Our Board

Melanie Funk was enjoying her rising career in Human Resources and had little understanding of the dramatic impact that chronic and severe eczema could have on individuals, families, and community… until the birth of her twin boys in 2009.   Their journey with this condition compelled her to establish, Eczema Support Australia in 2015.

Melanie is the Managing Director of this nationally registered charity, focused on the delivery of real and practical support for all Australians significantly impacted by eczema.  Her team and their engaged eczema community continue to provide support through their three pillars of focus:  connection, advocacy, information. 

Marion Andersson has had a career in Business Development in the IT, banking and education sectors for over 35 years. Her current role involves her in the day-to-day nurturing of wellbeing and character strengths in our young people via award-winning school programs at Amazing People Schools. At ESA, Marion supports project management, funding and marketing, as well as corporate strategies.

A sufferer of several severe skin conditions herself, Marion understands only too well how debilitating this can be for sufferers and their families. As an empathetic friend, Marion originated community support for Melanie’s twin boys to help them cope with their extreme conditions, which further inspired the establishment of Eczema Support Australia under the leadership of the inspirational Melanie Funk, who has dedicated herself to supporting others as a result. Marion describes herself as a lifelong learner who is grateful for the little things and is passionate in her loyalties to family and close friends.

Brendan brings 25+ years of international corporate experience to the team. He has worked in senior Sales and Marketing roles with some of the world’s leading companies.

Whilst helping Eczema Support Australia to develop, deliver and manage a focused strategic plan, Brendan also helps guide decision making on key activity priorities and marketing investments.

One of his younger sisters suffered from eczema most of her pre-teen life. His greatest joy in life is his two young, but rapidly growing boys.

Ruth has many years experience as a teacher / education consulting specialist along with business management and high level administration skills. She brings outstanding project coordination skills to deliver the support to our community.

Anne a Registered Nurse with a professional development certificate in Allergy & Anaphylaxis. Along with a lifetime of nursing experience, Anne is a hands on grandparent of twin boys with extensive allergies and eczema.

Ingrid’s professional background includes supporting University researchers to deliver their projects by assisting with all types of administration. She is currently fully employed looking after her 3 adorable daughters, but hopes to rejoin the workforce some day. In the meantime she is volunteering her skills to assist Eczema Support Australia deliver real and practical support, connection and understanding.

Mala is a passionate marketing and communications professional with a wealth of experience in media relations and marketing strategy. Mala is motivated to contribute to our cause utilising her extensive experience and skills to assist us connect with our eczema community. 

Eczema Support Australia are thankful for the advice and review of our material by our colleagues with The Quality Use of Medincines Alliance, volunteer medical professionals and Fellows of The Australasian College of Dermatologists.

“Living with a chronic disease that is so misunderstood can leave people, especially young people, feeling isolated. I wanted to create itchY to connect young teens with eczema to realise that they are not alone and that there are people in Australia who really do understand their situation. A realisation and feeling, that I believe, is so empowering.”