Who We Are
Directors
Jen Bartlett
Chairperson
Jen Bartlett is the dedicated Chairperson of Lipoedema Australia and has been a Board member since early 2019. Under her leadership, Lipoedema Australia has significantly expanded its reach, building a community of over 11,000 members and increasing influence through educational initiatives such as webinar and on-demand content for health professionals.
Jen brings a strong background in human resources, providing valuable leadership in her role. She has actively lobbied the government, meeting with Federal MPs to push for greater recognition and support for lipoedema. Additionally, she has represented Lipoedema Australia at key conferences, raising awareness to improve the understanding of lipoedema within the medical field
Outside of her professional work, Jen is a mother of two young children. Her personal experiences fuel her passion for advocacy, as she strives to create a better healthcare landscape for future generations.
Louise Mansfield
Treasurer &
Public Officer
Louise has been a highly valued member of the Lipoedema Australia team since joining the board in 2012. She currently serves as both Financial Manager and Public Officer.
Louise holds a Commerce Degree from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and became an integral part of the Aussie Accountants team upon graduating in 2002. Her hard work and dedication to her craft earned her CPA qualifications in 2006, and she is now a co-owner of Aussie Accountants. The attention to detail and commitment to accuracy that Louise possesses are unparalleled, and she is a true quiet achiever. With her accurate and timely financial record-keeping, the Lipoedema Australia team can rest assured that the finances are in good hands.
In addition to her impressive financial expertise, Louise has also been closely involved with all of the Lipoedema Australia National Conferences, even taking on the role as speaker at our 2022 conference. Her passion and dedication to Lipoedema Australia, its mission and values are inspiring. Louise has an unwavering dedication to the continuing work of making a difference in the lives of those affected by Lipoedema.
Alyce Katsanos
Company Secretary
Alyce, a successful senior corporate leader with a proven track record in communication, facilitation,strategic delivery and governance, is an invaluable participant in helping Lipoedema Australia achieve its mission. Currently serving as the Head of Transformation Portfolio at a large superannuation organisation, Alyce has overseen a wide range of projects spanning organisational design, technology, product development, growth, and regulatory compliance.
Beyond her impressive professional accomplishments, Alyce is also a certified Executive Coach who is passionate about helping people overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. As someone who has faced her own share of challenges due to chronic illness, including lipoedema, Alyce is committed to advocating for greater recognition and understanding of this condition in both the healthcare system and society at large. She is determined to ensure that future generations do not have to endure the same struggles she faced before receiving a diagnosis and taking control of her condition. Alyce's passion and expertise will make a significant impact in increasing awareness of lipoedema and the improvement of the lives of those affected by lipoedema.
Meegan Treen
Vice-Chairperson
With a diverse background that includes event management, banking, quality system management, data analytics, marketing, export, warehousing, logistics and supply chain management, in addition to an extensive career in hospitality and tourism management, Meegan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Lipoedema Australia Board. Since returning to Australia in 2017 after more than six years living and working in Africa, Meegan has established her own businesses while also working in a consulting role in compliance, change management, and implementation of special projects.
Meegan has personal experience with lipoedema, having been diagnosed 30 years after first showing symptoms. This diagnosis inspired her to become a passionate advocate for raising awareness of lipoedema and educating others, so that future generations do not have to face the same challenges in receiving a diagnosis and accessing treatment as she has. Meegan speaks regularly at events large and small about her lipoedema diagnosis and surgeries, and doesn’t shy away from the hard questions.
In her spare time, Meegan is the Event Director at her local parkrun, coordinating volunteers, rostering and logistics, and of course encouraging athletes of all fitness levels and abilities to participate in the “5k your way”.
Liz Knox
Liz is a skilled communications professional with a deep passion for technology, creative storytelling, and social justice. With a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing, Business Information Systems) from the Australian National University and years of experience across various industries, Liz has honed her skills in independent community sector peak bodies since 2017. With experience in communications, workforce development and project management, along with her position as a Lived Experience Representative volunteer with Mental Health Lived Experience Tasmania, Liz brings her expertise in advocacy, awareness campaigns, and collective representation to raise the profile of Lipoedema Australia.
Liz is a proud neurodivergent woman, drawing on her lived experience with ADHD, mental ill-health, and disability to excel in her work. She is a staunch advocate for accessible lipoedema treatment and a cure, and in the meantime, she refuses to hide her legs away. As an emerging burlesque performer, Liz proudly showcases her legs on stage and inspires others to do the same.
