Board of Directors

FAST Australia is run by an all volunteer staff and board who dedicate their time and expertise to finding a cure for Angelman syndrome. Our goal is to bring practical treatment into current medical practice as quickly as possible.

Meagan Cross

Chairperson

Meagan Cross has a background in information science and operates a geographic information science consultancy with experience in data development, management, programming, analysis and presentation. Meagan also runs a business in Far North Queensland with her husband, Rohan, and a small charity in her home town of Cairns that hosts an annual fun run and walk to raise awareness for Rare Disease Day. Meagan serves on the board of directors of FAST United States and is a member of Rare Voices Australia.

Meagan has two daughters; her youngest daughter Molly, has Angelman syndrome.

Shane Jez

Secretary / Deputy Chairperson

Shane is a registered builder in Western Australia and is the owner and managing director of Tydan Constructions, a Perth-based commercial construction company. Shane has an Associate Diploma in Architecture, Diploma of Builders Registration and is a member of the Australian Institute of Building and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Shane serves as an adviser to the board of directors of the Conductive Education Charity of Western Australia (CECWA), a charity supporting making Conductive Education available to all children with complex and special needs.

Shane is married and has three children; his eldest daughter Aralie has Angelman syndrome.

Sally Asfour

Treasurer

Sally has 20 years’ experience in accounting,  working in both the public and private sectors. She brings her experience working as both a company and a financial accountant. Sally has a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting, and is a member of the institute of chartered accountants.  Sally currently manages a consultancy focusing on individual, company, trust and self-managed super funds.

Sally has three children; her daughter Analise has Angelman syndrome.

Anna Walsh

Board Member

Anna is a Clinical Trial Operations Manager with the NHMRC Clinical Trial Centre at the University of Sydney.  Anna has a BSc in Pharmaceutical Science and has 12 years experience in clinical trials in both industry and academic research, ranging from early Phase I through to Phase II and III studies. Anna loves the meaningful work in academic research which often leads to changes in clinical practice.  Originally from Ireland, Anna has lived in Australia since 2009.  Anna and her husband have two daughters, their youngest Roisin lives with Angelman Syndrome.

Christoph Tautphäus

Director

Christoph is an experienced leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with significant expertise in finance, administration, and business management. Christoph holds postgraduate and Honours degrees in Business Administration and International Business from United Kingdom and German universities. Christoph has worked for Boehringer Ingelheim since 2008 and currently holds dual roles as head of Finance and Head of Animal Health for Australia and New Zealand.

Christoph and his wife moved to Australia in 2017, they have three boys; his youngest son, Domininc has Angelman syndrome.

Chloe Simons

Chief Science Officer

Chloe teaches marine science at a field studies centre in southern Tasmania. Chloe has a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Education, Graduate Certificate in Science Education and a Graduate Certificate in Digital Technology. She has previously worked in environmental science, STEM and education of students with disabilities. Chloe has a particular interest in genetics and neurology and has been with FAST AU since 2009.

Chloe and her husband have three children; the oldest has Angelman syndrome.

Felicity Williams

Clinical Liaison

Felicity works as a staff specialist pediatrician at The Canberra Hospital and is currently director of paediatric education. Her specialties are general paediatrics,  including neurodevelopmental disorders, clinical genetics, infant health and child protection. She is actively involved in medical student and RACP trainee supervision, teaching and examinations. Felicity’s combination of medical knowledge and experience as a parent contributes positively to directing priorities in Angelman syndrome research.

Felicity and her husband have three boys; her middle child, Sebastian, has Angelman syndrome.