Please join us in welcoming our three new DDPI Worldwide Board members, Tiziana Frau, Jacqueline Lynch and Billy Smythe.
They have been appointed after the open application process and Board vote earlier in the year, and step into places vacated by Jane Foulkes, Tatiana Gorney and Benjamin Hargrave, our outgoing Board co-chair.
Tiziana Frau is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and DDP Practitioner in Italy. Tiziana writes: “I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey. I joined the Board with the hope of contributing to the growth of DDP around the world, supporting communities of practice rooted in trust, relationship, and cultural sensitivity. I’m looking forward to giving my best while continuing to learn from others and walking together with those who share this vision.”
Jacqueline Lynch is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, the Director of an Adoption Support Agency in Yorkshire, RESJ Committee member and DDP Practitioner in the UK. Jacqueline is “especially passionate about DDP and how in intersects with neurodiversity, as well and race and culture… I am excited to be part of the Board to help it to continue the growth and influence of DDP worldwide and to make these strides though an RESJ lens.”
Billy Smythe is a Clinical Psychologist and DDP Practitioner, Consultant and Trainer in the UK. He is a former DDPI Board member and DDP Connects UK Director. Billy writes: “DDP continues to grow globally and is increasingly becoming a real force for social justice and belonging. DDP plays such a meaningful role in my life that contributing to its growth and development feels important. I’m returning to the Board in 2025 feeling inspired and ready to support however I can.”
They join our current Board members: co-chair Michelle Hogeterp, and Anne Benson, Louise Faulkner, Carol Frazier, Dr Mariëtte Henning-Pugh, Susan Scott and Ellie Williams. Full biographies can be found on the DDPI Worldwide Board of Directors page.
DDPI Worldwide Board, top-left to bottom-right, Michelle Hogeterp, Billy Smythe, Anne Benson, Louise Faulkner, Tiziana Frau, Carol Frazier, Mariëtte Henning-Pugh, Jacqueline Lynch, Susan Scott and Ellie Williams
DDPI Worldwide extends its heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Board members, whose wisdom and dedication have been invaluable to our growth and moving the organisation forward.
We especially would like to thank Benjamin Hargrave for his service as co-chair. Benjamin has worked tirelessly for over 2 years to help bring DDPI Worldwide to reality. From August, Billy Smythe will step into the co-chair role to work alongside current co-chair Michelle Hogeterp.
Michelle writes:
“Ben’s humour and compassionate presence is a gift to DDPI Worldwide and our community. His relationship and leadership style has helped the Board navigate the liminal spaces and towards exciting opportunities for growth. Ben will be missed in our Board space for sure.
The Board is intentionally evolving and this year we say goodbye and thank you to Tatiana and Jane. We are grateful to both of them for their thoughtful presence on the Board. We also have the privilege of welcoming Titziana, Billy and Jaqueline. We are excited for their fresh eyes and energy as we lean into the opportunities and challenges of the Board mandate.”
Prof. Erica Myers-Davis, Executive Director, writes:
“I’m delighted to welcome Tiziana, Jacqueline, and Billy to the DDPI Worldwide Board. Each brings a rich blend of clinical expertise, cultural insight, and deep commitment to our mission. Their appointments reflect the diverse, global community that DDP continues to grow into—and the values that anchor us: relationship, equity, and care. I look forward to walking alongside them as we shape DDPI Worldwide’s next chapter—rooted in trust, and guided by the voices of our practitioners, partners, and the families we serve.”
Our Board is made up of 10 members, living in 7 different countries, with diverse experiences and training in DDP, and who come from varied professional backgrounds reflective of our community.
