Our Staff
Our Patron
Her Excellency Prof Marie Bashir AC, Governor of NSW
Meet our CEO
Karen Filocamo
Karen has extensive management experience in government and non government health sector organisations. Karen joined Arthritis NSW as the Chief Executive in 2008 and was initially drawn to the organisation because of her interest in the health of older people. Since joining us however, she has focused on raising awareness that arthritis is not a condition that only affects older people, but also children, young adults and working age populations.
Meet the Board of Arthritis NSW
President: Mr Greg Monaghan
Greg is a career banker specialising in Automatic Teller Machines and other cards and electronic banking media. He also has severe osteoarthritis in his knee as a result of sporting injuries. Greg became involved in Arthritis NSW through his mother Enid Monaghan, a 30+ year member of Arthritis NSW with severe rheumatoid arthritis who has been a VFO on the Central Coast for nearly 20 years and fondly recalls the early days with Alison Watson at the then new Parramatta Branch.
Vice President: Ms Judith Cantor
Judith has extensive experience in direct and interactive marketing, website management and development, relationship and database marketing, media relations, event management, and print, TV and radio production. Judith joined the Board in late 2010 after a period of working with Arthritis NSW on its marketing and fundraising strategy and practice. Judith feels that her understanding of the workings of the organization stand her in good stead to further contribute in these areas and increase public awareness and giving levels.
Hon. Treasurer: Mr Dennis Messner
Dennis is a qualified Chartered Accountant and runs his own accountancy practice. A friend of his had been an arthritis NSW Board member and on his resignation, he suggested Dennis take up a role. Dennis joined the Board in 2006 and has a desire to add business and commercial experience to the organisation. He also has a personal interest and understanding of the needs of arthritis patients as his mother has severe arthritis.
Company Secretary: Mr Evan Manolios
Evan is a practicing lawyer in a commercial law firm. He sought the role of Arthritis NSW Company Secretary as he had an interest in working for a not-for-profit organisation that was making a positive contribution to the community. He also enjoys the challenges of working in a different environment to a law firm and using a different set of skills. Evan finds his work with Arthritis NSW to be very fulfilling and satisfying and is looking forward to continuing his association with the organisation.
Director: Ms Diana Aspinall
Diana joined the Board in 2005 after completing Strategic Planning workshops with them. She is a Registered nurse with post graduate qualifications and experience in health promotion planning and program development. She is involved in various sub-committees of the Board and has worked with the Education Team on the development of Challenging Arthritis and the Moving On Program.
Director: A/ Prof Ben Marosszeky
Ben is a Rehabilitation Specialist and following 2 years training in the care of arthritis patients at Prince Henry Hospital, he was invited to Chair the Education Committee. He became a full ex-officio member of the Board in 1988. He is a passionate supporter of the work of Arthritis NSW and is dedicated to helping people with arthritis keep active and independent.
Director: Prof. Nick Manolios
Nick is an expert rheumatologist who is in constant contact with arthritis patients. He is also a scientist at the forefront of research and is the Chair of the Arthritis NSW Research Sub-committee. He brings to the Board a wealth of knowledge about the needs and concerns of patients and can convey information about medicines, treatments and protocols. He also aims to keep the Board abreast of current and ongoing scientific projects.
Director: Ms Cosi Pupo
Cosi has been a member of the Arthritis NSW Education Committee since the 1980’s and joined the Board in 2008. Like the member’s she serves, Cosi is living with a chronic musculoskeletal disease and constant pain. She is determined to use her own experiences as a positive way forward for others, especially young working adults in the community.
Director: Mr Neil Wildman
Neil’s background is in mental health but he has also worked for the Australian General Practice Network and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. For Neil, the impact of arthritis is very real as his brother was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at the age of 24. After 9 months of debilitating bed rest, 13 years of better management has seen his brother’s condition improve to the point that he could recently complete his forth London Marathon. Neil hopes his contribution to the Board will help raise awareness in the community that arthritis does not discriminate based on age.
Our Staff
Our Health Promotion Team
Manager, Health Promotion and Service Development: Di Spragg
Health Promotion Officer: Alex Jaksetic
Self-Management Officer: Eloise Buggy
Branches & Community Liaison Officer: Nena Doyle
Our Marketing and Fundraising Team
Marketing and Fundraising Manager: Rob Novotny
Marketing and Communications Officer: Kristine Snell
Membership Officer: Melissa Denham
Our Support Team
Business Manager: Michael Fazio
Finance Assistant/ Kidsflix coordinator: Clarissa Jones
Receptionist/Information officer: Ingrid Player
Executive Assistant: Brooke Jay
Arthritis NSW Tweets
Recent Videos:
Arthritis NSW together with Inspired Adventures invite you to take the trip you have always dreamt of! Challenge yourself on this unforgettable 10 day adventure & trek the Great Wall of China. All funds raised will go toward providing support, advice, information, community awareness and research for people with arthritis. For more information and [...]
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most serious form of arthritis. It is not a rare disease, affecting around half a million Australians. Of these cases almost 60% are women. As part of Arthritis Awareness Week 2010, Arthritis Australia and the Australian Rheumatology Association began a campaign to give a voice to the almost 300,000 [...]
Neville woke up one night in terrible pain. He was diagnosed with several types of arthritis. Find out how he was able to beat his arthritis and keep doing the things he loves! Video produced by Arthritis QLD with a very generous grant from the Australian Rheumatology Association-Queensland Branch. The core purpose of this [...]
Kristy was a fit and healthy young woman when she was suddenly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Find out how she conquered her condition. Video produced by Arthritis QLD with a very generous grant from the Australian Rheumatology Association-Queensland Branch The core purpose of this video is to send a message of hope and to provide [...]
Arthritis NSW is offering a number of warm water exercises classes throughout NSW giving you the opportunity to exercise, with guidance from a trained instructor, in a friendly and social environment.