DDPI Worldwide are sharing the news that Michelle Hogeterp is stepping down as Co-Chair of the Board, as we welcome Dr Jacqueline Lynch into the role.
Michelle joined as a founding Board member in 2023 and becoming Co-Chair the following year. She has given so much of herself to this work. The time, care, energy, and commitment she has brought to DDP has been felt right across the community. Michelle has helped shape the new DDPI Worldwide Board and then lead through so many significant moments. Michelle cares deeply about DDP and about the people who make up this community and has always worked incredibly hard to help us hold onto the heart of the model as DDPI Worldwide has grown.
We are all extremely thankful to Michelle and wish her well as she steps back from the role. She will continue DDP training and to work she loves with families, and we hope that stepping back creates a bit more space for time with her own family too.
Within this time of transition, we are really pleased to welcome Dr Jacqueline Lynch as Co-Chair of the DDPI Worldwide Board.
Jacqueline brings over 30 years experience as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and is already a valued member of the DDPI Worldwide Board. Jacqueline has contributed to our RESJ work, co-hosts a special interest group for the global majority, and holds a strong interest in intersectionality and how DDP can continue to evolve to better meet the needs of marginalised communities. She has also taken an active role as the Board’s Australia link over the past year and brings a real steadiness to our team. We’re grateful to her for stepping into this role at what is both an exciting and extremely busy time for DDPI Worldwide.
We also want to thank Ellie Williams, who has been DDPI Worldwide Treasurer since 2023. Ellie stepped into this role and has worked way above and beyond behind the scenes in DDP, for some time was holding a great weight of responsibility for the financial side of the organisation. Ellie’s contribution to DDP has been absolutely vital and we are so thankful to her and wish her well. Similarly, thank you also to Susan Scott, who also steps down from the Board. Susan has brought thoughtfulness and care into Board conversations and has played an important part in shaping our direction over this period.
We are now in the process of recruiting new Board members. This next phase brings an opportunity to welcome new voices, perspectives, and energy into the Board. Our intention is to build a group that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve around the world as we hold responsibility for governance, growth, and the integrity of DDP. We’ll share more as this develops over the coming months.
We’ve updated the Board of Directors page to reflect these changes. To get in touch with the Board co-Chairs directly please use our contact form.
Billy Smythe
DDPI Worldwide Board of Directors Co-Chair
