Meet Our Team
The experienced team at EDFA is passionately driving the change for Australian families and carers impacted by an eating disorder.
Leadership Team
Jane Rowan
Executive Director
“Starting conversations, raising awareness, and advocating for better community understanding of what families and carers are experiencing with an eating disorder present in their lives is what drives me every day.”
Jane is EDFA’s first Executive Director and joined the organisation in 2022. A former journalist and marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement leader, Jane and her eldest daughter, Charley, have always been deliberately open about Charley’s diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa and the effect it had on the family. She is grateful for the opportunity to support more families through EDFA and to work with the EDFA team to break down the stigma surrounding eating disorders.
A mental health advocate for the past two decades, Jane is looking forward to the day when an eating disorder diagnosis receives the same response from the community as other serious medical conditions. Jane, who has a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, has previously worked for several private healthcare companies, including Addiction Sciences Qld where she established a face-to-face support group for parents and carers of those living with substance dependency.
She sits on two non-profit Boards and is passionate about serving the community and living a life of purpose. Mentoring and supporting the EDFA team is a main focus of her role and she is grateful for the opportunity to work with such an incredible and inspiring group of people.
Jane describes herself as a lifelong learner so in her free time, you will often find her studying or reading. If she’s not doing that, she will be in the garden with her rescue dog, cat, and hens or cooking meals for the week for her family of six. A self-proclaimed musical theatre tragic, one of her favourite treats is a night out at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane, where she is based.
Alex Kisilevich
National EDucation Program Manager
“I love being able to support carers, who are often forgotten, and yet so central to their loved one’s recovery.”
Alex began her journey with EDFA in a volunteer capacity after completing her Masters of Public Health. She was looking for a fulfilling role in an organisation working towards improving community health. She says what she encountered at EDFA was incredible parents looking to do their best in caring for their child. Their positivity and generosity in helping other families and carers continues to inspire Alex, who has been with EDFA since 2020.
In her current role, Alex, who also holds a Bachelor of Social Science, is responsible for EDFA’s support groups and Facebook forum and she is constantly in awe of the strength she sees in the carer community. She says her dream has always been to become a Program Manager and she cannot imagine a better place to work.
Based in Melbourne, Alex’s young daughter and husband take up much of her free time, but she has long-term goals of returning to a life of reading and running.
Chris Fowler
Fill The Gap Program Director
"While supporting people experiencing eating disorders over the past few years, I have seen the crucial role carers play in recovery. With EDFA, I am thrilled to be able to provide the education and support that carers deserve."
Chris is a registered psychologist who has worked in the area of eating disorders since 2012. He first worked in an inpatient and outpatient hospital setting providing support to those experiencing eating disorders. For the last 8 years he worked at the Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline. He first started by supporting those reaching out for help, including carers, before moving into a management role guiding the Clinical and Operational aspects of the Helpline.
Chris is passionate about the invaluable role carers play in supporting their loved one's recovery. He has seen how families and carers can often get forgotten as a crucial part of the recovery process and rarely receive their own support. In his part time private practice he enjoys providing guidance to carers and empowering them as they navigate the eating disorder recovery journey with their loved one.
In his spare time Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and young family in Sydney, mainly doing whatever the kids want. When he finds any additional time he enjoys losing himself in books, movies and music as well as finding good places to eat with family and friends.
Laura Zuber
National Support Program Manager
"I recovered from my own experiences of anorexia and supported close members of my family through their own eating disorders, which drove me to wanting to support and empower those in caring roles."
Laura has a strengths-based, person-centred framework with hope, worldview, and the power of vulnerability at the core of everything she does. Having worked in the lived experience space for many years for a number of different organisations, including Eating Disorder Queensland (EDQ), Butterfly Foundation and Battyr, Laura is committed to empowering those in recovery by providing non-judgemental, compassionate support to break the shame and stigmas associated with eating disorders and mental health challenges. She has an extensive background in eating disorder lived experience support, management, framework development and advocacy, as well as post-graduate qualifications in Psychosexual Therapy and Health Science.
Laura is based in Brisbane after moving from England in 2018. She speaks Spanish, has a nostalgia for anything from the eighties and loves spending her free time reading, watching films, exploring as much of the world as she can, and being creative through photography and writing.
Janine Soubachov
National Marketing and Communications Manager
“I am motivated to deliver the best possible support, education and advocacy for carers and family members who are impacted by an eating disorder, as they play an essential role in the recovery of their loved ones.”
Janine joined the EDFA team in May 2024 to lead the Marketing and Communications team. She is a results-driven marketing and communications expert with 25 years of experience working with leading global businesses and not-for-profit organisations, with a specific focus in the Health Sector. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree and post-graduate diploma in Marketing and Advertising Management.
