Guideline Panel

Professor Vucic is the Northcott Chair of Neurology and Director of Brain and Nerve Research Center (Concord Clinical School, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney). Professor Vucic has a research interest and expertise in management of neuromuscular diseases, including MND, hereditary and acquired neuropathies, leading research efforts in the understanding of these diseases as well as development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. He has extensively published in these fields of research (~400 manuscripts to date).  For his research he has been awarded multiple accolades and a Doctor of Science (DSc) by the University of New South Wales in 2019.  Professor Vucic was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences in 2020, in recognition of contributions to health and medical science in Australia, especially for his contribution to medical research.

Jo Whitehouse is a senior health and disability services leader with over 25 years of experience in Australia and the UK, specialising in the design and delivery of person-centred supports for people with progressive neurological conditions. A qualified occupational therapist with advanced training in project management and environmental access, Jo currently serves as General Manager of Support Services at MND Victoria. In this role, she leads a statewide multidisciplinary team, oversees a $5M+ budget, and has driven major initiatives including the development of an Assistive Technology Loan Library and digital transformation through CRM implementation. Her leadership has supported significant service growth, workforce expansion, and seamless navigation of NDIS and Aged Care accreditation processes.

Jo is deeply committed to improving outcomes and quality of life for people living with progressive, life-limiting neurological conditions. Her career has been defined by a focus on inclusion, innovation, and equity—delivering evidence-informed models of care that respond to client needs and sector reform. She has held senior roles at MS Ltd, the Brotherhood of St Laurence, and the Young People in Nursing Homes Alliance, where she has led impactful projects recognised at state and federal levels. Jo brings to every project a collaborative approach, deep sector knowledge, and a passion for building systems that are responsive, sustainable, and grounded in the lived experience of those they support.

With over a decade of experience in rehabilitation and motor neurone disease (MND) care, Jacqui is a dedicated physiotherapist committed to improving the lives of individuals and families navigating the challenges of MND. Graduating from Sydney University in 2008, Jacqui has built a career focused on enhancing mobility, independence, and overall quality of life for those affected by neurodegenerative conditions.

Jacqui is the coordinator for the ACT MND clinic, a vital service provided through Canberra Health Services to ACT and Southern NSW clients with a diagnosis of MND.

Professor David Berlowitz is a clinician scientist who holds a joint appointment with The University of Melbourne and Austin Health in Melbourne (Chair of Physiotherapy (Clinical). David maintains his specialised physiotherapist clinical practice within the Victorian Respiratory Support Service, the state-wide provider of domiciliary ventilator support to over 1,200 Victorians who live in their own homes thanks to breathing assistance overnight. His research focusses on sleep and breathing disorders in neuromuscular diseases, especially in spinal cord injury and motor neurone disease. His team’s current research encompasses epidemiology, sleep and respiratory physiology, clinical trials, machine-learning, and implementation science.

Clinical trials generate new knowledge and drive practice change in health. David is an expert clinical trialist having been a named investigator on 43 competitively funded, investigator-initiated clinical trials. He led 26 of these with 22 being multi-centre and 8 multi-national. The impact of David and his teams’ research is illustrated by his 2024 MND Australia Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to recognize “building a team dedicated to championing research around respiratory support’ and incorporation of their research findings regarding non-invasive ventilation into MND guidelines and practice standards worldwide.

Susan Mathers is a neurologist at Monash Health, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University and Clinical Director of Neurology at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Melbourne. Her clinical and research interests focus on the management of progressive neurological diseases and models of care. She is a board member of the MND Research Collective and partnered in the development of the MiNDAUS Registry.

Sponsored by grants from the Victorian Government, she has led the development of a specialist statewide service at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, offering multidisciplinary care for people with a progressive neurological disease living in Victoria and bordering states. Over a thousand patients attend this service, including 400 people with ALS/Motor Neurone Disease.

The statewide service enables the involvement of people with lived experience of these diseases in national and international research studies, databases and clinical trials.

