Our Team

Lene Osmundsen - President  

I am a CHD-patient representing the Norwegian adult CHD association «Voksne med medfødt hjertefeil» (VMH). In my day to day life, I work as a clinical psychologist in a somatic hospital, assisting patients with psychological concerns in combination with, or as a result of, physical illness. To me, seeing the whole person is a vital part of any good treatment plan, which also shapes the foundation of my focus as a volunteer. It is my goal for ECHDO that we continue to grow as an arena for patient organisations to come together and feed off each other’s experience in order to best care for our patients in the years to come.

Emilie Mikalsen - Vice President 

I’m from Norway and therefore I will also be representing the Norwegian Association for Children with Congenital Heart Disease.
I am a CHD patient myself, born with a heart defect which couldn’t be treated, which means I am also a proud heart transplant recipient.

I work as nurse in an acute observation unit, and I hope my experience and education can allow me to offer more focus on safe, timely and effective patient centered care for CHD patients. As the vice president, I hope to continue advocating and in the end, be able to offer CHD patients a better quality of life and improve their access to healthcare world wide.

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Rob Nicoll - Treasurer

I have been on the Board of ECHDO since 2021 Initially as a Director, then Vice President and currently as the Treasurer.  I have been a Trustee of the Somerville Heart Foundation for nearly 20 years and I am currently the organisation's President.  

Professionally, I have worked in water hygiene management / infection control for over 30 years and the founder of several businesses in the UK and Internationally.  I became a Fellow of the Water Management Society for services to the water industry.  

In my private life I enjoy the company of my wife, four grown up children and now a granddaughter. I would like to see the same level of support for ACHD patients that the SHF can offer for all the countries that ECHDO represents. There is much to be done. 

Frída Björk Arnardóttir - Secretary

For the past 16 years, I have been actively involved 
with Neistinn, an organization close to my heart. I am a proud mother of 
two, Kristinn (20) and María (16). 
 
My passion for raising awareness about congenital heart defects stems 
from my personal journey with my daughter, María, who has undergone 
multiple surgeries in Boston and will need more in the future. This 
experience has fueled my dedication to advocating for those affected and 
spreading knowledge about this important cause. 
 
I believe that ECHDO is an amazing platform for connecting people and 
creating real change. Together, we can make miracles happen!

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