Leadership Team and Staff Directory

Penny became CEO in 2023, after a long career with Muscular Dystrophy Queensland leading its finance, operations, fundraising and communications programs. Penny is also Muscular Dystrophy Queensland’s Company Secretary and serves on Risk & Finance and Marketing & Fundraising committees.

Before joining Muscular Dystrophy Queensland in 2005, Penny worked across diverse roles which included finance, business administration and website design and development. She obtained a Graduate Certificate in Business in 2020, receiving the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence. Having worked in the muscular dystrophy community for many years, she is passionate about improving outcomes for people living with muscle wasting conditions and drawing on the strengths of community to create necessary change.

Penelope Hodge is responsible for the development and management of Muscular Dystrophy Queensland’s Community Services team and programs. This includes occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work services, as well as support coordination, charitable programs and community events.

Penelope brings more than 25 years of experience across senior leadership, program management, board directorships and social work practice within the community, government, disability and not for profit sectors. A highlight of her career was six years as Chief Executive Officer of Muscular Dystrophy NSW. After relocating to Queensland for family reasons, she was delighted to join Muscular Dystrophy Queensland as General Manager in 2023.

Having worked alongside people with neuromuscular conditions and their families for many years, and as an aunt to two young people with significant disability, Penelope is deeply committed to delivering services that work in partnership with clients and families. She is passionate about supporting choice and control, and creating opportunities for meaningful connection.

Joachim Tan is the Support Coordinator Team Lead at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland. He is a passionate advocate for people with disability, recognised for his commitment to building strong, respectful relationships with clients and empowering them to navigate the NDIS with confidence.

In his role he supports individuals to access the right Allied Health services and community supports that align with their goals and values.

Joachim holds a Bachelor of Psychology from James Cook University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Queensland. With over 12 years of experience, including roles as a Disability Employment Consultant and Corporate Trainer, he brings a unique combination of leadership, clinical insight and communication skills to his work.

Since joining MDQ in 2020, Joachim has become a trusted voice for clients and their families. He is driven by a deep belief in social justice and is dedicated to making systems work better for the people they are meant to serve.

Lynne began working with Muscular Dystrophy Queensland in June 2018 to commence the allied health service. In addition to providing services directly for her clients, as clinical lead Lynne mentors our allied health team professionals and provides strategic direction regarding the ongoing development of current and future services. 

Lynne has been working with children and adults living with muscular dystrophy and neurological conditions for most of her career, working mainly in the disability sector but also under the aged care system, she has experience of the physiotherapy needs for people with neuromuscular conditions, particularly in a community setting, across the whole lifespan. She holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) and is due to complete her MBA studies in February 2022.

Lynne feels privileged to be working in a role she loves, with clients and colleagues she greatly admires and is committed to making a positive contribution to the people she works with and the greater neuromuscular community.

Karen Moore is the Operations Coordinator at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, bringing both personal passion and professional dedication to her role.

Karen joined MDQ in December 2023. Her connection with the organisation is deeply personal – her mother lived with muscular dystrophy, and her strength continues to inspire Karen’s commitment to supporting individuals and families facing similar challenges.

In her role, Karen manages a wide range of responsibilities to help keep the organisation running smoothly. She warmly welcomes clients at reception, coordinates staff inductions, assists the fundraising team, and provides support across departments as needed. Karen also ensures the day-to-day function of the office, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors and staff.

Additionally, Karen serves as MDQ’s First Aid Officer and Fire Warden, taking an active role in promoting the safety and wellbeing of everyone at the organisation.

She feels honoured to contribute to a mission that is so close to her heart.

Hiki Raureti is a Plan Management Coordinator at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, where she plays a vital role in ensuring timely payments to client service providers and monitoring individual plan budgets.

With a strong background in finance, Hiki brings a detail-focused approach to NDIS plan management, working closely with clients and providers to ensure accuracy, accountability and service continuity.

After a 17-month career break, Hiki returned to MDQ in June 2022, resuming her coordination role with fresh perspective and renewed commitment. Her work supports the financial side of service delivery, helping clients get the most from their plans while reducing administrative stress.

