OUR BOARD
CARA PHILPOTT, CHAIR
BPsych, BComm, DipBBus(Mgt), MBus(AppFin), GradCert(HlthEc)
Cara has over 25 years of experience working across a diverse range of industries and countries in human resources and organisational development.
She also serves on several committees as a patient and consumer representative in the health and disability sector and recognises the benefits decades of tireless advocacy from others have had on her experience as a mum to a boy with Duchenne.
Cara wants to pay this forward by supporting the Neuromuscular WA team to deliver services to their community.
Board member 2020-22, 2023-Present
ELLEN STOREY-POTTER, VICE CHAIR
BA(Hons), MDIPL, DipProc&Contract
Ellen’s professional experience is in procurement, project management, information systems and business analytics.
She has been involved with Neuromuscular WA for over 20 years through her family and after seeing firsthand the impact of the conditions, Ellen hopes her position on the Board will allow her to make a difference by helping the organisation to best provide support for those affected.
Board member since 2022
ABBY MACNISH NIVEN, TREASURER
BSc, BComm, CFA, CAIA, GAICD
Abby is a CFA charter holder with a wealth of experience in investments, finance and equity markets with roles as CFO and Company Secretary for several ASX listed companies.
Her passion for Neuromuscular WA came from meeting the incredible team and the families that they provide support for.
She hopes to assist with governance financial stability during her time on the Board.
Board member since 2020
ADELAIDE WITHERS
FRACP, MBBS (Hons), GradCertPRS, GradCertPSS, GradDipChildHlth
Adelaide is the clinical respiratory lead at PCH where she investigates predictors and causes for respiratory failure and sleep disorders in children living with neuromuscular disorders. She is also a medical researcher at Telethon Kids Institute.
This role sees her working closely with younger patients and she hopes her role on the Board will extend her relationships to the wider community. She wants to advocate for improvements in clinical care and ensure research is focused on improving meaningful health-related outcomes that matter.
Board member since 2022
BRENDAN MURPHY
BEng, Mining Engineering (Hons)
Brendan brings extensive expertise in mining engineering, banking and finance, and senior site management with both global and local mining companies in Australia and overseas.
Exposed to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy from a young age through his brother’s diagnosis, Brendan has personally witnessed the challenges faced by young men with DMD, as well as the impact on their immediate and wider families.
After participating in various fundraisers, he is honoured to contribute to ensuring Neuromuscular WA continues to improve the lives of those living with muscular dystrophy and supports ongoing research towards a cure.
Board member since 2025
COLIN YE
BCom, CPA
Colin brings with him 15 years of experience in finance, NDIS & invaluable lived experience as a husband, caregiver & support person to his wife Sarah Kerr, who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy.
As a friend to many in our community, Colin may also look familiar as he comes to many of our social events & fundraisers.
Colin hopes to provide insight and transparency into the challenges faced by those affected by neuromuscular conditions and wants to work with Neuromuscular WA to continue making a positive change in the community.
Board member since 2024
CONRAD NATOLI
BMC (Journalism & Public Relations), Honours in Journalism
Conrad is a communications and stakeholder engagement professional with more than 20 years' experience across journalism and the WA public sector. He has led strategic communications, media, stakeholder engagement and government relations for a range of agencies, helping to communicate complex issues, influence policy outcomes and build trust with the community.
Combined with experience in disability services and policy reform at a State Government level, his broader government and public relations experience have given him a strong understanding of the importance of effective advocacy, accessible communication and person-centred service delivery.
As a Board member, Conrad is committed to using his expertise in communications, advocacy and strategic engagement to help strengthen Neuromuscular WA's voice, expand awareness of neuromuscular conditions and support the organisation's long-term impact. He is passionate about helping Neuromuscular WA build understanding, influence policy and ensure people living with neuromuscular conditions and their families have a strong voice in the community.
LISA KING
LLB(Hons), MIER, CPHR, GradCertLPC, CertOHS
Lisa is an experienced Human Resources, Law and Occupational Health and Safety professional, who has worked within the NDIS industry and currently works for a medical research company.
She has been an active volunteer with Neuromuscular WA for more than 6 years after being introduced by the Murphy family. Lisa joined the Board to help the organisation kick goals, reach targets and create more smiles.
Board member since 2022
SARAH KERR
LLB, Grad Dip (College of Law), BCom (Accounting)
Sarah brings valuable lived experience and a long-standing connection to the neuromuscular community, having been part of the Muscular Dystrophy WA community for many years. Through her own experiences, Sarah understands the importance of ensuring the voices, needs and priorities of people living with neuromuscular conditions continue to be heard and represented.
Sarah hopes to use her lived experience to help guide the Board in understanding the real needs of the community and ensuring decisions are informed by the experiences of those directly impacted. She is passionate about supporting Neuromuscular WA to continue achieving its goals and creating meaningful outcomes for individuals and families.
Board member since 2026
NIRBHAY GUPTA
MSc(CompSecurity), MSc(CompSc)(Hons)
With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry Nirbhay brings expertise in team leadership, strategy and a full breadth of managerial experience across a range of industries.
He holds a strong commitment to improving the quality of life of people living with neuromuscular conditions and has vital insight as to how this can be achieved as the parent of a child living with Duchenne.
During his tenure, Nirbhay wants to utilise his skillsets to explore how we can increase our efforts in research and collaborate more with like-minded organisations and researchers.
Board member since 2023