Meet Our Advisors
Dr Amir Rizwan​
Board Advisor, Clinical and Quality Affairs @ PsycReality
Dr. Amir Rizwan, a physician executive with 22 years’ clinical and managerial experience (15 in MENA), specializes in healthcare strategy, governance, technology, innovation, quality, and safety. Author of 20+ papers and 2 books, he’s received multiple regional and international awards.
Prof Immanuel Azaad Moonesar, Phd​
Health Policy and Systems Research
Expert in Health Policy, Systems Research, Quality Management, and Dietetics, with a specialized focus on Government Relations across the Health and Education sectors. Skilled in developing strategies and fostering collaborations to improve systems and outcomes.
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Kinda Chehab​
Wellbeing and Inclusion​​
HR Staff Engagement and Wellbeing Manager with expertise in fostering positive workplace cultures and enhancing employee satisfaction. Experienced in social systems sustainable development, driving initiatives that promote organizational resilience, inclusivity, and long-term growth.
Dali Sanghera​
Accenture Middle East V&A, PMI, Middle East COO​
Leads strategic transformations while fostering an inclusive workplace culture. As part of Accenture Middle East V&A, PMI, and Middle East COO teams, drives operational excellence, integration, and innovation to deliver impactful change and sustainable growth across the region.
Iris Fernandes​
Neurodiversity and Disability Advocate, Representative of Siemens Energy LLC
I’ve been a Dubai resident for 30 years and am currently studying law while working as a Legal Intern with Siemens Energy UAE. Proudly on the Autism Spectrum, I’m also a passionate advocate for disability rights and sustainability, dedicated to driving positive change in both areas.
Dr Khaled Kadry ​
Director of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, Sakina
Dr. Khaled Kadry is the Director of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service at Sakina. He is dedicated to improving mental health care for young people, leading programs that support emotional well-being, and fostering early intervention and treatment across the community.
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Berna Bouwer​
Corporate Head of Inclusion - GEMS​
As Corporate Head of Inclusion at GEMS Education, I lead inclusive strategies across 45+ UAE schools, ensuring equitable access for every student of determination. I collaborate with leaders, regulators, and global partners to build capacity, improve outcomes, and foster a culture of belonging through innovation and professional development.
Dr Sameera Alobeidli​
Director Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, NMC Healthcare ​
Dr. Sameera Alobeidli, Director of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at NMC Healthcare, is an experienced healthcare professional with a strong background in hospital and clinical settings. She is dedicated to improving care, support, and outcomes for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Maha Khorchid​
Project Manager, Inclusion Advocate​
Mental Health and Autism Awareness Advocate with a passion for Diversity & Inclusion and Early Intervention. Experienced Moderator, Public Speaker, and Corporate Banking professional with expertise in Financial Analysis, Strategy, Communication, and Client Relationship Management.
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Khawla Barley​
Founder & Executive Director, Goals UAE
Khawla Barley is a leader in inclusive program design with 10+ years of experience supporting neurodiverse individuals and families in the UAE. Founder of Goals UAE and former senior leader at Special Olympics UAE, she champions inclusion through sports, STEM, and community-driven change.
Chris Casper Dimal ​
Communications Associate, The Butterfly​
Chris is a Communications Associate at The Butterfly, a social enterprise promoting equity for People of Determination. An autistic self-advocate, he’s passionate about inclusion and raising awareness of adult autism and neurodiversity, speaking at events and on radio across the region.
Dr Florian Koemm​
Chair of Siemens Energy's Global Disability Inclusion and Allies Network
Dr. Florian Koemm, General Counsel for Siemens Energy in Africa & Middle East and Global Head of Legal & Compliance Operations, is based in Dubai. With Siemens since 2009, he speaks four languages, chairs the global DisAbility & Allies Network, and is a dedicated father of three.
Kevin Baskerville​
Topland General Manager​
Passionate advocate for neurodiversity, with a career dedicated to supporting individuals with ASD and other disabilities. Experienced trainer, consultant, and educator, committed to fostering inclusion and empowerment—a proud uncle.
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Khushboo Moorjani​
Consultant | ESG, Diversity & Inclusion MENA Lead - SThree ​
Dedicated to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives while championing Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) across organizations. Committed to creating equitable, sustainable workplaces that foster innovation, accountability, and positive social impact.
Dr Vedrana Mladina, PHD​
Consultant | ESG, Diversity & Inclusion MENA Lead - SThree ​
Licensed Clinical and Health Psychologist and UAE Country Chapter Director for the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA). Committed to advancing mental health awareness, promoting best practices, and leading initiatives that support psychological well-being across the region.
Dr Arif Akbar Khan​
CEO and Founder Neuropedia Children's Neuroscience Center
Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, CEO and Founder of Neuropedia Group of Clinics, Managing Director of Kids Neuro Clinic, Director of Gene Therapy at Fakeeh University Hospital, and Associate Professor at MBR University. Committed to advancing pediatric neurology through clinical care, research, and education.
Dr Catherine O'Farrell
Founder of Incluzun, International inspector, Iron (wo)man​
Dr. Catherine O'Farrell is the founder of Incluzun, an international inspector, and an Iron (wo)man athlete. She combines her passion for inclusion with a drive for excellence, inspiring change through leadership, global expertise, and relentless determination both professionally and personally.
Ceanlia Vermeulen​
Head of Inclusion, Redwood Montessori Nursery Marina & Founder, Unveil the Path™
Ceanlia Vermeulen is a Strategic Empowerment & Inclusive Leadership Expert with 34+ years in education and inclusion across South Africa and the UAE. Founder of Unveil the Path™, Head of Inclusion at Redwood Montessori, partner at Mindset Consultancies, and UAE Delegate Lead for the 2025 World Inclusion Congress.
​Dr Joanne Hands, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC​
Clinical Director of Kuwait Counseling Center
Dr. Joanne Hands, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC, is Clinical Director of Kuwait Counseling Center and President of the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA). A dedicated psychologist, she leads initiatives to enhance mental health services, advocate for the profession, and support community well-being.
Laura Laugier​
CEO Founder, Cri du Chat Mother​
Laura co-owns Wefix Technical Services and is the Founder of Neurodiverse Families Events and, a Project Management Services company. Most importantly, she is the mother of a seven-year-old son with Cri du Chat or 5p minus syndrome, which is why she is a staunch advocate for neurodiversity.
Julie Thompson Bowen ​
Neurodiversity Advocate
With 25+ years of teaching experience across six continents, Julie is an AuADHD educator and parent of two twice-exceptional (2E) AuADHD children. She’s passionate about transforming education into a more inclusive, equitable space that empowers students often overlooked by traditional systems.
Dr Jennie Telus​
Senior Lecturer
Dr. Jennie Telus, brings over 12 years of international experience in education, with a specialization in inclusive education. Her diverse cultural background has been instrumental in shaping her commitment to creating accessible and equitable learning environments for all students.
Muneer Alobeidli​
Future Wellbeing, Culture & Wellbeing at Central Bank UAE​
Experienced professional in the Health and Wellbeing industry, with a strong focus on leadership and systems thinking. Passionate about creating sustainable, person-centered solutions that improve outcomes, foster collaboration, and drive innovation across health and wellness ecosystems.