Our People
Our Board
Elected by the Association's members during the Annual General Meeting or appointed by the Board, Neuromuscular WA is fortunate to boast a dedicated Board of volunteers who ensure the Association remains focused on achieving our mission and following our strategic plan.
JOSH DAVENPORT, Chair
Bsc Vit Oenol, BSc Hum Mov
Josh has over 25 years of experience in business and financial management as owner of MyattsField Vineyards – a major sponsor since 2006.
He has spent time on local non-profit industry bodies which has developed his understanding of good governance and board dynamics.
Josh would like to see Neuromuscular WA continue to grow and make a real difference to their community.
Honorary Life Member & Board member since 2020
CARA PHILPOTT, Vice Chair
BPsych, BComm, DipBBus(Mgt), MBus(AppFin), GradCert(HlthEc)
Cara has over 25 years of experience working across a diverse range of industries and countries in human resources and organisational development.
She also serves on several committees as a patient and consumer representative in the health and disability sector and recognises the benefits decades of tireless advocacy from others have had on her experience as a mum to a boy with Duchenne.
Cara wants to pay this forward by supporting the Neuromuscular WA team to deliver services to their community.
Board member 2020-22, 2023-Present
ABBY MACNISH NIVEN, Treasurer
BSc, BComm, CFA, CAIA, GAICD
Abby is a CFA charter holder with a wealth of experience in investments, finance and equity markets with roles as CFO and Company Secretary for several ASX listed companies.
Her passion for Neuromuscular WA came from meeting the incredible team and the families that they provide support for.
She hopes to assist with governance financial stability during her time on the Board.
Board member since 2020
AARON SCHIER
MBA
Aaron’s career in the mining industry spans various roles in sales, technology and management, and he is the current Chair of Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia.
Initially becoming involved with Neuromuscular WA in 2015 as a volunteer, Aaron joined the Board two years later to help at a greater level. Aaron believes the organisation makes a life-changing impact that is needed, and he enjoys rallying behind the scenes to achieve it.
Board member since 2017
ELLEN STOREY-POTTER
BA(Hons), MDIPL, DipProc&Contract
Ellen’s professional experience is in procurement, project management, information systems and business analytics.
She has been involved with Neuromuscular WA for over 20 years through her family and after seeing firsthand the impact of the conditions, Ellen hopes her position on the Board will allow her to make a difference by helping the organisation to best provide support for those affected.
Board member since 2022
LISA KING
LLB(Hons), MIER, CPHR, GradCertLPC, CertOHS
Lisa is an experienced Human Resources, Law and Occupational Health and Safety professional, who has worked within the NDIS industry and currently works for a medical research company.
She has been an active volunteer with Neuromuscular WA for more than 6 years after being introduced by the Murphy family. Lisa joined the Board to help the organisation kick goals, reach targets and create more smiles.
Board member since 2022
ADELAIDE WITHERS
FRACP, MBBS (Hons), GradCertPRS, GradCertPSS, GradDipChildHlth
Adelaide is the clinical respiratory lead at PCH where she investigates predictors and causes for respiratory failure and sleep disorders in children living with neuromuscular disorders. She is also a medical researcher at Telethon Kids Institute.
This role sees her working closely with younger patients and she hopes her role on the Board will extend her relationships to the wider community. She wants to advocate for improvements in clinical care and ensure research is focused on improving meaningful health-related outcomes that matter.
Board member since 2022
MATTHEW CURNOW
MAppFin, B.A.Sc(Hons)
Matthew works as a Project Manager delivering social infrastructure through major research and health facilities across Australia.
After being introduced to the organisation by the Murphy family, he is driven to continue to build on Neuromuscular WA’s current foundation to grow and serve the current and future community for decades to come.
Board member since 2022
DEEMA AUDEH
BSc(Physio)
As a physiotherapist, WESA Hockey player, Australian Powerchair Hockey World Cup representative and engaged community member, Deema brings a varied skillset and insight into how Neuromuscular WA can better serve their community holistically.
Throughout her term, Deema aims to break down barriers to promote equality and to increase research into diagnosis and treatments to reshape what’s possible for people living with neuromuscular conditions.
Board member since 2023
NIRBHAY GUPTA
MSc(CompSecurity), MSc(CompSc)(Hons)
With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry Nirbhay brings expertise in team leadership, strategy and a full breadth of managerial experience across a range of industries.
He holds a strong commitment to improving the quality of life of people living with neuromuscular conditions and has vital insight as to how this can be achieved as the parent of a child living with Duchenne.
During his tenure, Nirbhay wants to utilise his skillsets to explore how we can increase our efforts in research and collaborate more with like-minded organisations and researchers.
Board member since 2023