ASAA National Committee
Our committee is made up of representatives from all over Australia and includes parents and siblings of people with Angelman syndrome.
We meet bi-monthly and work throughout the year to provide peer support for families while progressing our annual work program and delivering on our Strategic Plan.
The committee provide support for AS families, and provide assistance and information on AS to medical and allied health professionals, elected representatives, and the media.
If you are a newly diagnosed family or needing some support, please contact a committee member in your state or a member of the Executive.
President
Fiona Lawton
Queensland
Email Fiona
Fiona and Connor
Fiona grew up in Melbourne and lives in Brisbane with her husband Gerry and has a daughter and two sons – her youngest child, Connor, has Angelman syndrome (Uni Parental Disomy).
Fiona has over 25 years in the federal government sector, with more than 15 years in senior management and developing and implementing policy, regulations and frameworks across risk management, safety and community engagement.
With qualifications in neuropsychology and cognitive behavioural therapy, she runs a NDIS small business providing Support Coordination, Behaviour Support, Coaching and Training services, specialising in rare disease, communication disability and neurodevelopmental disorders. She is also a regular contributor to Source Mama magazine.
Fiona has been a ASAA Committee members since 2013 and President since 2020. She was a founding Board member of the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (Australia) in 2010.
Joelene and Jude
Joelene lives in Sydney with her husband Tom. Their only child, Jude, lives with Angelman syndrome (Deletion).
In 2024, Joelene joined ASAA and became the NSW State Representative.
Joelene is a dedicated advocate, practising as a solicitor. She is also a writer and regular contributor to the column on Angelman Syndrome News where she hopes to provide support and encouragement to caregivers.
Treasurer
Lysandra Callahan
Queensland
Email Lysandra
Lysandra and Joel
Lysandra grew up in Queensland, lived in Western Australia for over two decades, and now lives in Brisbane with her husband Kieran, and their five children and two grandchildren. Joel, the middle child, has Angelman syndrome (Deletion).
Lysandra is a qualified nurse working in the Emergency Department at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Lysandra is a founding member of the Angelman Syndrome Association of WA (ASAWA), and has forged many a wonderful friendship in the Angelman community.
She has been involved with ASAA since 2009 and has held several executive positions.
Annie and Max
Anne lives in Melbourne with her husband Matthijs and their two adult sons. Her youngest son Max has Angelman syndrome (Deletion).
Anne has a PhD in Biochemistry and many years ago worked as a medical researcher doing cancer research. She then worked in project management and has had Company Secretary roles at biotechnology start-up companies at the University of Melbourne.
After Max was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome she got involved in the disability sector as an advocate, including actively lobbying for the introduction of the NDIS.
She has worked as a Policy Officer and then in the role of Director, at Children and Young People with Disability Australia, the national peak organisation representing children and young people with disability.
Anne is very committed to progressing the rights of people with disability, with particular interest in education, communication and inclusion.
Sue and Alanna
Sue lives in Newcastle with her husband Ross. They have three children. Their youngest, Alanna, has Angelman syndrome (Deletion) and she lives nearby in a Supported Independent Living house.
Sue is one of the founding families with ASAA, having attended the first meeting in Sydney in 1993 and has continued to make a valuable contribution for nearly three decades.
She is a retired primary school teacher and is interested in social inclusion and travel with Angelman syndrome.
Jasmine and Weston
Jasmine lives in Beaudesert QLD, on a beautiful little farm with her husband Carl and two children, Lydia 7 and Weston 5 (deletion).
Jasmine worked for ANZ Institutional Bank division for many years, before leaving to run a “paddock to plate” business with her husband and family. Since the birth of Weston, Jasmine has been devoted to ensuring he gets the therapy and care he required. Westy was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome at 2.5yrs old.
Jasmine and her husband currently own and run a small cattle stud operation in the Scenic Rim.
Even though this journey is still relatively new for Jasmine and her family, she is passionate about advocating for inclusion and ensuring new families feel seen and welcome.
Vange and Jorja
Rachael and Robbie
Chrissy and Elliott
Chrissy lives in Melbourne with her husband Ben, son and two daughters. Their eldest, Elliott, has Angelman syndrome (Deletion).
She is a qualified nurse and works part time in Melbourne’s busiest Emergency Department looking after both adults and paediatric patients.
Chrissy joined the ASAA in 2018 and became the Victorian State Rep in 2023.
Chrissy helps run the social media of ASAA and is passionate about supporting families navigating this journey especially those who are newly diagnosed.
Tara and Harvey
Tara lives in Perth, WA with her partner Nicholas and their three-year-old son Harvey, who has Angelman syndrome (Deletion).
She has worked as a public servant with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for over 15 years.
Tara joined the Angelman Association of Australia in 2025 and is now the WA State Representative. She is dedicated to carrying forward the association’s work, supporting families, and helping continue the caring, connected community she, Nicholas and Harvey are lucky enough to be part of.
Zita and Samaya
Zita lives in Sydney with her husband, Shanesh, their four young children, and a lively extended family—including her parents, brother, sister-in-law, and two furbabies. Their youngest daughter, Samaya, was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome (deletion) after her first birthday in 2023, sparking more than 35 hospital admissions and significant medical challenges.
Originally from Fiji and raised in Australia, Zita holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching in Secondary Education. Her career began in teaching but flourished in project management, with over a decade’s experience in the NSW State Government.
Samaya’s journey inspired Zita’s deep passion for supporting children and families in hospital, especially those with complex needs. As a full-time working mum and carer, Zita advocates for families navigating complex medical and disability diagnoses, offering guidance and encouragement to those facing similar challenges with Angelman syndrome.
David and Marcus
David lives in Melbourne with his wife Belinda, and two sons. Their eldest, Marcus, has Angelman syndrome (Deletion).
He is a qualified Australian Legal Practitioner specialising in commercial litigation including WorkCover, Motor Vehicle Accidents and Public Liability.
David is committed to bringing Angelman syndrome to the forefront of people’s minds in an endeavour to raise awareness.
David joined the ASAA in 2024.
Michelle and Rosalie
Michelle lives in Melbourne with her husband Coco and their three children. Their eldest child, Rosalie, has Angelman syndrome (Deletion).
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and HR Management and has experience working in corporate HR within large organisations in the telecommunications, IT, and tertiary education sectors.
Following Rosalie’s diagnosis with Angelman syndrome and the difficulties in finding quality childcare and education for neurodivergent children, she became an advocate with Parenthood. Parenthood is a not-for-profit organisation that lobbies decision-makers to achieve policy changes related to paid parental leave, access to high-quality early childhood education, and family-friendly workplace policies.
Michelle joined ASAA in 2024 and aims to use her personal and professional experience to learn from the community, advocate, and support other families as they navigate their journeys.
Anna and Leo
Anna is a senior competition, consumer and regulatory lawyer at national law firm Gilbert + Tobin.
Her work spans advocacy, advisory and public policy matters, for both private and pro bono clients.
Most of all, Anna is the besotted mother of Leo who has Angelman Syndrome (mutation). Anna joined ASAA in 2025, 3 months after Leo’s diagnosis.
In this transformative age of clinical trials to cure Angelman syndrome, Anna hopes to contribute to how generously the Angelman community lifts families up post-diagnosis.