Janine supported multiple friends with eating disorders and has personal experience as a primary carer. She aims is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through her work at EDFA and welcomes the opportunity to support, advocate and lighten the load for carers and family members.
Based in the Sunshine Coast, Janine enjoys a variety of outdoor activities in her free time including swimming and walking her two dogs at the beach. She is an intrepid traveller and values family, community and spending quality time with her two young daughters and husband.
Mia Bannister
National Partnerships Manager
"My journey into the not-for-profit sector was profoundly shaped by the loss of my own child after a short battle with anorexia. Through my work with EDFA, I strive to create lasting change and honour my son’s memory."
Mia is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for purpose-driven work. With a strong background in business development and client strategy, she is committed to forging meaningful connections and driving sustainable growth.
Losing her son to anorexia nervosa drives her dedication to raising awareness, supporting prevention efforts, and helping families affected by eating disorders.
Support
Laura Zuber
National Support Program Manager
"I recovered from my own experiences of anorexia and supported close members of my family through their own eating disorders, which drove me to wanting to support and empower those in caring roles."
Laura has a strengths-based, person-centred framework with hope, worldview, and the power of vulnerability at the core of everything she does. Having worked in the lived experience space for many years for a number of different organisations, including Eating Disorder Queensland (EDQ), Butterfly Foundation and Battyr, Laura is committed to empowering those in recovery by providing non-judgemental, compassionate support to break the shame and stigmas associated with eating disorders and mental health challenges. She has an extensive background in eating disorder lived experience support, management, framework development and advocacy, as well as post-graduate qualifications in Psychosexual Therapy and Health Science.
Laura is based in Brisbane after moving from England in 2018. She speaks Spanish, has a nostalgia for anything from the eighties and loves spending her free time reading, watching films, exploring as much of the world as she can, and being creative through photography and writing.
Sallie Egglestone
Lead Facilitator and Moderator
“My journey with my daughter with an eating disorder came out of left field. I had to teach myself how to heal her and my family with few resources. What I learnt I felt I needed to share.”
Sallie’s background as a naturopath and mindfulness meditation teacher combined with her lived experience enable her to guide other carers on the eating disorder recovery journey with empathy and deep understanding.
A strong belief that community is key drives Melbourne-based Sallie’s interactions in EDFA support groups and in mentoring other EDFA facilitators and moderators. Sallie, who holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences, says it is a privilege to be a part of everyone’s journey and to witness the vulnerability, pain, and heartbreak as well as the resilience, love, and kindness that inevitably accompanies those journeys.
Sallie’s vision is to bring carers together to champion each other, to share in their triumphs, and create a national community of hope, whilst raising awareness of what these carers can and have achieved. She believes eating disorders and the impact they have on families should be visible and everyone’s business.
Swimming in the ocean, reading a book with a pot of tea, and sharing a beautiful home-cooked meal and a glass of pinot with family and friends is what a perfect day looks like for Sallie. Of course, her favourite music would be playing in the background and her dog and cat would be at her feet.
Lindsay Snell
Support Program Administration Assistant
“My passion is driven by my daughters, who are Autistic/multiply neurodivergent. I remain motivated by my belief that life is to be lived and should be fully inclusive for everyone.”
Lindsay is an active advocate, engaged as a carer with lived/living experience in marginalised and minority communities, disability, neurodivergence, and mental health. She is committed to helping improve system design, mental health and wellbeing, and the NDIS experience, as well as advocating for better health outcomes for Gippslanders.
Over the past 25+ years she has gained international brand, marketing, communications, and event management experience from the commercial and public sectors, primary industry, and community organisations. Since moving to Gippsland at the start of 2023 she has used her knowledge and skills to add value through her lived/living experience as a member of the Tandem Participation Register, the Gippsland PHN Health Needs Assessment Advisory Panel, and as a Trainee Board Member with Interchange Gippsland.
Music has always been a very important part of her life, and she has played with various bands/orchestras in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. Since making Gippsland her home, she has joined both the Gippsland Symphony Orchestra and Warragul Municipal Band, playing tuned and auxiliary percussion, and The Streeton Court Big Band, playing tenor saxophone.
EDucation
Alex Kisilevich
National EDucation Program Manager
“I love being able to support carers, who are often forgotten, and yet so central to their loved one’s recovery.”
Alex began her journey with EDFA in a volunteer capacity after completing her Masters of Public Health. She was looking for a fulfilling role in an organisation working towards improving community health. She says what she encountered at EDFA was incredible parents looking to do their best in caring for their child. Their positivity and generosity in helping other families and carers continues to inspire Alex, who has been with EDFA since 2020.
In her current role, Alex, who also holds a Bachelor of Social Science, is responsible for EDFA’s support groups and Facebook forum and she is constantly in awe of the strength she sees in the carer community. She says her dream has always been to become a Program Manager and she cannot imagine a better place to work.
