Gray
Specialist Advisor
BA Griffith; B ED Qld; Master of Sociology, Murdoch
As a former teacher working in teenage groups for those with special needs in Australia and Canada, Louise recognised the complex elements that lead to social marginalisation or exclusion and the significant role of FASD. Later a career in education, programming for justice involved individuals and not-for-profit management further underlined her belief in the importance of comprehensive understanding and action on FASD. Since 2014 Louise has worked with NOFASD, the first dedicated FASD organisation registered in Australia in 1999. NOFASD has now grown to be the largest organisation in Australia focussed on all aspects of FASD. As the CEO from 2016-2024, Louise led the expansion of NOFASD as the trusted source of FASD information in Australia, embedding the voice of lived and living experience at the highest levels of government while increasing broad knowledge and awareness of FASD.
Robyn Smith
National Helpline Manager
Robyn has extensive experience supporting individuals and families affected by FASD, drawing from both her professional expertise and personal journey. Her work spans aged care programs, parenting advice and support programs, offender reintegration, and transition strategies for school students and youth at risk.
Robyn is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for better support and outcomes for individuals and families impacted by FASD. Passionate about educating professionals and communities, she works to create more inclusive and supportive environments that address the challenges of FASD, reflecting her lifelong commitment to improving understanding and outcomes for those affected.
Julie Flanagan
National Projects and Communications Manager
BA UQ; MBA UNE
Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts (UQ) and a Master of Business Administration (UNE) and brings extensive experience in project coordination and education to her role at NOFASD. Before joining the organisation, she spent 13 years in the tertiary education sector, managing projects that fostered collaboration between academic staff, students, and external partners.
Julie has a long-standing interest in the disability sector including working as a teacher’s aide with children with mild intellectual disabilities, while undertaking her initial degree. Subsequently, while working as an Education Officer at the Queensland Art Gallery, she developed the Gallery’s Disabilities Assistance Program, to enable more effective access to the art displays and related educational activities for those living with disabilities. At that time, it was the first such program in Australia.
Julie’s career achievements reflect her commitment to fostering environments that enable opportunity and positive life outcomes for stakeholders.
Charlene Tate-Lovery
Project Support & Governance
Charlene brings over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit community sector, with expertise in administration, governance, and human resources. She has worked across career development, employment services, and alcohol and other drugs programs in metropolitan Western Australia.
Holding a Diploma in Human Resources Management and a Certificate IV in Business (Governance), Charlene is also a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). She is deeply passionate about FASD prevention and dedicated to raising awareness to support better outcomes for individuals and families.
Sinead Freeman
Clinical Coordinator
Sinead has a background in Exercise and Sports Science and holds a Master of Occupational Therapy. She has diverse experience across the education, forensic, and mental health sectors, which she applies to her work in promoting understanding and support for individuals impacted by FASD.
Passionate about raising awareness of FASD, Sinead is committed to educating and training a wide range of stakeholders, from professionals to community members. Her work focuses on equipping others with the knowledge and tools needed to better support individuals and families affected by FASD.
Sinead’s dedication to advocacy reflects her belief in the importance of building informed and inclusive communities that understand and address the challenges of FASD.
Raina Quinny
Health Promotion Officer
Raina is a health professional with a rich background in physiotherapy and public health. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from India and a Master’s in Public Health from Australia. Her passion for promoting community well-being drives her role as a Health Promotion Officer at NOFASD Australia.
In her role, Raina facilitates training sessions to empower diverse groups with the knowledge and tools to support individuals living with FASD. She also manages data coordination, validation, and website development to ensure NOFASD’s resources remain accessible and effective.
Raina’s innovative approach to health promotion and her commitment to raising FASD awareness reflect her dedication to creating meaningful, lasting change in communities.
Kurt Lewis
Communications and Project Support
Kurt holds a Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies and a postgraduate Bachelor of Laws. He brings a wealth of experience supporting diverse communities through volunteer roles with organisations such as Street Angels, Rave Safe, and Friends at Court, where he provided non-judgmental support to individuals impacted by FASD, homelessness, and alcohol and other drug use.
Kurt’s dedication to raising awareness of FASD and the risks of alcohol use is reflected in his development of the first series of the podcast Pregnancy, Alcohol and FASD: The Surprising Reality. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to education and advocacy for healthier communities.
Frances Price
Senior Project Officer
BA/LLB UQ
Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and brings a diverse background in law and community development to NOFASD. Her career spans roles with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Arthritis Queensland, the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, and a Boston-based arts organisation.
Frances is also a dedicated volunteer, contributing to organisations such as Operation Smile Australia and the Australian Breastfeeding Association. Her voluntary work has included counselling, training, outreach to health professionals, conference organisation, and fundraising, reflecting her passion for supporting communities in need.
Soraya Drinkwater
Project Support Officer
Soraya is a Bachelor of Justice Studies graduate from the University of Tasmania, with a strong focus on youth justice and social justice. She is passionate about advocating for equitable outcomes for young people and marginalised communities.
In her role as a Project Support Officer at NOFASD Australia, Soraya contributes to training facilitation and various projects aimed at improving support for individuals and families affected by FASD. Her background includes experience in childcare, supporting children with ASD and ADHD, as well as several years in customer service roles.
Driven by a commitment to advocacy and inclusivity, Soraya is dedicated to creating positive change for vulnerable individuals and fostering more supportive communities.
Simone McKenry
Project Support Officer
Simone holds a Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. With a career spanning over three decades in education and mental health, she has combined her expertise to create inclusive learning environments that support both academic success and emotional well-being.
In her role at NOFASD, Simone is committed to raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and advocating for individuals and families impacted by the condition. She is passionate about equipping communities and professionals with the knowledge and tools to support those affected by FASD, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive.
Simone’s work reflects a lifelong dedication to improving mental health and education outcomes, with a strong focus on fostering resilience and inclusion in every community she serves.
Sue Miers
Founder- NOFASD Australia
Sue Miers AM HonLittD, is the founder and former Chair of the Board of the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Australia (NOFASD Australia), which was originally established in 1999 as the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Related Disorders (NOFASARD).
During her tenure on the Board, Sue was a tireless advocate at both state and national levels, working to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Widely recognised as a parent authority in the field, she was frequently invited to contribute to and advise various government agencies across Australia.
In her voluntary role, Sue provided one-on-one support to parents, carers, and individuals living with FASD. She also delivered training and workshops to a broad range of professionals, including foster carers, educators, alcohol and drug workers, disability and mental health practitioners, midwives, and community organisations. Her deep understanding of the secondary conditions often associated with FASD has informed and enriched her advocacy.
In recognition of her contributions, Sue was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2006 for her service to the community through the establishment of NOFASD, and for her work in community education and reconciliation. She is widely acknowledged as a leading figure in advancing national awareness and understanding of FASD.
Although Sue officially retired from NOFASD in 2015, she continues to support the organisation in a voluntary capacity.
Her efforts have been further recognised through several awards, including the 2018 National HESTA Community Sector Unsung Hero Award and the 2019 Citizen of the Year Award from the Yankalilla District Council. Most recently, in December 2023, Sue was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Letters by The University of Western Australia, celebrating her enduring impact on FASD awareness and advocacy.