Board of Directors

The Dear Dyslexic Foundation is supported by a Board. The DDF board contributes a diverse mix of skills and expertise including lived experience of dyslexia, higher education, not-for-profit, policy, advocacy and finance. The Board provides governance and oversight to DDF and has several subcommittees.

Shae Wissell, Board Managing Director and Secretary

Shae Wissell is the CEO, Founder and Executive Director of the Dear Dyslexic Foundation, she serves as Managing Director and Secretary of the Board.

Shae trained as a speech pathologist and then completed a masters degree in Public Health and one in Health Administration.

Shae’s passion for working in public health and empowering people with dyslexia led her to establish the Dear Dyslexic Foundation.

As a dyslexic herself, Shae has experienced and seen first hand, the challenges those with dyslexia can face and the impact dyslexia has on education, employment and quality of life. Shae is currently a doctoral candidate researching the impact of dyslexia in the workplace.

Shae recently won three awards People’s Choice Award for Leadership, the Women’s Business School Accelerate Award and second for the Making a Difference Award (Non-Profit) as well as being shortlisted for Telstra Business Woman of the Year for my work at the Dear Dyslexic Foundation.

On the Board, she is a member of the Risk, Audit and Finance and the Advocacy and Fundraising Committees.

Christine MacJouvelet, Chair

Christine originally trained as a primary school teacher and has a strong background in education and financial services. She has taught at kindergarten and primary levels as well as adult education at Victoria University, the Salvation Army and NMIT Preston.

She developed and ran the ‘Able Sports Programme’ for the Australian Sports Commission and Vic Sport and Recreation. Christine has also worked at registered training organisations, including AAMC Training Group and was a Director of Skill Solutions.

Christine works as a mortgage broker and mentor, and has used her educational skills in teaching finance for the financial services sector. Social justice is a strong motivator and Christine wants to make a difference for people with dyslexia and specific learning disabilities, particularly in teacher/tutor training and direct support services to dyslexics over 16.

Christine is dyslexic herself and believes that education is one of the best vehicles for growth and change. Christine joined the Dear Dyslexic Foundation board in April 2017. She is a member of the Quality, Risk and Governance Committee.

James Sedman, Board Treasurer 

James brings a vast range of strategic experience, acting on several Board and Committees and holding high-level management and policy roles within government and the not-for-profit sector.

James is a passionate advocate and policy developer, specialising in economic, governance and disability rights and support. James is dedicated to removing the stigma and misperceptions of dyslexia in the workforce and is committed to empowering dyslexics to achieve their education, work and life goals.

James’s other passions include heritage conservation and participating in ultra-marathons.

Kate Madden, Board Director

Kate is passionate about community development and education and is an accomplished leader with over 20 years’ experience in the sector. Kate has travelled and worked in Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.

Kate graduated with a BA in Psychology from the University of Port Elizabeth (South Africa) and has qualifications in community development, management, facilitation and education and training, with an abiding interest in entrepreneurship. She has worked in a variety of roles including the Department of Cultural Affairs, not-for-profits and the corporate sector in community development and education and training.

Kate is committed to lifelong learning and has a love of the arts. She has been involved in community arts projects enterprises, delivered workshops and retreats. A committed volunteer, Kate served as President of the Rotary Club of Greensborough and continues to contribute as a member and on the Board.

Kate joined the Dear Dyslexic Foundation Board of Directors in 2017 and is a member of the Fundraising Committee.