Our Board
Endometriosis Western Australia is a charity established to improve the lives of Western Australians affected by endometriosis.
Our Board
In 2013, there was no support group for people with endometriosis in the Perth metropolitan region. After many years of feeling isolated and alone with endometriosis, and recognising an absence of social and cultural support, Joanne McCormick established an online support network to fill the void; Endometriosis Perth Sisterhood of Support (EPSS).
Today we proudly support our improved mission and purpose as EndometriosisWA.
AKAITI JAMES President
Akaiti holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with First Class Honours in Medical Research from the University of Western Australia and is currently studying to be a Medical Doctor. She is qualified in Not-for-Profit Governance through the Australian Institute of Company Directors and sits as a Director on numerous boards. Akaiti was mentored by Professor Fiona Wood, Dr Mark Fear and Associate Professor Krish Karthigasu to set up the endometriosis biobank with King Edward Memorial Hospital.
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Akaiti is passionate about advocating for endometriosis at a State and Federal level to change public policy and improve healthcare outcomes for people with endometriosis. She believes consumer and community involvement is an invaluable asset both in research and clinical practice.
CLEMENTINE CROWTHER Vice President
Clementine has Bachelor of Arts & Communications from the University of New South Wales. Her expertise extends from public relations and advocacy to creative, communications, strategic engagement, and marketing execution. She is currently the Head of Advocacy, Gender Equality at Minderoo Foundation, and has also run her own consultancy and worked within some of Australia’s most recognised agencies and startups.
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Clementine is a mum to three young boys and a passionate gender equality advocate with nearly two decades experience in storytelling and connection building for not-for-profit organisations. Clem was only twelve when she first experienced the symptoms of endometriosis, but despite a strong support network, it took her nearly ten years to receive a formal diagnosis. Like many, as a young woman Clem thoughtful painful periods were normal, even when they were so severe she couldn’t attend school or work. Sick of suffering in silence to keep others from discomfort, she joined the board of Endometriosis Western Australia board in February 2024 to help those with endo feel seen.
REBECCA MORGAN Secretary
Rebecca is an experienced Non-Executive Director with over 22 years of professional industry experience in the resource sector. She has an undergraduate degree in Science (Hons), a Post Graduate Diploma, and a Masters in Engineering all from Curtin University in Western Australia. She has served on the board of several ASX listed and unlisted companies.
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Rebecca is an expert in project due diligence who specializes in strategic thinking driven by a relentless an instinctive drive to develop solutions for operations, build teams, and remove silo mentalities across organisations. Rebecca is an affiliate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA). Rebecca is a dedicated women’s health advocate, passionate about educating the community about endometriosis and other associated conditions which is driven by her personal experience with Endometriosis. Rebecca joined the Endometriosis Western Australia board in February 2024.
CHLOE HUISMANN Treasurer
Chloe is a skilled finance professional with a background in auditing, due diligence and financial planning & analysis. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), in addition to holding a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia, majoring in Accounting and Business Law.
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Chloe was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2022, after experiencing a delay in medical professionals recognising her symptoms and a further delay in accessing a formal diagnosis and surgical treatment.While waiting for a formal diagnosis, Chloe joined the Endometriosis Western Australia Warriors support group. The lack of awareness surrounding endometriosis and the impact the Facebook support group had on her own experience inspired her to join the Board as Treasurer.
CHAREEN RAJA Board Member
Chareen holds a Master’s degree in Organisational Psychology from Murdoch University and a certificate in Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a seasoned Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) expert with over a decade of experience in senior HR leadership positions across banking, insurance, and the not-for-profit sector.
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Chareen is passionate about gender equity and is a strong advocate for raising awareness of women’s health in the workplace. She combines her deep knowledge of behavioural science and systemic change to drive equity within corporations and the broader community.
It took Chareen several years to receive a formal diagnosis of endometriosis, and like many, she assumed her pain was normal when it was anything but. Her personal journey fuels her commitment to supporting the mission of Endometriosis WA, advocating for early intervention, and raising greater awareness.
Chareen joined the Endometriosis Western Australia board in August 2024.
DANNIELLE PHELEN Board Member
Dannielle is a trusted executive and strategic learning leader with over two decades of experience building capability across the education, health, and community sectors. She is the Managing Director of The Capability Alliance and, throughout her career, has designed and led nationally and internationally recognised learning programs to transform workforces and deliver measurable outcomes in complex service environments.
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Dannielle brings deep expertise in organisational development, educational technologies, and inclusive leadership. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and is an experienced company director with a strong foundation in governance, strategy, and systems thinking.
As someone with lived experience of endometriosis, Dannielle is passionate about driving meaningful change through education, advocacy, and policy reform. She believes in the power of diverse voices, collaborative leadership, and system-level change to improve health outcomes for people living with endometriosis.
LEANI VILJOEN Board Member
Leani has an extensive background in human resources, corporate services, governance and operations, primarily within the healthcare sector. Currently working the Western Australia Department of Treasury as Director Corporate Strategy and Performance, Leani has more than 20 years experience working across Australia and New Zealand.
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Leani is passionate about improving health outcomes through medical research and has held operational and governance roles with organisations in the field.
Leani has undertaken business and healthcare tertiary education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level including a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), BA Honours (Psychology), Masters of Business Administration, Postgraduate Certificate in Business, Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management and Graduate Certificate in Leadership (Health and Human Services). Leani is a Certified Professional Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute, Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Services Management and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
JENNIFER WARD Board Member
Jennifer is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in marketing, content, CRM & data and user/customer experience. With a BA Hons Degree in Business Management from London South Bank University, she brings a strategic approach to stakeholder engagement, digital transformation, and operational excellence.
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Currently Head of Marketing & Content, Jennifer has a proven track record in driving business growth through data-driven insights and innovative marketing strategies. She has also played a key role in business unit operations, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing efficiencies.
Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Jennifer is dedicated to supporting Endometriosis WA in its mission to raise awareness, advocate for better healthcare and provide a supportive community for those affected by endometriosis. Her expertise in digital engagement and strategic planning will help drive the organisation’s initiatives forward.