Based in Melbourne, Alex’s young daughter and husband take up much of her free time, but she has long-term goals of returning to a life of reading and running.
Merril Bohn
EDucation Volunteer
"Being a dietitian who has worked extensively in adolescent eating disorders in the past, I am passionate about education and seeing it as one of the key elements in upskilling carers to assist their loved ones towards recovery,"
Merril’s involvement with EDFA started at its humble beginning attending face-to-face support meetings in Melbourne. Finding it incredibly helpful to meet with others in the same situation she has been involved ever since!
Now on the other side after supporting her daughter through a 6-year battle with AN (now recovered), Merril has continued to be involved with EDFA as a previous support group convenor and, over the last three years, as the co-coordinator of the fantastic EDFA Education Program.
Being a dietitian who has worked extensively in adolescent eating disorders in the past, Merril is passionate about education and sees it as one of the key elements in upskilling carers to assist their loved ones towards recovery.
Merril loves working alongside Lynn Garvey and together they have amassed over 160 hours plus of EDucation webinars (with many more to come) for carers to access in the EDFA library.
Sallie Egglestone
Lead Facilitator and Moderator
"Being a dietitian who has worked extensively in adolescent eating disorders in the past, I am passionate about education and seeing it as one of the key elements in upskilling carers to assist their loved ones towards recovery,"
Sallie’s background as a naturopath and mindfulness meditation teacher combined with her lived experience enable her to guide other carers on the eating disorder recovery journey with empathy and deep understanding.
A strong belief that community is key drives Melbourne-based Sallie’s interactions in EDFA support groups and in mentoring other EDFA facilitators and moderators. Sallie, who holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences, says it is a privilege to be a part of everyone’s journey and to witness the vulnerability, pain, and heartbreak as well as the resilience, love, and kindness that inevitably accompanies those journeys.
Sallie’s vision is to bring carers together to champion each other, to share in their triumphs, and create a national community of hope, whilst raising awareness of what these carers can and have achieved. She believes eating disorders and the impact they have on families should be visible and everyone’s business.
Swimming in the ocean, reading a book with a pot of tea, and sharing a beautiful home-cooked meal and a glass of pinot with family and friends is what a perfect day looks like for Sallie. Of course, her favourite music would be playing in the background and her dog and cat would be at her feet.
Advocacy
Janine Soubachov
National Marketing and Communications Manager
“I am motivated to deliver the best possible support, education and advocacy for carers and family members who are impacted by an eating disorder, as they play an essential role in the recovery of their loved ones.”
Janine joined the EDFA team in May 2024 to lead the Marketing and Communications team. She is a results-driven marketing and communications expert with 25 years of experience working with leading global businesses and not-for-profit organisations, with a specific focus in the Health Sector. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree and post-graduate diploma in Marketing and Advertising Management.
Janine supported multiple friends with eating disorders and has personal experience as a primary carer. She aims is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through her work at EDFA and welcomes the opportunity to support, advocate and lighten the load for carers and family members.
Based in the Sunshine Coast, Janine enjoys a variety of outdoor activities in her free time including swimming and walking her two dogs at the beach. She is an intrepid traveller and values family, community and spending quality time with her two young daughters and husband.
Nhi Nguyen
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
“I’m really grateful to be advocating for carers, the resilient and indispensable foundation in the journey to healing for those with eating disorders”
Nhi’s interest is using digital media to communicate well-crafted messages that help create positive social changes.
She is incredibly excited to use her skills to help families living with eating disorders in Australia.
Nhi is passionate about digital marketing and has spent two years working in the not-for-profit space. Her key areas of responsibility will involve assisting our Support Program with the administrative, and our Marketing and Communications team with social media and email marketing, maintaining the website, and broader marketing assistance.
In her spare time, she likes to play guitar, read, go on nature walks, and travel.
Fill The Gap Counselling
Chris Fowler
Fill The Gap Program Director
"While supporting people experiencing eating disorders over the past few years, I have seen the crucial role carers play in recovery. With EDFA, I am thrilled to be able to provide the education and support that carers deserve."
Rowena Brookes
Fill the Gap Counsellor
"I understand first hand the key role families play in the treatment and care for someone with an eating disorder, as well as the impact on the family unit. I see it as a privilege to be able to support and care for families as they support their loved one"
Angie Sloan
Fill the Gap Counsellor
"I understand first hand the profound emotional and psychological toll an eating disorder can take on families. My passion is to help other families navigate the challenging journey of guiding their loved ones toward a path of recovery."
Chris is a registered psychologist who has worked in the area of eating disorders since 2012. He first worked in an inpatient and outpatient hospital setting providing support to those experiencing eating disorders. For the last 8 years he worked at the Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline. He first started by supporting those reaching out for help, including carers, before moving into a management role guiding the Clinical and Operational aspects of the Helpline.
