Meet the EDFA Board of Directors.
David Garvey
Chairman
“My oldest daughter was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa at the age of 14. It was a terribly traumatic time for my daughter and our young family.
As the Chair of EDFA, David Garvey’s role is to support the Board and volunteers in running the programs provided, and to make a difference to the lives of parents & carers who desperately seek the help and support of EDFA.
David Quilty
Director, Board Member
“I am a parent who has supported a child with an eating disorder. My expertise is in government and stakeholder relations. I represent EDFA on the Eating Disorders Alliance Australia, working with other organisations like the Butterfly Foundation, and I also sit on the TBT-S Committee, working closely with EDFA’s volunteer strive facilitator in the ACT.”
Dr Andrea Phillipou
Andrea is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Mental Health at Swinburne University, and holds honorary positions in the psychiatry departments at St Vincent’s Hospital and the Austin Hospital. She leads the Swinburne Anorexia Nervosa (SWAN) Research Group, and the Body Image & Eating Disorders Research Portfolio at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Having had a family member with anorexia nervosa who did not survive the illness, Andrea is very passionate about the work undertaken at EDFA to support carers and family. She is proud to act as a board member, and chair EDFA’s research committee.
Fiona Mitchell
New board member
I am the parent of a child living with a life-threatening chronic illness who was diagnosed with an eating disorder in her late teenage years. Although our family had spent a lifetime navigating the health system, and the complexities of caring for a loved one with an illness, the realities of living with an eating disorder became some of the most anxious and overwhelming days we had experienced.
One of the things that provided comfort, especially in the early days when we were left feeling quite alone, was connecting with other people who had a shared experience.
Having worked for many years in the health sector, and predominantly with not-for-profit organisations assisting to secure funding agreements and strategic partnerships, I am proud to have the opportunity to work with EDFA and to contribute to the wonderful work to support families and carers.
Jennifer Patterson
Board Member
Jennifer is passionate about EDFA as a way to advocate for better services, promote evidence-based research for better treatment and give carers a community to feel educated and empowered.
