Our Board of Governance brings together a dedicated group of professionals who are passionate about creating lasting change for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. With diverse skills and lived experience, our board members provide strategic leadership, oversight, and advocacy to ensure FAN continues to deliver inclusive, innovative, and impactful support to the community.
Diane Godfrey (She/Her)
Chair
Diane joined the FAN Board in 2017 and has served as Chair since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and postgraduate qualifications in Adolescent and Child Psychology and Neuroscience. Diane worked for over 30 years with the Department of Human Services in a variety of roles, including senior management positions in the homelessness and family violence sectors. She was responsible for developing and delivering state-wide programs and working across both government and non-government sectors.
Following her public service career, Diane was Deputy Executive Officer at Safe Futures Foundation, where she worked closely with homelessness and family violence agencies in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Her extensive experience in program management, policy, partnerships, and sector collaboration is complemented by her strong communication, governance, and budgeting skills. Diane is deeply committed to social justice and brings this passion to her leadership role at FAN.
Bronwen Henry (She/Her)
Deputy Chair
Hannah Hodges (She/Her)
Secretary
Hannah joined the FAN Board in 2017. She holds Law (Hons) and Behavioural Science degrees and is a practising lawyer with experience across insurance, banking, and commercial disputes. She has worked in private practice, where she led pro bono support for victims of crime, and in the not-for-profit sector, helping develop protocols and advocate for change in how the insurance industry handles family violence cases.
Currently working as a Government Solicitor, Hannah also sits on the Building Appeals Board and brings over eight years of volunteer legal experience. She is passionate about supporting victims of family violence and was drawn to FAN’s holistic, person-centred approach. Hannah is proud to contribute to FAN’s ongoing impact.
Annerliegh Pappos (She/Her)
Treasurer
Annerliegh Pappos has worked in the community sector for over 20 years in roles focused on social justice, from direct support for people impacted by the justice system to community development through the Neighbourhood Renewal program. For the past seven years, she has specialised in business development and policy, currently working as a Policy Analyst at Neami National to support access to mental health care and sustainable housing.
She holds degrees in Social Science and Criminology. As a former recipient of FAN’s homelessness support, Annerliegh brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role and is passionate about helping young people shape their futures.
Julieanne Darling (She/Her)
General Board Member
Julieanne brings extensive experience and knowledge with over 20 years in social services in Victoria and Tasmania. Julieanne has knowledge of the social services-funded sector, and experience in policy implementation, contract management and project management, as well as a keen interest and experience in business process improvement. She brings with her, operational knowledge of housing, homelessness, out-of-home care, family services and family violence. Julieanne is an experienced leader who demonstrates her motivational qualities through a vibrant approach and her ability to develop a strong rapport with others. Julieanne has a master of Business Administration (MBA).
Megan Williams (She/Her)
General Board Member
Megan has worked in the Victorian social service sector for 26 years. Megan has acquired extensive knowledge of the disability, mental health, family violence and homelessness sectors. Megan has extensive advocacy experience and has worked with an independent statutory safeguarding authority to protect vulnerable cohorts from abuse and neglect. Megan has strong interpersonal skills and values the importance of establishing robust relationships with key stakeholders. Megan holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Disability Studies and qualifications in Auslan.
Anne Vranisan (She/Her)
General Board Member
Anne has qualifications in social work and family therapy and has worked in the community sector for 35 years. She has performed a range of direct practice roles in child protection, out-of-home care and family counselling. Over the last 20 years Anne has undertaken a variety of management roles supporting teams delivering family counselling, youth development programs, family law services and AOD programs. Currently Anne works in a Wellbeing role in the disability sector.
Sarah Wright (She/Her)
General Board Member
Sarah is a dedicated leader with over 30 years’ experience in government and non-government sectors, including disability services, community kindergartens, and roles in ministerial offices. She currently manages Health, Safety, and Wellbeing for a not-for-profit disability provider and is active in local community groups. Sarah holds multiple qualifications in early childhood education, disability, occupational health and safety, and governance, and is a certified Mental Health First Aider. She is passionate about supporting people of all ages, abilities, and identities.
Danielle Leforte (She/Her)
General Board Member
Danielle is a results-driven program leader with 10 years’ experience managing Victorian State and
Commonwealth Government funded contracts in the education and employment sectors. She brings expertise in project management, governance, policy development, grants administration, and program delivery. Danielle has a strong track record of working collaboratively with education providers, community service organisations, employers, and government stakeholders to achieve impactful outcomes. She is passionate about leading programs that support disadvantaged cohorts and deliver meaningful change. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Science and Sociology from the Australian Catholic University.
Michelle Thompson (She/Her)
CEO
Michelle Thompson is the CEO of Family Access Network (FAN), where she has held leadership roles for over 11 years. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the community sector, primarily supporting young people and their families. Her background spans youth homelessness, alcohol and other drugs, mental health, family services, and community health. Michelle holds a Bachelor in Youth Work, and Graduate Diplomas in Substance Abuse and Counselling.
She is a current Board member of the Gateway LLEN, participated in Leadership Victoria’s inaugural LGBTIQ Leadership program, and teaches at RMIT in the Diploma of Youth Work and Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence short course.