Our People

Our People. United by Purpose.

NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia’s staff are passionate and skilled individuals from a cross section of the medical and professional community.

Stephen Clarke

Stephen Clarke OAM MBBS PhD MD FRACP FAChPM FAHMS GAICD Medical Ambassador NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia is thrilled to welcome Professor Stephen Clarke as our first Medical Ambassador, a trailblazing clinician, researcher, and passionate advocate whose has dedicated his career to cancer care in Australia and beyond. Stephen is a Medical Oncologist at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney and Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney. He also serves as Director of the North Star Van Norton Poche Cancer Trials Unit in Northern Sydney Local Health District, a hub driving cutting-edge clinical research that brings new treatment options to…
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Cassie Miller

NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia is proud to welcome Cassie Miller from Queensland as our first official Patient Ambassador. Diagnosed at 36 with metastatic grade 2 neuroendocrine cancer, Cassie’s journey has included extensive treatment and deep personal reflection while raising three young children. Her strength, positivity and willingness to share her story have made her a passionate advocate for awareness, early diagnosis and greater support for those affected by Neuroendocrine Cancer. Cassie brings warmth, authenticity and a courageous voice to this role, inspiring others to face uncertainty with intention and resilience.
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Michael Usher

We are so pleased to have Michael Usher as an ambassador for NECA. Widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost broadcast journalists, Michael is an award-winning reporter, foreign correspondent, and newsreader with a career spanning more than three decades.
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Michael Curtin

Chair of the Board

Michael, Chief Executive Officer of Digicall Assist Australia – a business that specialises in getting cars back on the road in the event of a breakdown. He is also a member of the Digicall Group Executive Committee (International), has comprehensive knowledge of the automotive industry built on over two decades’ experience in various roles working for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Michael holds an Masters in Business Administration BA from ACU, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Michael is a strong believer in the “triple bottom line” approach to business, which seeks to build a sustainable…
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Simone Leyden AM

Co-founder

Simone Leyden co-founded NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia in 2009 after seeing a huge disparity in treatment and support for rare and less common cancers, compared to more common cancers throughout her sister Kate’s neuroendocrine cancer journey. After finishing her Bachelor of Business Management/Marketing degree from Monash University, Simone went into the field of Advertising/ Marketing and held various senior positions over 12 years. In 2011 Simone took on the full-time role of Chief Executive Officer of NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia (previously Unicorn Foundation). Simone advocates for greater access to treatments and diagnostics, raises funds for the Neuroendocrine Cancer Nurse Support Service and…
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Dr John Leyden AM

Co-founder

Dr John Leyden is the eldest brother to Kate Carr (Leyden). The journey that they shared during her battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer inspired the formation of NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia. In light of the experience with his sister, Dr Leyden realised the issues surrounding rare cancers – isolation, ignorance, lack of support, knowledge and awareness. The ignominy that patients with rare cancers face is compounded by the overriding sense of disenfranchisement from the medical and general community. NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia endeavours to support and promote the needs of neuroendocrine tumour sufferers and their families. Dr Leyden graduated from Monash University…
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Ian George

Treasurer of the Board

With over 30 years of experience helping businesses and not-for-profit organisations navigate their financial obligations and plan for a sustainable future, Ian brings deep expertise and a strong sense of purpose to NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia. His commitment to the cause is personal – having a close friend affected by neuroendocrine cancer, he is passionate about using his financial expertise to support better outcomes for patients and their families. Director of Count North Sydney, Chartered Accountant and Registered Company Auditor.
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Dr David Chan

Board Member

David Chan, MBBS, FRACP, BSc, is a medical oncologist appointed at the Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital. David is experienced in the management of gastrointestinal malignancies however he has a clinical interest in neuroendocrine tumours (Neuroendocrine Cancer). After completing his medical oncology training at Royal North Shore Hospital, he undertook overseas training in Neuroendocrine Cancer at Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto. He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed research articles and has been invited to speak nationally and internationally. He is an active member of COSA, ASCO, ENETs and CommNETs. He was elected the chair of the Neuroendocrine…
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Kirsty Mead

