SMILE Foundation - Supporting Medical Innovation for Life Enhancement

Trained as a journalist, Karen has a strong background in the not for profit industry having worked at executive level for organisations such as Kolling Foundation and Hammond Care, and for educational institutions such as Kincoppal Rose Bay and St Augustine's College. Karen will use her strategic planning background and fundraising experience to bring SMILE to the next level of its development.

"I am passionate about SMILE because it is an important voice for those people and their families affected by a rare disease. We help families facing enormous challenges and provide hope of a better future – that is incredibly rewarding and inspiring on a daily basis."

Evie's most recent position was Executive Director of the State Zionist Council of NSW producing all aspects of large scale events such as Israel's Independence Day and developing marketing strategies for the organisation. She has a Bachelor of Arts from University of NSW and a Diploma in Health Counselling from the Medical Registrar of Australia. Her role involves directing SMILE's fundraising strategy and developing corporate and personal donor relationships.

"I am honoured to be working with the dedicated SMILE team, making a difference to families' lives and supporting medical research in a much needed area.”

Cheri Ochnio, Family Relief Program Advisor

Cheri oversees SMILE’s Family Relief Program; our newest initiative to assist families of children with rare diseases in times of financial difficulty. Cheri is ideally placed to help families who are coping with sick children. In 2001, when Cheri’s younger daughter, Jade, was 5 months old, she was diagnosed with the rare, incurable condition, Congenital Muscular Dystrophy and Cheri’s life changed dramatically. Cheri had to leave fulltime work and began volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and later worked with adults with Down's Syndrome.

“Through the relationships I have developed with Jade's Doctors, Therapists, Specialists, other hospital staff and of course all the wonderful parents I have met along the way, I feel I have a sound understanding of the processes and frustrations confronting parents and caregivers of children with rare illnesses. My involvement with SMILE will enable me to put this knowledge to good use and help others who are facing the same situations. I am committed to helping SMILE make a difference to the lives of children with rare illnesses.”

Dr Margaret Jones advises SMILE regarding its research program, scoping potential areas to support, managing its grantmaking process and monitoring supported projects. She is a Senior Research Fellow at Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne and Senior Lecturer at Monash University. She holds the NH&MRC RD Wright Career Development Award and is a key member of Evan Simpson’s Victorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium team. Margaret has been an invited speaker at international and national conferences, published 31 peer-reviewed articles in quality journals and established a collaborative partnership of scientists across six institutes and two countries. Her career objective is to benefit the Australian scientific and medical research communities by facilitating domestic and global opportunities for advancement.

Recently retired, Dr Susan Maastricht has worked in laboratory support and management for almost thirty years. Her most recent role was as Scientific Services Manager for the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. She has comprehensive experience in the disciplines of major laboratory and facility senior management, design and operations, relevant scientific and veterinary expertise and legislation, broad-based state and federal regulatory management and compliance, OH&S, research management and consultation. She has held official roles with the Australian Veterinarians for Animal Welfare and Ethics organisation for the past decade.

Since graduating with a BA majoring in Communications in 2000, Gavin has developed websites and e-marketing strategies for a diverse client base. He was awarded the Excellence in E-marketing Award from the Meetings and Events Association during his time at web development and IT Support company Sumix (2001 – 2005). He is currently Marketing and Design Manager for Association & Communication Events, an event management company ranked 27th in the BRW Fast 100 for 2006. Gavin’s role includes creative design, brand management and development, marketing strategy, media buying and database management.