Board of Directors

Meet Our Board Members

Lesh Prasad

Lesh Prasad

Chairperson

Lesh Prasad continued as Chairperson from 2020 as Nature Freedom, a very young organisation moved from ideas and passion into structure, strategy and defined purpose. Bringing over 20 years of executive leadership within both the commercial and not-for-profit settings across the Disability sector, Lesh believes in a very simple principle “Everyone Respected, Everyone Heard”. A subject matter expert in corporate/commercial growth, strategic relationship management and the keen development of human talent. Lesh brings an insight into the Disability sector that centres on the “human” in all decisions, purpose and opportunities. ‘The Disability community is entitled to every experience people without disabilities have. Our responsibility is the clear barriers to bring these opportunities into full light’.

Thomas J Mckenna

Thomas J Mckenna

Secretary

Thomas McKenna has been an integral part of the Nature Freedom board since 2020. With a rich background in public education and experiences in private industry, Thomas contributes valuable insights to the board.  Thomas’ desire to increase his support of this organisation has seen him elected Secretary.

Thomas has a passion for learning which is evident through his multiple degrees across education, environmental science, and educational leadership. Also, he is currently pursuing a PhD in Education with a focus on school camps.

When Thomas is not advocating for inclusion or environmentalism, he is a high school principal for the Queensland Department of Education. He enjoys spending quality time with his family engaging in outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, camping, hiking, and swimming.

David Toohey

David Toohey

Treasurer

David has been on the board of charities and an interest in supporting the community and increasing inclusiveness for nearly 25 years. He also has some 9 years’ experience as a surf life saver on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.

David comes from a broad business background and currently provides consultancy services in the area of financial and operational management. Now he also has a young family, a son nearing 2 and a daughter on the way.

Daniel Maloney

Daniel Maloney

Non executive director

Daniel Maloney is a CEO and managing director with thirty-five years experience in the infrastructure and resource industries. He co-founded and ran a successful Global Engineering company as Co-CEO & managing director of Calder Maloney, based in Brisbane.

Previously, Daniel had started-up a Business Unit of a Major Global Engineering company, SNC Lavalin with $6b worth of work that grew to a steady 500 FTE.

More Recently, Daniel has branched out into the start-up space and has been a C-executive in the fields as Property Management, Social Enterprises, LED Lighting, and Security Systems utilising todays latest technologies.

Lorelei Malancioiu

Lorelei Malancioiu

Non executive director

Lorelei is a seasoned writer and digital marketer with a unique blend of experience in both profit and not-for-profit organisations, particularly within the disability sector.

With a keen understanding of the power of storytelling, Lorelei is dedicated to helping brands convey their narratives online to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between digital marketing and social impact, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in every story told.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lorelei is an avid reader and advocate for outdoor activities, finding joy in pursuits like hiking, camping, gardening and swimming.

Jodi Woodroff

Jodi Woodroff

Non executive director

Jodi is a seasoned Senior Manager with 17 years of diverse sector experience. Currently engaged in transformation and strategic delivery, she optimizes operations and champions diversity, a commitment also extended to her advocacy with Menopause Friendly Australia.

Jodi’s leadership is intertwined with her love for nature—training as a yoga teacher and an enthusiast of nature-based activities. Recognized for her people-centric approach, Jodi holds a Women on Boards membership, signifying her commitment to fostering diversity.

Her journey embodies operational excellence and a dedication to inclusive, empowering environments. At Nature Freedom, Jodi brings a holistic perspective, merging leadership, advocacy, and a passion for purpose-driven change.

Brendon Donohue

Brendon Donohue

Non executive Director

Brendon Donohue is a Brisbane-based accessibility content trainer, disability consultant and advocate. He has a particular commitment to removing accessibility barriers for the Totally Blind. Brendon regularly participates in Nature Freedom activities.

He is currently studying a degree in International Relations and Politics at Griffith University, and is also a member of multiple organisations including the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) in their local Griffith community group.

Brendon also participates in The Australian Youth Climate Coalition – Australia (AYCC) activities and event functions. He has been part of the Board of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion since 2019.

Sian Chadfield

Sian Chadfield

Non executive director

Sian Chadfield is an environmental scientist and passionate disability advocate. As a disabled person herself, and carer with a love for the outdoors, she understands the importance of making nature inclusive and accessible.

Presently, Sian is working on completing a PhD on water-wise communities, and has previously researched the health and well-being benefits of visiting waterside environments, commonly known as ‘blue space’.

In 2023, she served as a Disability Officer on the University of Queensland Union executive committee, collaborating to develop initiatives that support, represent, and foster social connectedness of students with disability.

Rachel Scott

Rachel Scott

Non executive director

With a career in corporate and educational spaces, Rachel is passionate about ensuring inclusive practices occur seamlessly in everyday life. As the sibling of a person with disability, Rachel has been a staunch advocate for all persons accessing equal opportunities and experiences and, as a result, provides businesses with structures, coaching and support to do so.  

Rachel is part of many advisory committees and provided evidence to support the enquiry for the Disability Royal Commission.  

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys national and international travel, hiking and spending time in her garden at home with her young family.