Our Team
Meet Mama Respond!
Our dedicated team at Mama Respond International are integral to developing and achieving our goals as an organisation— to transform lives through improved health, quality education, and creating lasting independence. Read below to learn about the key individuals who have helped make Mama Respond what it is today, by bolstering our empowerment of children with special needs and their families, each bringing something invaluable to us in their own way.
Founding Director, CEO
Erin Hegarty
Erin is a dynamic force in the Perth community, driven by an unyielding passion for transforming lives through grassroots initiatives and community empowerment. As the Manager of Mama Respond, she leads with a vision that is both bold and compassionate, ensuring that the organisation's mission to uplift the special needs community is realised in impactful, sustainable ways. Her studies profoundly influenced her approach to community development in International Relations at the University of Western Australia, where she discovered the transformative power of communities owning their destinies.
Erin's leadership at Mama Respond is marked by creativity and a deep connection to the people she serves. Her extensive experience spans family and domestic violence advocacy, healthcare, and housing, equipping her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. She believes real change happens when communities are not just participants but leaders in their development. Her work goes beyond traditional charity—it's about igniting a sense of ownership and possibility within every person and community Mama Respond touches.
With a Performing and Visual Arts background, Erin brings a vibrant energy to everything she does. Whether on stage or in a community meeting, she knows how to inspire and unite people. Outside work, she delights in life's finer pleasures—savouring great food, enjoying fine wine, and sharing unforgettable moments with those around her.
Programs Coordinator, Kenya
Ann Mutheu
Ann has dedicated her recent years to improving community health, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and outreach. Her extensive Community Health and Development background has empowered her to collaborate effectively with diverse groups, addressing public health challenges with empathy and expertise.
Her passion for this work is deeply personal. As a mother caring for her daughter with Cerebral Palsy, Ann understands the unique challenges faced by the special needs community. Her lived experience extends to caring for her siblings, further deepening her commitment to advocating for health equity, social justice, and the transformative power of education and grassroots action.
As Project Coordinator Kenya for Mama Respond, Ann is dedicated to advancing the organisation's mission of enhancing health to improve education for the special needs community. She brings a wealth of knowledge, a compassionate heart, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves.
Ann's journey with Mama Respond is driven by her unwavering belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of their challenges, to thrive with the right support and resources.
Board Chair,
Dr Daniel Jeffrey
Healthcare leader, consultant and clinician, Daniel has led major systematic reforms across hospitals and government agencies. His expertise has been recognised internationally, being awarded for leveraging technology to enhance health care delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Finance Portfolio
Founder of Africar Logistics, Dennis is an expert on import & export across East Africa. Passionate about community development and his two daughters, Dennis is a member of the Rotary Club of Embakasi. Dennis brings an invaluable insight to Mama Respond by finding balance in his village, reconnecting with his roots.
Vice Chair,
Dennis Muturo
Import & Export Portfolio
Janet Kabaya
Treasurer,
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 9 years of experience, Janet advances community rights and ensures legal protection for vulnerable communities. Her expertise spans public interest, disability rights and international compliance. Her work includes grant management, policy review and legal research.
Human Rights Portfolio
Brendan Hegarty
Secretary,
After 30 years in Construction Health and Safety, Brendan ensures that Mama Respond’s building projects are guided by safe, effective practices. He has a keen eye for risk and compliance, working to mitigate potential risks to create secure environments. An avid “fix-it man” Brendan enjoys helping others.
Risk Portfolio
Ciara Galega
Board Member,
Certified Life Coach, Inclusion & Accessibility Advocate, Ciara has a passion for empowering others. She provides a platform for individuals living with disabilities to share their stories of resilience, inspiring them via her powerful online presence. Her work centers on breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity.
Inclusivity Portfolio
Diane Avice
Board Member,
Diane is a determined advocate to end Family & Domestic Violence. For 16 years, she has built a solid career within the disability sector; with expert knowledge of the NDIS. Honouring her multiculturalism, she is determined to amplify the voices of women and girls of colour in all spheres of society.
Inclusivity Portfolio
Dr Michael Wong
Board Member,
Dr. Michael Wong leads Global Innovation at Australia’s largest clinical trials organisation, driving AI technology integration across 20+ early phase trials. Expert in otalrynology, oncology research and critical care, Michael is committed to advancing health outcomes, quality improvement and social impact.
Governance Portfolio
Hayley Borrisow
Board Member,
Sustainability and Decarbonisation manager in global food service, Hayley’s work in integral to delivering environmental responsibilities. With nearly 20 years of experience in WA’s Energy & Resources sector, she uses her wealth of knowledge to support businesses on their journey to sustainability leadership.
Sustainability Portfolio
Anne Jepokech Tonje
Board Member, Monitoring
With over 15 years of experience creating social impact and managing programs, Anne is a Senior Advisor for the State Government, where her strategic insights have shaped policies across the community, industry and financial programs. She is dedicated to alleviating hardship for our Strong Mamas and the lives of Children.
& Evaluation Portfolio
Board Member,
Dr Edward Odundo
Dr of the School of Pension and Retirement Studies, Edward is a distinguished leader in finance, governance and pensions. He serves on the Equity Group Holdings Board and Chairman of Equity Life Assurance Company LTD. With decades of experience, Dr Odundo brings immense value to Mama Respond, holding a PHD in Business Adminstration
Finance Portfolio
Njoki E. Wachira
Board Member,
Njoki has led an impressive 14 year career as a project and program specialist. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Community Psychology at Makere University and a Master’s degree in Gender Development, Njoki brings her expertise to aid Mama Respond in forming meaningful relationships with partners and community members.
Partnership Portfolio
Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, majoring in HR and Accounting, Emilia uses her heartful passion towards her role as a Human Resources and Operations Manager in the Youth Services and Disability industry. Serving as HR for Mama Respond WA, she fosters a supportive environment while ensuring smooth operations.
Simon is an occupational therapist, best known for his compassionate care. From Graduating from Kenya Medical Training College to working at the Watoto CIAO program for children with special needs, he now serves at Sioti Hospital, where he helps mothers and children access crucial support through Mama Respond.
Veronica brings over 17 years of experience in general Human Resource management in both international and regional contexts. HR manager of Mama Respond Kenya, she plays a crucial role in ensuring that our strategies support our mission and values, bringing an expertise in organisational culture and talent development.
CEO of the Winnungari Aboriginal Organisation, Jason leads with a deep commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal Communities within Australia. Strongly passionate about creating positive change, he fosters opportunities for those in need. His leadership is driven by his gennuine desire to empower the marginalised.
Australia
Emilia Saunders
Human Relations,
Ambassador
Simon Mutugi
Human Relations,
Veronica Kalekye
Kenya
Jason Davison