Chris is passionate about the invaluable role carers play in supporting their loved one's recovery. He has seen how families and carers can often get forgotten as a crucial part of the recovery process and rarely receive their own support. In his part time private practice he enjoys providing guidance to carers and empowering them as they navigate the eating disorder recovery journey with their loved one.
In his spare time Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and young family in Sydney, mainly doing whatever the kids want. When he finds any additional time he enjoys losing himself in books, movies and music as well as finding good places to eat with family and friends.
Rowena holds her Masters qualification in counselling and the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential.
She has a range of experience working with couples, teenagers, children and families and has lived experience caring for a loved one with an eating disorder.
Rowena loves getting to know her clients on a real level, seeing them learn about themselves, realise that change is possible, and that there is always hope. She believes it’s a real privilege to be let into her clients’ lives on this level for a season.
Rowena uses evidence-based approaches to counselling including Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Rowena also has training in TBT-S training (Temperament Based Therapy with Support) and has a personal understanding of FBT.
Angie is incredibly grateful to have been introduced to EDFA when her daughter was suffering from anorexia. The invaluable support and education that was provided helped guide her daughter into recovery. She feels very privileged to be involved in the ‘Fill the Gap program’ and is looking forward to connecting with carers.
Angie has had a varied career including neurosciences, pharmaceuticals and counselling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Physiology, a Masters in Counselling and the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential.. Angie is an experienced counsellor who has worked with children with anxiety, self-harm, autism, school refusal and depression. She is a qualified Peaceful Kids and Peaceful Parents facilitator and enjoys working with families to facilitate a harmonious household. She has also designed and delivered well -being programs in corporates.
Through her lived experience, Angie understands the devastating impact that an eating disorder can have on the entire family unit. Angie believes that carers are an integral part of their loved one’s recovery and wants to empower carers to be an active and informed member of the treatment team. With a belief that eating disorders are treatable, she wants to instil hope in others that recovery is possible.
In her spare time, Angie enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 teenage daughters, walking along the beach with her 3 dogs and
travelling.
Alisha Mah
Fill the Gap Counsellor
"Having first hand experience, I grasp the vital importance of families and carers in the treatment and care of those struggling with eating disorders, and I know the ripple effects this can cause within the family structure. It's a genuine privilege for me to extend my support and care to families as they navigate supporting their cherished ones."
Susan Donald
Fill the Gap Administration Assistant
"Life is full of challenges, yet together I believe we can support each other to make each day a little easier."
Laura McCosker
Research and Evaluation Assistant
“I am passionate about using research to inform evidence-based best practice to support Australian families affected by eating disorders.”
Alisha is a Registered Counsellor dedicated to supporting carers of individuals with an eating disorder. She focuses on fostering resilience and emotional well-being, helping carers navigate complex challenges with compassion and empathy. Her practice draws on her extensive experience working collaboratively with adults, children, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, her personal experience of caring for a loved one during their eating disorder recovery gives her unique insight into the challenges carers may face.
Alisha supports carers in addressing a range of issues, including:
• Managing feelings of guilt, helplessness, and anxiety.
• Improving communication and relationships within the family.
• Developing effective coping strategies for stress and burnout.
• Enhancing self-care practices to maintain their own mental and emotional health.
• Navigating the healthcare system and advocating for their loved ones.
• Understanding the dynamics of eating disorders and their impact on the family.
She utilises evidence-based therapies such as Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. Alisha’s approach is culturally sensitive, incorporating knowledge and experience working with First Nations, CALD, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Her goal is to empower carers with the tools and insights necessary to foster a nurturing environment for their loved ones while maintaining their own well-being.
Alisha holds a Master's in Counselling from Notre Dame University and is a member of the Australian Counsellors Association (ACA).
Susan joined EDFA in 2023 to assist with the new Fill The Gap program. Susan's background is in medical administration and working closely with patients to encourage positive outcomes during treatment pathways.
Outside work, Susan and her family are heavily involved in the equestrian circles and she can be found most weekends at showgrounds around the place competing with her children's team of horses.
She is extremely excited to be able to assist in the Fill The Gap program to bring one-on-one assistance and support to caregivers of those with an eating disorder. Life is full of challenges, yet together I believe we can support each other to make each day a little easier.
Laura joined EDFA in the role of Research and Evaluation Assistant in 2023. Laura holds undergraduate and masters’ degrees in health and social science, and is finishing a PhD in public health. She has worked on a variety of research and evaluation projects, including in the mental health space, in both academic and clinical settings.
Laura is passionate about using research and evaluation to improve the experiences of, and outcomes for, Australian families affected by eating disorders.
Laura is based in south-east Queensland. She spends her free time with her family and pets, outdoors, gardening, and reading.