Hiki’s leadership contributes to the continuous improvement of internal systems, and she is known for her approachable manner, reliability and responsiveness. With a solid understanding of NDIS requirements and a passion for helping others navigate the system, Hiki continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with neuromuscular conditions.

Rayleen Cooper is a valued member of the Services and Plan Management team at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland (MDQ).

She plays an important role in maintaining strong relationships with clients while ensuring invoicing and payment processes are managed accurately and promptly. Her reliable support helps clients access the services they need without unnecessary delays.

Since joining MDQ in December 2019, Rayleen has brought a solid background in client service, administration and accounts. She was drawn to the variety and purpose of the role and has since contributed across MDQ’s departments, including Allied Health, Support Coordination, and Administration. Known for her attention to detail and teamwork, she is a trusted point of contact for enquiries and collaboration.

Rayleen holds a Certificate III in Business Administration and continues to build her skills through ongoing experience. She is passionate about helping people living with neuromuscular conditions and their families navigate the complexities of NDIS funding and support. Rayleen believes clear communication, patience, and empathy are key to empowering clients.

She takes pride in contributing to positive outcomes for individuals and families in the MDQ community. Outside work, Rayleen is known for her friendly nature, reliability, and strong team spirit. She values being part of an organisation committed to inclusion, compassion, and continuous improvement.

Vicki Carrick (she/her) is a Social Worker at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, providing counselling support to individuals, parents, and caregivers living with the daily challenges of neuromuscular conditions. Her role also includes facilitating opportunities for peer connection, helping clients feel supported and less isolated.

Vicki is a qualified Social Worker and Community Worker with over 25 years of experience in child protection and human services. She has worked extensively in the not-for-profit sector in both clinical and leadership roles, including program management, supervision, therapy, and training. Since joining MDQ, she has brought her strong, trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to support clients and their families with compassion and care.

Vicki holds a Master of Social Work, a Master of Social Administration (Community Development), and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology). She has also completed additional training in counselling, facilitation, and strengths-based supervision. Her practice is grounded in narrative and strengths-based frameworks.

Vicki is deeply committed to supporting people with neuromuscular conditions to access services, connect with peers, and experience personal growth and empowerment within their communities.

Stephanie Schrader is a senior occupational therapist with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families living with neuromuscular conditions.

With over seven years of experience across rural and metropolitan communities, Stephanie has worked with both adults and children in community, rehabilitation and clinic-based settings.

She holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Educational Services, bringing a broad perspective to her practice. Stephanie’s approach is centred on meeting families where they are – understanding their unique dynamics, environments and challenges to create practical, individualised solutions that enhance everyday life.

Stephanie is particularly passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with the people she supports. She understands the importance of listening deeply and working alongside families to set meaningful goals that reflect their values and priorities. Whether it’s navigating everyday tasks, exploring assistive technology or adjusting the home environment, Stephanie is dedicated to finding practical strategies that promote independence and wellbeing. She thrives in collaborative, team-based settings and takes a solution-focused approach.

Zoe Matthews is a Senior Occupational Therapist at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, supporting individuals with neuromuscular conditions through assessment, intervention and collaborative care within the multidisciplinary allied health team.

She joined MDQ in 2024, bringing experience from paediatric and community adult care settings under NDIS, DVA, and Medicare programs. Zoe has worked with people across the lifespan with neurodevelopmental conditions, physical disabilities, and age-related challenges.

She has pursued further training in the Occupational Performance Coaching model and is passionate about enabling people to engage in meaningful activities. Zoe is driven by a strong commitment to improving quality of life and fostering independence for those living with neuromuscular conditions.

Christina Pullen is a Senior Occupational Therapist dedicated to supporting people with neuromuscular conditions.

Christina works closely with clients and their families to help them achieve their goals and participate in meaningful everyday activities at home and in the community. Her work includes equipment prescription, therapy, and assessing function to provide justification for necessary funding and support.

With many years of experience – more than she can count – Christina has supported people with a wide range of neuromuscular conditions across different stages of life. She is passionate about ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to engage in meaningful activities and contribute to their communities.

Christina’s broad knowledge and commitment help her tailor therapy and support plans that respect each person’s unique needs and aspirations. She believes in empowering clients to live fulfilling lives and fully participate in their homes and communities.