Chris is living with Kennedys Disease, a progressive Motor Neuron Disease without cure or treatment. Chris lives with his wife Fayellen in Wynyard Tasmania, has four children.

Chris holds a Graduate Certificate in Business Management.

Chris volunteers his time to several Boards throughout Tasmania, Australia and Internationally. Chairing the Tasmanian Premiers Disability Advisory Council, Commodore of Wynyard Yacht Club, President of Motor Neuron Disease Association Tasmania, Vice President of Sailability Tasmania, Chair of Australian Sailing Tasmania Regional Advisory Committee, Board member Motor Neuron Disease Australia and Board member of the International RS Venture Connect Sailing Class Association

Chris is a sailor from ten years of age, a three-time World Champion who competes successfully at World, European, Asia Pacific, National, State level.

A high focus on physical and mental health, a positive attitude, combined with high moral values, and respect for others are key attributes.

Dr Deanne Curtin is a Respiratory and Sleep Physician and the Director of The Sleep Disorders Centre at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane.  She is also a Senior Lecturer with the University of Queensland. She has extensive experience in the management of MND and is an active member of the MND clinic at TPCH. Her particular area of expertise in MND is respiratory support and the use of non invasive ventilation. She is involved in MND research and is looking forward to improving the care of those living with MND through being a panel member of the Australian MND guidelines.

Phil Camden is an administrator of the Australian MND Facebook group, Connect, Share, Support, which has grown to a supportive community of over 1,400 members. He serves on the Australian MND Guidelines Panel and the MND Australia Lived Experience Network Approval Panel, contributing firsthand insight to national policy and care discussions. He is also a member of the Non-Invasive Ventilation Stakeholder Advisory Group and the Community of Practice for MND Care. As Chairperson of the Lived Experience Research Advisory Panel, Philip plays a key role in ensuring research remains grounded in the real needs of people living with MND. Additionally, he is the FightMND DIY Fundraiser Ambassador for East Gippsland , actively raising awareness and support in his local community.

Ms Amber Sewell-Green is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Clinical Nutritionist specialising in chronic metabolic and neurological conditions since 2017. Currently completing her PhD focusing on nutrition care interventions and energy imbalance in Motor Neurone Disease, in 2023, she also founded The Green Mind Co, a telehealth clinic providing nutritional support to people living with MND both nationally and internationally.

With qualifications from the University of Newcastle (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and 1^st Class Honours in Nutrition and Dietetics), La Salle University in Mexico (Public Health and Policies) and the University of Queensland (Neuroscience and Psychopathology), Ms Sewell-Green is a member of the Steyn and Ngo translational research groups at UQ, where she investigates the role of nutrition and metabolism in MND and the interplay between musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. As mixed methodologist, her research spans quantitative Lipidomics analysis, Systematic Reviews on nutritional assessment and biomarkers in MND using GRADE evidence to decision framework, and qualitative analysis incorporating EBCD co-design. As an MND researcher and practicing clinician, she is actively involved in disseminating research through conferences, social media and podcasts, fundraising events and publications. Her involvement in the guideline panel reflects her commitment to developing evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle recommendations that can positively impact the MND community.

Tara is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience in palliative care and oncology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Sydney and is skilled in all areas of palliative care and oncology, lymphoedema management and complex home modifications. Outside of work she is a mum to 3 children and her groodle, Honey, and loves to spend time with her family going to the beach, attending sporting activities, and watching her husband cook.

She is passionate about improving the quality of life for those living with MND and finding ways to encourage and support participation in all activities of daily living for those affected by MND and their families. Tara is honoured to be involved with the MND Guideline panel to contribute towards the development of evidence-based recommendations for MND care across Australia.

As an endorsed Nurse Practitioner and advanced practice Clinical Nurse, I bring over two decades of experience delivering high-quality, evidence-based care in community, outpatient, and hospital settings. I specialise in neurological health, with advanced expertise in Motor Neurone Disease (MND), continence management, and other neurological chronic conditions.

