The People of PIN
Patron
PIN is privileged to have as its Patron, Mrs. Julie Michael succeeding first patron Mrs. Lorraine Sanderson who moved back to Canberra at the end of Governor Sanderson's term of office.
Board of Directors
PIN is governed by a Board of Directors which represents a base of family leadership and personal experience, ingredients which encompass a range of business, planning, finance, human service development and advocacy skills. With developmental progress, and the appointment of key staff, it is expected that the board will expand to embrace skills which reflect environmental change and expansion of core activity. The PIN Board (four of whom are founding members and all of whom have relatives with disabilities) are as follows;
PIN Board members (L to R) Harry Weir (Chair), Lorraine Hitt, Darren Harrop (resigned November 2006) and Jane Eacott along with inaugural PIN Coordinator Margaret McGuinness (seated).Absent from photo - Board members Felicity Bailey, Leah Ciancio, Mary Deschamp, Peter Wickens and Jeremy Roberton.
- Felicity Bailey
- Leah Ciancio
- Jane Eacott
- Lorraine Hitt
- Harry Weir (Chair)
- Mary Deschamp
- Jeremy Roberton
- Peter Wickens
PIN Staff
Coordinator Networks and Membership- Margaret McGuinness
Margaret joined PIN in February 2004 and was the first staff member on board. Employed initially on a part-time basis and working from home until PIN established its own office in late 2005, Margaret also facilitated PIN's first Network.
For quite some time, and being PIN's only staff member, Margaret also undertook administrative and communications work such as coordinating and co-presenting at PIN workshops, the latter with which she is still involved. She has taken the Network Programme from concept to reality and continues to develop it on an on-going basis. She has recently completed the PLAN Institute 'Leadership' course in Canada from which she brings in depth knowledge of PLAN's work with Networks and supporting relationships.
Margaret has a strong background of eighteen years in social work. Having worked mainly in the disability field and child/ family welfare, Margaret brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to PIN. Her previous role was with a long-term foster care programme for children with disabilities.
In addition to her strong skills, Margaret's commitment to relationship building, passion for her work and sensitivity to family and individual needs are some of her obvious strengths.
Administration Assistant
Vimala Athisdam has worked as a Social Trainer at DSC since 1997. Due to a workplace injury sustained in June 2006, she is now undergoing Rehabilitation and Retraining. In the process of a gradual return- to- work program, she is now at PIN as an administration assistant for a period of 6 months from August 2007.
She holds a Diploma in Human Services and a Diploma in Counselling and has experience working in
Vimala is the person you are likely to talk to when you ring PIN office. She is very happy to take your call and talk through the PIN programs with you.
Network Facilitators
The small team of facilitators is starting to expand as new networks develop. PIN is constantly searching for new facilitators and holds regular information sessions. If you wish to know more, please contact the PIN Office on 9242 2699.
Acknowledgement
PIN would like to thank their many supporters and to particularly acknowledge the inspiration provided by PLAN