Board Member

Kirsty Mead brings over three decades of healthcare expertise to the Board of Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia, combining hands-on clinical experience with strategic leadership across the health sector. Beginning her career as a Registered Oncology Nurse, Kirsty has worked across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Vanuatu, gaining a deep understanding of consumer needs, public health, practitioner education, healthcare funding, and the complexities of integrating these elements. Kirsty is deeply passionate about advancing health equity, particularly for under-recognised and underserved populations. She co-developed and led the national rollout of the Periods, Pain, and Endometriosis Program (PPEP Talk®) and its tailored versions for…
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Philippa Morgan

Board Member

Philippa Morgan is a highly respected criminal advocate based at Liverpool Chambers in Tasmania, known for her expertise in criminal advocacy, coronial work, and associated legal matters. After graduating from the University of Tasmania with a BA LLB in 1999, Philippa completed the Legal Practice Course in Hobart and was admitted to practice law in 2000. Over her career, she has gained extensive experience in both prosecution and defence roles, including a decade at Tasmania Legal Aid. Since 2014, she has been focused on criminal advocacy at Liverpool Chambers while also contributing to legal education as the unit coordinator for…
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Meredith Cummins

Chief Executive Officer

Meredith has been with NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia since February 2018, first serving as Project Officer / CRA & Nurse Educator before becoming CEO in September 2022. She has been instrumental in the development of the PLANET Registry and Patient App, the Neuroendocrine Cancer Optimal Care Pathway, fully accredited GP and Nurse Education Modules, the Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer Program and advocating for the approval for Belzutifan for VHL patients. Meredith plays an active role in patient support groups and has coordinated numerous Patient Education Forums across the country. With over 40 years of oncology experience in metropolitan, rural, international, public,…
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Kahlia Wolsley

Nurse Educator/Project Officer

Kahlia is a registered nurse and credentialed diabetes educator. Kahlia completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2012 and finalised her Graduate Year in 2013 at St John of God Bendigo. Kahlia has experience on the medical ward, surgical ward, day procedure unit and critical care unit up until she found her passion in cancer care. Kahlia undertook her chemotherapy academic education course through Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and put this into practice for nearly 10 years working in the Oncology Unit at SJOG. Kahlia strives to continuously increase her knowledge and skills and as such completed Post Graduate Certificate…
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Ferial (Fee) Amputch

NSW

Neuroendocrine Cancer Nurse

Fee is a Registered Nurse completing her Bachelor of Nursing with University of Western Sydney in 2015 and graduating in 2016. Fee has experience across Primary and Community Health Care, Drug and Alcohol services, and Haematology/Oncology nursing. Her most recent role has been in Cancer nursing, which has significantly shaped her career. Through this role, Fee has gained expertise in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, blood products and iron infusions, palliative care, and providing referrals to appropriate services. She also offers compassionate support to patients and their families/carers. Fee is passionate about engaging with people, listening to their stories, and empowering them…
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Cristelle Gilmour

VIC

Neuroendocrine Cancer Nurse

Cristelle Gilmour is a registered nurse with over 20 years’ experience as a cancer specialist nurse across surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, survivorship/living with cancer along with palliative care. Cristelle holds post graduate studies in Cancer Nursing and is a member of Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA). With clinical experience at Cancer Specialist Centre’s in Australia and the UK, she recognises that people experiencing cancer can be empowered through education, information and supportive care. She is passionate about advocacy, psychological support and equity of care for people with cancer and their families, and believes cancer specialist nurses roles such as the…
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Ciara Connolly

Media & External Relations

Ciara brings nine years of experience in PR, communications, and marketing from both the public and not-for-profit sectors. In recent years, she has specialised in health communications, driven by her passion for amplifying patient voices and improving health outcomes. With a strong background in stakeholder engagement, Ciara excels at building and maintaining relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to drive meaningful change. She is committed to raising the profile of NeuroEndocrine Cancers across the general public and government, ensuring that Neuroendocrine Cancer patients are heard, supported, and given equitable access to the care and resources they need. Passionate…
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Isobel Gower

TAS

Neuroendocrine Cancer Nurse

Isobel completed her Bachelor of Nursing in 2018 through the University of Tasmania and began her career in oncology and haematology at the Royal Hobart Hospital. After gaining experience there, she spent a year specialising in oncology and haematology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Isobel relocated to Katherine in the Northern Territory, where she worked in a remote, largely nurse-led oncology and haematology unit. During this time, she also completed a Graduate Certificate in Oncology Nursing. Her passion for working in diverse and challenging environments led her to travel nursing across Western…
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