Our People

Jason has an extensive background in corporate services, compliance and organisational development, gained over more than 20 years in the not-for-profit and community sectors. Jason is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has a particular interest in governance and strategy.

Jan is a strong advocate for families impacted by Huntington’s disease, having lived experience as a carer, and as a long-standing volunteer of Huntingtons Queensland, both at board level (for more than 10 years) and as a volunteer facilitator for her local support group. A former small-business owner, Jan claims to be retired – but we know better!

Gerry has been a stalwart of Huntingtons Queensland for more than 25 years, and is well known in our HD community as a determined and forthright advocate for families impacted by Huntington’s disease. Gerry, a retired corporate manager, also has many years’ lived experience of HD as a parent, husband and carer.

Shane is a keen and active supporter of the HD community. With Shane’s family affected by HD, he is determined to support all those directly impacted, their families and the goal for a cure. Shane has extensive experience in senior business management roles, having worked for more than 20 years for Telstra, and most recently in consulting roles across business transformation.

Susy has a long professional history with neurodegenerative disease, including Huntington’s disease, as a researcher in neuroscience. She has a PhD in Physiology, and has held a number of research roles in Italian and Australian institutions. She is currently working in a contract research organisation, in the field of clinical trials, and brings a highly valued scientific perspective to our work.

Cate is a speech pathologist and psychologist with more than 20 years’ experience in caring for people and their families affected by Huntington’s disease.

Jan has worked in the not-for-profit sector in CEO and executive leadership positions for nearly 20 years and joined Huntingtons Queensland in 2016. She has a strong interest in progressive neurological conditions, having worked in dementia and motor neurone disease, as well as supporting people impacted by cancer, stillbirth and organ donation.

A former journalist, Jan spent more than a decade in strategic communications in the corporate sector and for government agencies – including a stint as senior press secretary to a Prime Minister. In 2007 she was one of four finalists for the Australian NFP Network CEO of the Year Award.

In her spare time Jan paints, writes and travels whenever she can.

Lauren has been volunteering and working within the Community Services Sector for the past 17 years. She has a solid foundation of experience in which to draw from including case management for large organisations and assisting families in small community focused services. Her focus and drive has always been on support, inclusion and building community networks. Prior to HQ Lauren coordinated Creative Respite Programs in South Brisbane.

Lauren loves to spend her spare time with family and friends, supporting local music and art and enjoying quality time with her dogs.

Tressa has worked on and off for Huntingtons Qld for over 20 years.  Tressa has an Arts and Social Work Degree, and worked in the disability sector for many years.   Tressa also worked in aged care, supporting older people with other forms of dementia.  Tressa would love to see a time when there is a cure for Huntingtons Disease.

Tressa is married to Michael, and they have three girls.   In her free time, Tressa enjoys listening to audio books, reading, gardening and spending time with her family.

Jen has worked at Huntingtons Queensland as Finance Officer for over five years. With Accreditations, CPA, B. Bus. – Accounting, Jen carries out all financial record keeping and accounting duties which includes Board and Statutory financial reporting.

Jen is married to Stan Lysiuk CPA. B. Commerce, who volunteers his Auditing expertise for the benefit of Huntingtons Queensland. They have two adult children.  When not at work, Jen and Stan are frequent theatre goers (mainly opera these days).

Jan has extensive experience in Operational and Strategic Management positions in both public and private sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom as a Human Resource Manager and HR Business Partner, working at Senior Management and Board levels.

Jan has been responsible for the development of processes, delivery of operational HR excellence and strategic direction of people issues, and sees her work with Huntingtons Queensland as an opportunity to continue to combine the professional fields of Human Resources, supporting the organisation in the development of policies and procedures, and general support to the team and the work undertaken by Huntingtons Queensland.

Jan is passionate and enthusiastic about Human Resources and its service delivery capabilities, is able to understand business drivers and the way in which HR expertise can make an impact above and beyond its traditional ‘administrative’ function.

Cathy has worked extensively in the not-for-profit sector for over 15 years.  She has expertise in administration management, IT, fundraising and event management. Cathy’s interest in not-for-profit work developed while volunteering when her children were babies. She has become very passionate about providing support to people that need access to specialised services and information.

When she is not at work, Cathy enjoys organising events and activities for friends and continues to volunteer when time permits. A keen amateur photographer, she is not surprisingly more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it.

Caitlin has worked at Huntingtons Queensland as part-time communications coordinator for almost three years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media & Communications (with Distinction), and coordinates the various communications distributed by Huntingtons Queensland: our website, newsletters, annual report, social media, direct mail campaigns, and all other letters and fact sheets.

Caitlin grew up in Toowoomba, and now lives with her husband, two dogs, four birds and a cat in their Brisbane home. When she’s not studying (she’s currently undertaking a Bachelor of Veterinary Science), she is listening to podcasts and audio-books, playing piano, or hanging out with her menagerie of furry and feathery creatures.