Our Committee and Staff – Haemophilia Foundation WA

Your Committee

Cheryl Ellis, President

Hi everyone, my name is Cheryl Ellis and I have been a HFWA committee member since 2005. I am a carrier of the haemophilia A gene and have two sons with severe haemophilia A. I am a theatre-trained registered nurse and my husband Darren and I run our own swimming pool construction and renovation business. I believe it is important to keep up to date with information relevant to our community, whether it is to do with advances in treatments, products and services available to us to make our lives easier, or the rights of our members to live full and happy lives.

Gavin Finkelstein, Vice President

Hi, I’m Gavin Finkelstein, I have severe haemophilia A and hepatitis C. I joined the HFWA Committee in 1995 and since then have become more and more involved in haemophilia issues in WA and around Australia. I have found joining HFWA to be a worthwhile experience, meeting some inspirational people and having the opportunity to discuss and share the many issues that haemophilia brings to our lives. It is up to us as a community to ensure that kids today and in the future receive the latest and best treatment that is available to enable them to achieve the best quality of life without haemophilia being an issue.

Michelle Dinsdale, Committee Secretary

Hi, my name is Michelle Dinsdale, I’m married to Mark and we have three sons, Sam, and fraternal twins John and Michael. Sam and John are affected with severe Haemophilia A.
Quite a few years ago I was the HFWA Office and Committee Secretary, while the kids were young and still needed me to be around to do school drop offs and pick-ups and sporting commitments etc. It worked well for me to be a part of the HFWA organisation way back then. However now after a long break I have decided to re-join the Committee to help out wherever I can and now I am back as the Committee Secretary for the 2023/24 year. I am looking forward to meeting new and old community members at upcoming events.

Neil Venn, Treasurer

My name is Neil Venn.

The Haemophlia Community needs to keep a high profile to the relevant Government Agencies in order to maintain and increase the availability and access to treatment products. We all need to support our Foundation, whether that be survey responses, committee involvement, attending functions to be inclusive with the haemophilia family, or general inquiries through the office.

That is why I joined the committee; seeing where we have come from before any treatments to what is available today. I want to support the Foundation to ensure its viability and encourage younger members to become involved.

I am of vintage years, born and raised in Melbourne, suffered many bleeding episodes requiring missed school days, could not play contact sports but swan like a fish including Interstate water polo. Heard the call to study agricultural science which I was fortunate to remain in until late retirement. For relaxation I drove the bus at Perth Airports. Currently I wrangle grand children, answer fixit calls for repair jobs on families’ houses and ensure the medical profession have a steady income.

Darren Tull

Hi, I’m Darren Tull, Check back in for more about me.

Misha Pesnelle-Prout

My name is Misha and I live with Type 3 Von Willebrand Disease. As a professional interior designer, I have travelled and worked internationally, including many years in France. While there, I led the Von Willebrand Committee within the French Haemophilia Association. Our work focused on support for people living with Von Willebrand Disease and raising awareness in the community and medical community (gynecologists, dentists, and general practitioners). I have also acted as a patient advisor to the World Federation of Hemophilia within the VWD and Rare Bleeding Disorder Committee.

My personal experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and hurdles in each phase of life when living with VWD. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge, especially to support families of newly diagnosed individuals, and help them be well informed.
I am honoured to join the HFWA Management Committee and look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience to improve awareness, treatment, and support for people living with bleeding conditions in WA.

Dominic Dique

My name is Dominic and I have 3 children (2 boys, 1 girl) with my wonderful wife Robin. The boys have Hemophilia A, the eldest severe & the youngest mild.

We have been part of the HFWA community for 8 years and have looked forward to making and growing connections to those with or are close to family with a bleeding disorder, sharing common stories & experiences through the men’s breakfasts & family events that are organised by HFWA.

Julie Perkins

Hi. I’m Julie Perkins and I would like to provide my support, in raising awareness of bleeding disorders to government agencies and the wider community.

My daughter Emma has von Willibrands type 2b, and it is comforting that we can share, discuss experiences and seek invaluable advice with the members of the HFWA and associate’s.

Emma has two children and her passion is Irish dancing.

As a new member of the committee, I am so pleased to have been welcomed by such inspirational people and look forward to supporting future events.

Ann-Maree Foran, Office Coordinator

Hi, I’m Ann-Maree. Some of you may know me from previous peer events. I’m am the Office Coordinator and primarily work from home, but I’m always available by email if you need to reach me.
I’m passionate about giving back to the community. My two nephews live with severe haemophilia, which has inspired me to dedicate my time and energy to supporting this incredible community. I truly believe in the difference we can make together.
I’m excited to be part of this group and look forward to connecting with you all at future events!