Kate is the founding President of the first FND Australian charity in April 2017. Kate is a Registered Occupational Therapist and has worked in a number of mental health organisations in senior management roles. She is also a researcher and is experienced in medical and mental health research.

Kate brings many skills and experience to her position as President for FND Australia Support Services, but it is her lived experience in FND that supports her passion and experiential wisdom to advance FND knowledge and services in Australia.

Kate G is also a founding member and past Chair of the Consumer Led Research Network. In 2018 Kate was awarded the SANE Australia Hocking Fellowship to advance FND knowledge and awareness in Australia based on lived experience evidence. In 2019, Kate received support from the National Mental Health Commission to undertake a review of people’s lived experience of FND. This is available at https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/publications/experiences-functional-neurological-disorder-summary-report

Kate continues to lecture at several universities about FND and is engaged in research projects on FND and various mental health projects.

Sue was appointed Secretary of the Charity in June 2022 and has been an active and valued member of the FND Community since 2016. Prior to becoming unwell with FND in 2016, