MDASA

Board

Board President - Sandra Di Blasio
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts, Accountancy (UniSA), CPA
Career: Sandra has over 20 years experience in internal and external audit, risk management and governance, having worked in the public and private sector both in Adelaide and Sydney. This range of experience has provided her with the tools to be able to look at issues from many perspectives and problem solving to ensure solutions are practical outcomes.
Why MDA? As a mum of three young children and having always had a social conscience, MDA and Sandra found each other - MDA needed some skills in her area of expertise and Sandra felt she needed to contribute to something greater than day to day life.  It’s a win - win situation!!
Sandra observes that MDA is passionate about people and is impressed with the client focused nature of the organisation. She says ‘This is a very dedicated group of which I am proud to be a part and look forward to a long association.’

Michael Galvin
Qualifications: BA (Hons) (Syd), MA (Hons) (Syd), Dip Tert Ed (UNE), PdD (Macquarie)
Career: Michael is currently an Associate Professor of Communications at the University of South Australia; and for most of the last 30 years has been a University Lecturer or Senior Academic Manager.
Why MDA? Michael’s son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 1986 and died in 2007, aged 22. Michael has been a member of MDA firstly in NSW and then in SA since 1990.

Katrina Nitschke
Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Hons) (Flinders)
Career: Katrina is currently Senior Associate at Langes Lawyers. She has over 10 years experience practicing in the areas of Wills and Estates and Estate Planning and in general Commercial Law, including advising on business sales and purchases, general commercial contracts, franchising and commercial leases and drafting associated documents.
Why MDA? Prior to joining MDA, Katrina had no particular connection or even knowledge of Muscular Dystrophy, but when an opportunity arose to join the Board of MDA she took it. Katrina appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the MDA community, albeit in a small and indirect way.

Allan Bretag
Qualifications: BSc (Hons), Adelaide 1965; PhD, Adelaide 1971; Postdoctoral Training, Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, University of the Saarland, Germany 1972-1973

Career: Lecturer level A, The University of Adelaide 1966-1970; Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer and Associate Professor, South Australian Institute of Technology 1970-1990; Associate Professor of Physiology, University of South Australia 1990-1997; Professor of Physiology, University of South Australia 1997-2005; Adjunct Professor, University of South Australia 2005-Present.
Why MDA? Allan’s doctoral research was on muscle function and the mechanism of the muscle disease myotonia congenita. A maintained research interest in muscle diseases has led to long-term voluntary work for MDA.

Tara Casey
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts - Communications (UniSA), Graduate Certificate Case Management, Advanced Diploma Community Services Management, Cert IV - Training and Assessment
Career: Tara has worked for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield for eight years, in both community care and community development. She has experience in working with volunteers, various community groups, planning and developing new initiatives and running community events. Tara also teaches community development at TAFE on a casual basis.
Why MDA? Tara’s mother, Colette, had myotonic dystrophy and died in November 2008. She is passionate about assisting MDA through her special interest areas of marketing and promotions, community engagement and fundraising.

Barbie Chiro
Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (UniSA), CPA, Fellow - Taxation Institute of Australia
Career: Barbie is currently a Tax Partner at Walker Wayland, Chartered Accountants. She has over 20 years experience in the accounting and taxation profession. Barbie also has a keen interest in education, including tutoring at university level and presenting of tax technical papers at national and state conventions. Barbie specialises in taxation planning advice for both Australian residents and international entities as well as all aspects of management and financial accounting.
Why MDA? Barbie joined the Board after being introduced via the Premier Women’s Directory as an accounting profession. Once introduced to the MDA members, clients, staff and other board members she has become deeply committed to the organisation and hopes to offer long term advice and assistance both in SA and nationally.

Janakan Ravindran
Qualifications: MB BS (Adel) FRACP
Career: Janakan is currently a Staff Specialist in the Neurology & Stroke Units at the Royal Adelaide Hospital & Head of the Neurology & Stroke Service at the Lyell McEwin Hospital. He also works as a neurologist in private practise. His special interest area is in Adult Neuromuscular and Neuro-immunological Disease and conducts a clinic in this area at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Why MDA? Janakan has had a special interest in muscle disorders since the time of his training as a neurologist. Janakan hopes working with MDA will enable a link to be established between the MDA community and the hospital system.