Board Members
Lucy Melican
An accomplished physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience, Lucy has been contributing to the Lipoedema community for many years, and a Lipoedema Australia Board member since 2021. In 2007, Lucy became a highly skilled lymphoedema therapist, specialising in the diagnosis and management of lipoedema and lymphoedema, as well as providing outstanding care and support to patients in Melbourne and beyond. Lucy’s skills are instrumental in the development of lipoedema protocols.
Lucy's unwavering commitment to Lipoedema Australia is highly valued and respected. Her expertise and best practice knowledge have enabled Lipoedema Australia to deliver high-quality services and support to the lipoedema community. As a speaker, Lucy is in high demand; she has presented at numerous conferences, including the Lipoedema Australia National Conferences in 2018, 2022 and 2024. In addition to her clinical work, Lucy has also demonstrated an extraordinary level of dedication to raising awareness and promoting education about lipoedema.
Sharyn Frantz
With her extensive experience running a small business and a Masters degree in Psychology, Sharyn joined Lipoedema Australia in 2023, and along with serving the board, she is also currently working on her PhD examining the healthcare experiences of women with lipoedema. Sharyn brings with her an impressive background in volunteer work.
Sharyn's passion for women's rights and her dedication to improving the lives of women with lipoedema make her a valued member of the Lipoedema Australia board. Her experience in marketing, sales, fundraising, and event organisation allow for the advancement of lipoedema awareness, as well as a positive contribution and impact for the lipoedema community. When she's not working hard on her PhD and to support our cause, she can be found creating beautiful sculptures in her ceramics studio.
Jacqueline Taylor
Jacqueline joined the Board of Lipoedema Australia in August 2024, bringing a diverse and adaptable skill set honed across broadcast media, marketing and communications, dental and medical practice management, and human resources within the healthcare sector.
With her ambition and forward-thinking mindset, Jacqueline is always looking for new ways to innovate and make a positive impact. A true “Jacq of all trades”, she is deeply committed to helping others, a value that drives her both professionally and personally. Jacqueline’s unique expertise and passion for supporting others contribute significantly to the Board’s success and vision for the future of Lipoedema Australia.
Shelley Peers
Shelley is a dedicated special education teacher with a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counselling. She brings a unique blend of expertise and creativity to her work, drawing on her diverse professional background, which includes experience as an event coordinator managing large-scale music events and trade shows.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Shelley is a devoted mother of four teenagers and the host of the Lipoedema Podcast, where she raises awareness and shares valuable insights about living with lipoedema. Her passion for advocacy and education in this area led her to join the board of Lipoedema Australia, where she actively works to support and empower others affected by the condition.
With her multifaceted skill set and deep commitment to making a difference, Shelley is a champion for inclusion, education, and community engagement.
Advisory Board
Lipoedema Australia Advisory Board members are well respected professionals in their field, who have been appointed due to their skill specialisation and experience in the treatment of lipoedema, advocacy work and a range of . They work with the Board of Lipoedema Australia, providing independent, evidence-based advice, and additional resources to assist in the implementation of strategic projects.
The Advisory Board has recently grown, and we look forward to introducing our new members shortly!
Lisa Higgins
Lisa, a Vodder-trained Remedial Massage Therapist and Medical Intuitive is a valued member of the Lipoedema Advisory Board. Lisa's unique approach merges mainstream medical massage with her Medical Intuitive techniques to provide effective care for women with lipoedema and lymphoedema. Since 2006, she has been working with patients to guide them towards the tools they need to self-manage their condition.
In addition to her clinical work, Lisa regularly gives talks to cancer support groups and The Encore Program, sharing her knowledge and insights with those in need. She is also an active volunteer with Raise Foundation, where she mentors a Year 8 or 9 child within the school environment. Lisa's commitment to a toxin-free lifestyle, filled with crystals and healthy food, is a testament to her dedication to holistic wellness. Her approach to embracing the joy in small things is an inspiration to us all.
Megan Pfeffer
Megan is a Clinical Nutritionist, with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine, and is currently undertaking her Master's of Mental Health. She is passionate about "food that loves you back". Megan's personal experience with lipoedema, diagnosed in 2019, has given her a deep understanding of the health and emotional challenges that women with this condition face. Her professional expertise and personal experience make her a valuable asset to the team.
Megan's extensive and impressive experience in the field of lipoedema is evidenced by her previous senior role with a lipoedema organisation in the US, where she served on the medical advisory board. She has presented at numerous international conferences in New York, Boston, and Italy, and has co-authored the 2019 research paper titled 'Ketogenic diet as a potential intervention for lipedema' and eBook with Dr Karen Herbst titled 'A guide to medical tests for women with lipoedema'.
