The Australian POTS Foundation
A brighter future for those living with POTS, through advocacy, education, support and research
Board Of Directors
The Australian POTS Foundation is committed to fostering diversity and ensuring that our Board of directors reflects the rich tapestry of the community we serve. Our commitment to inclusivity drives us to actively seek and embrace diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on ensuring our female representation mirrors that of the community we serve. Additionally, we value strong community representation in our Board to ensure that the voices and experiences of those directly impacted by POTS are at the forefront of our decision-making. By doing so, we strive to create a more equitable and effective foundation for all.
CEO | Dr Marie-Claire Seeley
Marie-Claire became ill in 1993 after a viral infection and endured a protracted pathway to diagnosis and treatment of her POTS.
The diagnostic odyssey Marie-Claire navigated now provides motivation for her clinical work and research.
Recognising the need for advocacy, she founded the Australian POTS Foundation in 2021. As a volunteer CEO, she leads the work of the Australian POTS Foundation by highlighting the urgency for improved recognition, diagnosis, and treatment options for Australians living with POTS.
Chairperson | Amanda Burgan
Amanda has extensive experience as a Corporate Manager and a long history in Project Management and now spends her time across a number of volunteering roles.
Having learnt of POTS through her friendship with Claire, and with the increased prevalence of the condition for those who have had a COVID-19 diagnosis, she is passionate about helping those who suffer from the debilitating effects of POTS.
Secretary | Nick Baldock
Nick is a corporate commercial solicitor of 33 years and a director and/ or adviser to a number of companies and Not-for-profit organisations.
He has given his time to multiple community organisations over the years and has invaluable experience in the charity sector which he brings to our board of directors.
Nick hopes to use those skills to help the Foundation in its efforts to raise funds for research and support for this debilitating condition.
Director | Jon Seeley
Company Director, Chartered Accountant. Jon has 30+ years professional experience in the Not-For-Profit and Corporate sectors and serves as a Non-Executive Director for two large international non-governmental organisations.
His first experience with POTS was only weeks after his marriage to Marie-Claire when she was struck down by POTS after a viral infection.
As a husband, father and carer, Jon has witnessed the prejudice and difficulty those with POTS face when seeking help from the medical system. He has a passion to see better recognition and treatment of POTS for all Australians affected by this condition.
Director | Catherine Cooper
Catherine brings significant expertise in law and ethics, corporate services, risk management and governance to our board of directors.
She has extensive experience in directorship across a large array of fields including those in the Not-for-profit and medical research sector.
Whilst she tells us she “is not clever enough to undertake ground-breaking research into this condition”, we are excited and thankful to have her skills as a professional Non-Executive Director to ensure that the Foundation delivers for all who can benefit from its services.
Director | Dr Celine Gallagher
Dr. Celine Gallagher is a senior research fellow and Associate Director of the Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative at the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on improving outcomes for people with dysautonomia, particularly POTS, and heart arrhythmias.
Celine combines her lived experience with her research expertise to address gaps in healthcare delivery and patient support. She is deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating these challenging conditions.
Director | Ali Flynn
With over a decade of experience founding, growing and scaling companies, Ali brings a unique skillset to the POTS board including expertise in strategic planning, executive coaching and marketing.
Ali has a background in Psychology and Emotionally Focused Therapy and has founded multiple fitness studios, one of which she remains owner and CEO. She has previous experience project managing and providing services on number of community-based initiatives, and has volunteered her expertise to several not-for-profit organisations.
The Scientific Committee
Dr Celine Gallagher | Scientific Chair
Dr. Celine Gallagher is a senior research fellow and Associate Director of the Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative at the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on improving outcomes for people with dysautonomia, particularly POTS, and heart arrhythmias.
Celine combines her lived experience with her research expertise to address gaps in healthcare delivery and patient support. She is deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating these challenging conditions.
Professor Dennis Lau
Professor Dennis Lau is a Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, and is recognised both nationally and internationally in the field of Heart Rhythm research.
In addition to his focus on cardiacpacing, electrophysiology and ablation procedures, he is a leading specialist in Australia in the management of patients with dysautonomia and POTS. His clinic in Adelaide currently runs the only national POTS patient registry and manages over 1000 patients with this complex syndrome.
Dr Fraser Burling
Fraser Burling is a rheumatologist and general physician with a sub-specialisation in musculoskeletal medicine and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
Dr. Burling now has over 1000 patients with EDS> Given the vast array of cross over between POTS and EDS, Dr Burling is able to bring a holistic perspective to the management of these commonly co-morbid conditions.
Associate Professor Chris O'Callaghan
Associate Professor Chris O’Callaghan is a general physician and clinical pharmacologist with extensive experience in managing blood pressure disorders. Based at Austin Health and the University of Melbourne, he has been a leading clinician in the care of people with POTS in Australia. He is also the author of Faint, Foggy, Fatigued & Adrenaline. It’s not in Your Head, which explores these complex conditions and their effects on patients.
Dr Kate Anderson
Kate holds a Vice Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellowship in RMIT’s School of Computing Technologies. Kate is a fierce advocate for authentic co-design and consumer consultation, and enjoys working with many partners across the disability community.
Kate has a clinical background as a speech pathologist, with specialist expertise in the areas of cerebral palsy, neurodiversity, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
