Dionne Essenstem

Dionne joined the CMANZ Board in 2025. Diagnosed later in life with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), alongside both of her sons and without any known family history, Dionne’s journey with the condition became intensely personal. Just nine months after diagnosis, her eldest son required a heart transplant, fast-tracking their family’s experience through the complexities of cardiac care. All three have lived with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which have saved her sons’ lives on multiple occasions.

A registered nurse with a career spanning 25 years in paediatric intensive care, Dionne credits her clinical background with helping her family navigate the healthcare system’s challenges. She brings this dual perspective, as both clinician and carer, to her advocacy. Passionate about empowering others with cardiomyopathy, she is committed to improving access, understanding, and support for those living with the condition.