A group of fourteen ladies all looking at the camera and smiling. They are dressed in casual wear, and are flanked by banners showing the Lipoedema Australia log and tagline of Awareness, Advocacy, Acceptance

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 10,000 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

Financial Manager

& 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.

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 and 2022. 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.

Meegan Treen

With a diverse background that includes event management, banking, data analytics, logistics and supply chain management, as well as an extensive career in hospitality and tourism management, Meegan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Lipoedema Australia. Since returning to Australia in 2017 after more than six years living and working in Africa, Meegan has been running her own business. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to success make her a valuable asset to Lipoedema Australia.

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 and educating others about Lipoedema, so that future generations do not have to face the same challenges in receiving a diagnosis and accessing treatment as she has. Meegan's passion and expertise will not only make a positive impact at Lipoedema Australia, but also on the lives of those affected by Lipoedema.

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. As the Communications Coordinator at the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania and a Consumer Representative volunteer with Flourish Tasmania, Liz brings her expertise in advocacy, awareness campaigns, and lived experience 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.

Advisory Board

We are proud to announce the creation of the Lipoedema Australia Advisory Board. Members are well respected professionals who have been appointed due to their skill specialisation and experience in the treatment of lipoedema. They will work with the Board of Lipoedema Australia to provide independent, evidence-based advice.

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 degree-qualified Clinical Nutritionist, with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine. 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'.