Who we are

Parents of Hemi Heroes,
united in purpose.​

A dedicated team of parents supporting hemispherectomy children and their families across Australia.

Kelly Wilton

President

Kelly is mum to Mikey, who underwent a left hemispherectomy in 2017 for HHE Syndrome. Her lived experience and professional advocacy work drive her passion for leading the Foundation with empathy and purpose.

Carolyn Pinto

Secretary

Carolyn is mum to Freya who had a right hemispherectomy in 2010 for Rasmussen's Encephalitis. With her background in health and disability policy and research in both government and at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, she brings both insight and expertise to the Foundation.

Kylie Hockley

Treasurer

Kylie is a founding member and mum to Gemma, who underwent a left hemispherectomy in 2006 for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis. She works as a Medical Secretary in Sydney and brings both lived experience and organisational expertise.

Kathy Payne

Committee Member

Kathy is a founding member, previous HFA president and mum to Aaron, who underwent a left hemispherectomy for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis.  Kathy is an accredited mental health social worker and has worked across the disability, youth, education health and aged care sectors, providing crisis intervention support, counselling, mental health support, community development, advocacy, mediation and supervision.

Aaron Purnell

Committee Member

Aaron was one of the first hemispherectomies done in Australia back when he was 18 for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis.  He has spent many years working for organisations supporting people with brain injuries and is a qualified photographer. Aaron is currently approaching the final year of his social work degree at RMIT University.

Jo Symons

Committee Member

Jo is mum to larger-than-life Max, who underwent a hemispherectomy in 2010 at 9 months old, due to hemimegalencephaly. Jo is a registered physiotherapist and has a background of primary health workforce and service planning in rural and remote Queensland communities. She brings a professional understanding of navigating the health and disability systems and is a fierce advocate for rural families being able to access the health care they need.