Leadership

Chief Executive Officer
Meagan Cross

A founding member of FAST Australia, Meagan served as the Chairperson for 13yrs prior to transitioning to the role of full time Chief Executive Officer. Meagan is responsible for the daily operations of FAST Australia, leading the management of the registry. She works closely with the Board of Directors to devise and execute the strategic vision. Leveraging her expertise in information science and prior involvement with the Global Angelman Syndrome Registry, Meagan contributes significantly to project management and development. Additionally, she holds a position on the board of directors at FAST United States.

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

 

Executive Assistant
Sunni Kasprowicz

Driven by her passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, Sunni combines her academic background with her professional expertise to support FAST Australia in its mission to improve outcomes for individuals affected by Angelman Syndrome. She previously completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine and a Masters of Genetic Counselling through the University of Melbourne and is a Registered Disability Practitioner. Her masters included placements with Mercy Hospital for Women and Victorian Clinical Genetics Service. Sunni has worked with projects such as RDNow and Darwin Genetics Service, and currently works with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s groundbreaking study Generation Victoria specialising in recruitment for integrated studies participants. In November 2023, Sunni was awarded the ASGC Best Poster Award at the Human Genetics Society of Australasia Conference. 
 
Sunni is a proud mum and lives in Gippsland, Victoria with her husband and their son Ollie. Sunni enjoys horse riding and going to the beach with her family.

board of directors

The FAST Board of Directors is a group of parents whose children live with Angelman syndrome. These parents are all professionals with skill sets that contribute to and help drive the vision for the organisation.

Shane Jez

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.

Jeromie Mohr

Deputy Chairperson/Secretary

Jeromie is an accomplished senior leader specialising in tax accounting with 16 plus years’ experience with combined experience in both the public sector and custodian industry sectors across multinational environments, he is a Certified Public Accountant with a Bachelor of Business Accounting and Economics and Finance and currently works as the Vice President and Head of Tax Australia at State Street. Jeromie has experience in strategy development, quality assurance and governance. Jeromie has four children; his eldest daughter, Jayda, has Angelman syndrome.

Kristy Walton

Treasurer

Kristy brings over 15 years of experience in the Defence Base and Estate Management sector, specializing in integrated facility and asset management. She has managed Defence base redevelopments and upgrades, with expertise spanning estate upkeep, finance, Defence fuel infrastructure, and project delivery. Kristy takes pride in developing roles, processes, and procedures to streamline operations for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Kristy and her husband Troy run a small business and are parents to four daughters, including Indie, their second youngest, who lives with 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.

Emma Snelgar

Fundraising and Community

Emma is an experienced Senior Human Resources and Industrial Relations professional in the Queensland Government sector, and has worked in areas including TAFE, Education, Training, Employment and Justice. Emma holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources / Management) and additional qualifications in Results Coaching as well as areas of interest in health and wellbeing, including mental health. Emma has operated a small employment services business and also runs an electrical business with her husband Ryan on the Sunshine Coast.
Emma has two daughters; her youngest daughter Blair lived 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.

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.  Anna lived in Australia from 2009-2023 and has now returned to her homeland of Ireland. Anna is still an active board member and serves as the EU representative for the Global Angelman Syndrome Registry.  Anna and her husband have two daughters, their youngest Roisin lives with 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.