Our Board
Current Directors
Chairperson
Dr Kathleen Brasher
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Deputy Chairperson
Marilyn Forde
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Treasurer
Garfield Lee
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Director
Veronica Snook
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Director
Frances Mirabelli
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Director
Charissa Feng
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Chairperson - Dr Kathleen Brasher
BApSci (Nsg), Grad Dip Arts (Social Th & Philos), PhD
Dr Kathleen Brasher has extensive experience in the health sector, working as researcher, nurse, midwife, lecturer, parent educator and project officer. Her qualifications include a PhD in the sociology of health and illness, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nursing) and a Certificate of Midwifery.
As a member of the local community, Kathleen brings to the Board a rich understanding of the issues surrounding the promotion of health and mental health, and the importance of community-based primary care.
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Deputy Chairperson - Ms Marilyn Forde
Marilyn Forde joined Whitehorse Community Health Service in 2004 and became Deputy Chairman in 2010.
She has over 20 years experience as a CEO and as a non-executive director of private company and government boards. In addition to her role as a non-executive director of Whitehorse Community Health Service, past director roles have included the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, the Curriculum Corporation, the Centre for Strategic Education, Education Impressions, as well as superannuation fund trusteeships.
In addition to pro-bono and paid consulting, Marilyn is an executive search consultant with Fish & Nankivell Ogilvie Watson, Australia’s oldest, locally owned search firm. Marilyn has lived in the City of Whitehorse for more than thirty years. Her academic qualifications are Bachelor of Arts/ Dip Ed and Bachelor of Education.
Marilyn's interests in health and the community are wide-ranging, but she has particular interests in access and equity.
Treasurer - Garfield Lee
Garfield Lee has a Bachelor of Business and currently works as an Associate Financial Controller for a Pharmaceutical company. His vast experience also includes a senior finance position in the Avaiation and Manufacturing industry. Garfield developed an interest in the health sector whilst working for a Health Care company and has always had an interest in community service. Garfield has been a member of the Lions Club and held a position of President and Vice-President.
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Director - Veronica Snook
BA
, BSW, MSW
Veronica Snook joined the Whitehorse CHS board in December 2010. She brings extensive experience in health service planning, strategic policy and the management of Population and Community Health Services from a varied career in health and community services in metropolitan and country WA. She has also been active as a member and Chair of community-based management committees and NGO boards.
Veronica has a strong interest in service development and organisational performance with the aim of achieving the best outcomes for consumers and the community. Veronica is a partner in her own business, Veanto, which offers consulting services to health and community services.
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Director - Frances Mirabelli
A member of the Australian College of Health Service Executives, Frances Mirabelli gained her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Monash University in 1997, and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Frances is the Deputy Chair of Yarra Community Housing, which provides accommodation for single people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and in 2009 completed The Colloquium at the Cranlana Programme.
Following several years’ experience as a medical scientist, Frances began her career in public hospital administration with roles at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, the Royal Womens’ Hospital, and the Victorian Department of Human Services, where she gained experience in health service delivery, human resources, finance and industrial law. An early career highlight was an international study tour scholarship which afforded Frances the opportunity to observe and report on the health care models of other countries.
In 1999 Frances broadened her professional experience by joining Wintringham, an organisation which provides housing and care to elderly, frail homeless people. Five years as Wintringham’s Chief Operating Officer enabled Frances to develop expertise in the provision of quality aged care and proficiency in the accreditation process, with Wintringham twice achieving ‘Commendable’ merit status, the highest possible level of achievement.
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Director - Charissa Feng
Charissa Feng joined the Whitehorse Community Health Services board in November 2011, and had served on the board as an observer and a co-opted 
board member for 2 years prior. She brings marketing communication knowledge to the organisation from her work in various international and boutique PR consultancies for technology, not-for-profit and healthcare organisations. Charissa is currently the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Parenting Research Centre, driving the corporate communication strategy for the PRC and managing marketing activities for various programs. She is currently undertaking studies for a Master in Public Health, with a focus on evidence-based health communication, health promotion and health policy.
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