Our Board

Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) Board

Established in 2001, the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) is guided by an independent Board providing strategic oversight and governance. The Board supports PIRI’s mission to improve perinatal mental health through research, clinical innovation, and real-world implementation.

Current Board Members

Professor Jeannette Milgrom AM

Professor Jeannette Milgrom AM

Appointed Executive Director of the Parent-Infant Research Institute in 2001
Founder and Executive Director of PIRI, Professor Jeannette Milgrom AM is a global leader in perinatal mental health, translating decades of research into nationally implemented, evidence-based interventions for families Australia-wide.
Emeritus Professor Lyn Littlefield OAM

Emeritus Professor Lyn Littlefield OAM

Appointed Chair of the Board in 2025. Appointed to Board in 2019
Chair of the PIRI Board, Emeritus Professor Lyn Littlefield OAM is a nationally respected child and family psychologist, former APS Executive Director, and influential leader in mental health policy Australia-wide.
Ms Sarah Jones

Ms Sarah Jones

Appointed to Board in 2017 and Treasurer in December 2017
Board Treasurer since 2017, Sarah Jones is a CPA-qualified finance and risk leader with international banking experience, bringing strong governance, regulatory, and financial oversight expertise to PIRI and strategic leadership.
Ms Barbara Wellesley AM

Ms Barbara Wellesley AM

Appointed to the Board in 2009 – December 2019, previous Chair of the Board 2017-2018; in December 2019 appointed as Ambassador for PIRI
Former PIRI Chair and current Ambassador, Barbara Wellesley AM is a national leader in early childhood and perinatal mental health policy, bringing decades of advocacy, governance, and sector leadership experience.
Leonie Young

Leonie Young

Appointed to Board in 2011, appointed Chair of the Board 2014 – 2017
Former PIRI Chair, Leonie Young is a highly experienced mental health and health reform leader, former beyondblue CEO, bringing deep policy, governance, and system-level expertise to the Board.
Bradley Ward

Bradley Ward

Appointed to Board in 2019
Board member Bradley Ward is a health marketing strategist, academic, and company director, bringing expertise in consumer psychology, digital innovation, and evidence-based branding for health organisations.
Ms Barbara Frazer

Ms Barbara Frazer

Minute Secretary & Manager, PIRI. Appointed to Board and Secretary in 2019
Minute Secretary, Manager and Board Secretary since 2019, Barbara Frazer brings extensive Austin Health administration and project management experience, supporting PIRI governance, incorporation, and ongoing organisational development and strategic delivery.

Previous Board Members

Professor Helen Skouteris

Professor Helen Skouteris

Appointed to Board in 2017- to December 2024, previously Chair of the Board 2018-2024.
Former PIRI Chair and Board member, Professor Helen Skouteris is a leading implementation scientist advancing evidence translation across preconception, pregnancy, and childhood health through large-scale research and policy impact.
Dr Linda Mellors PhD, BA, BSc (Hons)

Dr Linda Mellors PhD, BA, BSc (Hons)

Former Board Member, PIRI
Former PIRI Board member, Dr Linda Mellors is a senior health executive with extensive public hospital leadership experience, combining strategic governance expertise with a PhD in medical research.
Ms Felicity Broadbent

Ms Felicity Broadbent

Former Board Member, PIRI
Former PIRI Board member, Felicity Broadbent is an award-winning public relations professional with extensive public and private healthcare experience, bringing strategic communications expertise and consumer-focused insight.
Dr Erina Reddan

Dr Erina Reddan

Former Board Member, PIRI
Former PIRI Board member, Dr Erina Reddan is a senior media strategist and former international journalist, bringing deep expertise in media strategy, training, and public communication across complex policy environments.
Sheena Scholten

Sheena Scholten

Former Board Member, PIRI
Former PIRI Board member, Sheena Scholten is an experienced nursing and health services executive, bringing decades of leadership in women’s health, service planning, and hospital governance across Victoria.
A.H. (Tony) Barnes

A.H. (Tony) Barnes

Former Board Member, PIRI
Former PIRI Treasurer and Board member, Tony Barnes is a highly experienced CFO and non-executive director, bringing deep expertise in financial governance, risk management, and large-scale corporate leadership.
Wendy Peter B Juris

Wendy Peter B Juris

Former Board Member, PIRI
Former PIRI Board member, Wendy Peter B Juris is a senior competition and regulatory lawyer, former ACCC executive and Allens partner, bringing deep governance, compliance, and regulatory expertise.