Her work is driven by a genuine desire to improve the quality of life for people living with neuromuscular conditions.

Jisha Varghese is currently employed as a Support Coordinator at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, where she works closely with NDIS participants to support them in setting goals, strengthening support networks, and accessing vital services that promote daily living and independence.

With over a decade of experience in the social service sector, both in Australia and internationally, Jisha has supported vulnerable children, women, and families through complex and challenging circumstances. Her practice is grounded in empathy and a person-centred approach, with strong expertise in case assessments, therapeutic interventions, and integrated support planning.

Jisha has substantial experience working with culturally diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, and brings a culturally sensitive lens to all engagement, with deep respect for kinship systems. In addition to frontline service delivery, she has held leadership roles in community development, microenterprise support, and grassroots advocacy across government and non-profit sectors. She has led numerous initiatives aimed at empowering local communities and fostering sustainable development.

Skilled in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and client advocacy, Jisha is committed to upholding the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of every individual she supports. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW, 2007) and consistently upholds the highest ethical and professional standards in her practice.

Jenny Nardello joined Muscular Dystrophy Queensland in May 2025 as Database Officer. In this role, she is responsible for managing and maintaining the organisation’s donor database, processing donations and payments, producing regular reports and uncovering insights through data analysis.

She also supports the planning and evaluation of fundraising campaigns by ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of supporter information. With a strong focus on data integrity, process improvement and strategic reporting, Jenny plays a key role in helping the team strengthen supporter engagement and enhance campaign effectiveness.

Jenny brings a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit and public sectors. Prior to joining Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, she worked at the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation from 2017 to 2025, where she was deeply involved in donor services, financial processing, and operational administration. Her earlier roles in administration and finance at Careers Australia RTO and the Queensland Ambulance Service further developed her skills in systems management and customer service, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the operational side of mission-driven organisations.

Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family and embracing the outdoors—whether it’s a day at the beach, a weekend of bushwalking and camping, or simply enjoying the quiet moments of a good book. She values balance, connection, and the opportunity to contribute to a cause that supports the community.

Sarah Devine is the Events Coordinator at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, where she leads the planning and delivery of comms across the organisation, including client-facing and fundraising. 

Sarah brings a diverse background in event coordination, digital communications, and community development. Her career has taken her across the country, from tour guiding in Central Australia to working with Indigenous-led not-for-profits in Sydney. She also served as Site Coordinator at the Cancer Council and as Events Officer at Rockhampton Regional Council, where she helped deliver major city events including Rockynats, the Rockhampton Agricultural Show and the Rockhampton River Festival.

Sarah enjoys working in the not-for-profit space because it allows her to give back and help create meaningful experiences for communities. At MDQ, she draws on her wide-ranging experience to deliver inclusive, community-focused fundraising events that connect people, raise awareness, and generate vital support. She also manages the organisation’s social media, promotions and website content, with a strong focus on accessibility, supporter engagement, and storytelling.

You can contact Sarah at events@mdqld.org.au

Carol Gillespie has been with Muscular Dystrophy Queensland since 2013, where she plays a key role in raising vital funds through donations and lottery ticket sales. As a valued member of the team, Carol’s dedication, professionalism and personable nature have helped foster strong relationships with supporters and maintain important funding streams for the organisation’s services.

With a professional background rooted in sales, she brings a wealth of experience in customer service, relationship management and public engagement. Earlier in her career, Carol spent five years working in real estate before taking time out to focus on raising her family. She later spent over a decade in retail, followed by roles in call centres – experiences that helped shape her exceptional communication skills and natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Carol holds an Auctioneers and Agents Certificate in Real Estate, which she keeps current to assist friends and family when needed, as well as a Marketing Certificate. Her diverse qualifications reflect a long-standing interest in understanding people’s needs and helping others make informed decisions.

Although she once planned to return to real estate, Carol found her true calling at Muscular Dystrophy Queensland. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those the organisation supports and is driven by the meaningful conversations she has with donors and supporters each day. Carol takes great pride in knowing her work directly contributes to improving the quality of life for Queenslanders living with neuromuscular conditions.