My career reflects a commitment to holistic, person-centred practice, clinical leadership, and innovation in service delivery. I’ve led multidisciplinary care planning, contributed to health policy and strategic development, and presented original research nationally. My academic background includes a Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner, Master of Health Care Management, and a postgraduate focus on primary health and continence care.

Passionate about lifelong learning and clinical excellence, I continue to engage in national conferences, cross-sector collaboration, and mentoring. I strive to enhance patient outcomes by integrating research, education, and compassionate care to support individuals and their families navigating complex neurological conditions.

Dr. Sarah El-Wahsh is a certified practising speech pathologist in a tertiary hospital, lecturer at the University of Sydney, and researcher with a strong passion to improving care for people living with MND. As a speech pathologist, Sarah is passionate about supporting people living with MND to maintain their ability to communicate and enjoy safe, meaningful eating and drinking experiences for as long as possible. She recognises these as vital to quality of life, dignity, and connection. Sarah has a particular interest in advanced communication and counselling skills for healthcare professionals – especially in navigating sensitive, hopeful, and challenging conversations in healthcare.

Sarah completed her Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) Honours degree in 2017, graduating with Honours I, the University Medal, and the Dean’s Scholar Award. Sarah was awarded a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship and completed her PhD in 2022 from the University of Sydney. Sarah leads an international community of practice supporting speech pathologists in voice banking and has published widely on communication and swallowing impairments in progressive neurological diseases. Her contributions include several first-author journal articles and book chapters and have been recognised through multiple awards for research and clinical excellence at both national and international levels. As a passionate clinician-researcher, Sarah is looking forward to being a part of the Australian MND Guidelines advisory panel to promote work that is evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and most importantly, centred on the lived experiences of the people it serves.

Julie currently works for MND Australia, as the Program Manager of the National MND Lived Experience Network. Coming from an allied health background and coordinating a multidisciplinary MND Clinic for 17 years, she has extensive experience coordinating healthcare for people living with MND. Julie has a keen interest in managing projects and remains actively involved in MND care research, publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.”

Fiona is a palliative medicine specialist with over 10 years clinical experience caring for people living with MND. She works across hospital and community settings, offering state-wide NeuroPalliative Care through weekly clinics at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem in Melbourne. Fiona has published on the palliative care needs for people living with MND, and has research interests in models of palliative care provision. Fiona is co-chair of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine NeuroPalliative Care Special Interest Group, a member of the  Royal Australasian College of Physicians Training Committee in Palliative Medicine and Director of Palliative Care at Monash Health. She holds an adjunct senior lecturer position at Monash University.

Dr Dev Nathani is a consultant Neurologist and Neurophysiologist who has been leading one of the state multidisciplinary MND clinics in Western Australia since 2021. This clinic is based at the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science where he has also been involved in several MND-related research studies, including clinical trials. He also works as a general Neurologist at the Joondalup Health Campus and has an interest in Neuromuscular medicine. Dr Nathani is on the board of the MND Association of Western Australia (MNDAWA) and a member of the Clinical Governance Advisory Group which is a joint initiative of the MNDAWA and MNDQLD.

A/Prof Winkel is a Neurologist with expertise in Neuromuscular disorders and Neurophysiological testing. Completing Neurology training in Melbourne, he then completed his PhD at the University of Melbourne while returning to his home state of Queensland to help develop a new tertiary service on the Sunshine Coast. He rapidly established the Motor Neurone Disease Clinic at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Now the Director of Neurosciences at Sunshine Coast Health, he remains passionate about improving care in the Neuromuscular field and continues to work on expanding access to care in Regional Australia. He is a Founding Board Member of the Neuromuscular Society of Australia and New Zealand and has an active research interest in neuromuscular disease, with active collaborations both Nationally and Internationally with other experts in the area. He is an Associate Professor at Griffith University’s School of Medicine.