Our Board of Directors

Professor Coghill is committed to the development and implementation of evidence-based pathways for ADHD and has been involved in the development of several National and International Clinical guidelines for ADHD. David’s research interests include neuroscience, neuropsychology, Neuropsychopharmacology, health services research, implementation science, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance and quality of life. He is the chair of EUNETHYDIS International conferences and is a longstanding member of the executive committee of the European Network for Hyperkinetic Disorders (EUNETHYDIS).

Dr Roger Paterson, MB BS, FRCPsych, FRANZCP, Cert. Child & Adol. Psych, has been active in the field of child, adolescent and adult ADHD for many years. In the public sector from 1989 to 1996 in child psychiatry, and in full-time general child and adult private practice thereafter, with the last few years being mostly an ADHD practice across the lifespan.

Professor Bellgrove has studied the neurobiology of ADHD for over 15 years and is internationally known for his work on the genetics, neuropsychology and pharmacology of ADHD. His research has been recognized with awards from NARSAD, the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and Biological Psychiatry Australia. Mark is a strong advocate for evidence-based diagnosis, treatment and management of ADHD and has a strong vision for the development of unified national diagnosis, prescribing and treatment practices and AADPA’s role in influencing policy to ensure a “better deal” for the many individuals affected by ADHD within Australia.

Dr Sciberras has worked in the area of ADHD for 15 years and has been recognised by the Australian Institute for Policy and Science for her achievements. She holds a National Health & Medical Research Council Career Development Fellowship focused on the development of evidence-based behavioural interventions to improve outcomes for young people with ADHD. Emma is committed to reducing the stigma associated with ADHD and disseminating evidence-based information about the disorder to the general community. Her strong track record in ADHD research (>80 publications, ~$7M in research funding) has proven invaluable in advocating for funding and in supporting AADPA’s activities more broadly.

Dr Poulton is a paediatrician with more than 20 years of experience specialising in treating children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sally works at Nepean Hospital, at Penrith Child and Youth Mental Health Service and in private practice in Penrith. She is also an academic and senior lecturer at the University of Sydney. Dr Poulton has been studying the effects of stimulant medication in children with ADHD since 1996 and the long-term effects of ADHD and stimulant medication at a population level.

Dr Sarahn Lovett is a General Paediatrician for both public and private systems delivering care to children and their families with neurodevelopmental challenges such as autism and ADHD.  Dr Lovett is the Clinical Lead for ADHD Shared Care at Hunter New England and has led the development of a dedicated ADHD clinic that will soon open in HNEHealth in late 2023.  Dr Lovett is currently working with NSW Health to develop an online ADHD education module to help all clinicians participate in ADHD shared models care.  Sarahn is a passionate advocate for equitable and evidenced-based support for neurodiverse children at home, school, and in the community and understands the importance of developing pathways to provide these supports efficiently and effectively across an individual’s lifespan is her goal.

Louise is a PhD Candidate at Curtin University, ADHD consumer advisor for Deakin University, accredited but non-practicing registered nurse and ADHD coach, and a lived-experience advocate. Lou is passionate about ensuring individuals with ADHD receive evidence-based care that facilitates the development of self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-compassion, along with the knowledge and skills required to live a full and rewarding life and thrive with ADHD.

Dr John Kramer is a practising GP in Woolgoola, NSW with a special interest in Developmental Paediatrics, Indigenous Health, Mental Health, Medical Education and Refugee health. Dr Kramer has lectured at the University of NSW Rural Clinical School, the University of NSW School of Community Medicine and at the Newcastle University Faculty of Medicine. He is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor at UNSW Australia Rural Clinical School Coffs Harbour and is Chair of the Rural Doctors Network Provost of the National Rural Faculty within the Royal Australian College of GPs. In 2017, he was presented with an OAM for services to the medicine as a GP in regional areas by Governor-General David Hurley.

Katarzyna (Kate) Tognarini, B.Sc (Hons), B.Pharm is a practising community pharmacist in Melbourne, with over 25 years of experience working in community, education, industry and hospital. She is an MPS-endorsed vaccinator (Vic) and has certification in General Practice Pharmacy and Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth). Kate is a relative newcomer to ADHD given her family history and experience. She has a goal of improving ADHD education and training among Pharmacists and would like to enhance interprofessional collaboration in this area, with a view to achieving better overall outcomes. Kate has worked with current AADPA Board members and experienced specialists to coordinate the writing of the upcoming ADHD Prescriber Manual.