Meegan Treen
Chairperson
Meegan is the Advisory Board Chair, serving as the conduit between the Lipoedema Australia Board and the Advisory Board. Her experience in leading diverse teams and working on special projects, along with her passion for advocacy and making change provides the Advisory Board a solid foundation from which to grow.
Helen Eason
Helen is a UK-trained Advanced Practice Physiotherapist specialising in oncology and lymphatic disorder management for 27 years. She was awarded Titled status for lymphoedema and cancer by the Australian Physiotherapy Association in 2020 for her advanced skills in these areas. Outside of clinical work, Helen is a PhD candidate at The University of Sydney, currently researching assessment tools for lipoedema phenotypes.
Helen has been invited to present at various oncology, lymphoedema, and lipoedema conferences worldwide, with previous involvement in numerous steering groups and think tanks for advancing the provision of lymphatic care. Her advocacy, awareness raising, and research of lipoedema led to a Lipoedema Star award from Lipoedema Australia in 2022.
As past chair of the National Lymphoedema Practitioner Register Committee, Helen brings experience from this position as a member of the Australasian Lymphology Association Advisory Forum. Additionally, Helen brings personal experience of common lipoedema comorbidities PCOS, hypermobility, and arthritis to this position.
Outside of her professional life, Helen has a strong wanderlust and is always planning her next trip. She finds peace walking in the natural world, through her garden and yoga.
Priyanka Rai
Priyanka brings a wealth of experience with her, spanning 15 years in healthcare, advocacy and non-profit leadership. Priyanka currently works for Breakthrough T1D: Type 1 Diabetes (formerly JDRF International) as Director of Policy, Global Access. Here she leads global programs aimed at improving healthcare access in underserved regions, including their Basic Care Program and Diagnosis Pilots.
Priyanka is also President of Batten Disease Support and Research Association, where she Spearheads strategic initiatives to enhance organizational impact, ensuring alignment with BDSRA’s mission to support individuals and families affected by Batten disease, the most common form of childhood dementia.
She has previously worked for Painaustralia where she led the development of the National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management and also at Dementia Australia where she advocated for individuals living with complex neurodegenerative disease, contributing to national policy reforms and leading programs that directly responded to the needs of the community.
Priyanka is also the Founder and Principal of Pursuit of Pangaea (PoP) Policy, a pro bono strategic advisory consultancy dedicated to supporting purpose driven organisations with limited resources. Priyanka has a Master of Science in International Business and Management and a Bachelor of Business Management.
Marianne Cashin
Marianne is a podiatrist with 15 years experience in private practice, hospital, and community health settings in both Australia, and the UK. Initially working in private practice in Australia, she saw a broad range of presentations, however with her passion for sport, she was keen to work in musculoskeletal podiatry. Moving to the UK, she undertook a MSK role in the NHS working mainly with surgeons, and physios for sports related injuries.
However, after covering leave for a colleague in the High Risk Foot Unit, she discovered her passion for prevention, and care of diabetes-related foot complications, and lower limb vascular issues - and has never looked back. Now back in Australia, she sees a varied presentation of lipoedema in clinic, liaising with the brilliant local lymphoedema physiotherapists, and massage therapists to get patients started on their conservative, and potentially surgical pathways. She is passionate about helping people to maintain their foot health, and independence.
Through her personal experiences with lipoedema, and inspired by the great work of Lipoedema Australia, she has a strong desire for greater recognition of lipoedema amongst the health community, so that when you see a therapist, or doctor, in any field, it is a positive experience.
Nikki Knighton
Nikki has a collection of unique, eclectic, niche skills that she applies to diverse areas of occupational therapy (OT). Completing her Lymphoedema Practitioner training in 2000 at the Vodder Schule in Austria as a massage therapist sparked her interest in lipoedema awareness, diagnosis, and helping people access appropriate care.
After completing her Master in Occupational Therapy Practice in 2008, Nikki worked in public mental health settings for 2 years where she developed a strong interest in the emerging field of sensory modulation (changing how you feel through your senses) and interoceptive awareness (understanding sensations in your body).
A move to Bendigo saw Nikki working with lipoedema clients in the Pain and Lymphoedema Clinics of the local outpatient rehabilitation service. She currently works in private practice as an OT, in addition to holding a position as a Pain Revolution Local Pain Educator, working to increase access to pain science education in rural and regional areas for both clinicians and the general public.
Joining the Advisory Board enables Nikki to apply her knowledge and experience with education and training, persistent pain, lymphoedema, mental health and trauma, neurodivergence, gender diversity, sexuality, body image and perception, sensory processing, mindfulness, deep rest, connective tissue disorders and hypermobility. She is passionate about helping people develop inner knowing and self-worth as key ingredients to living their best possible life.
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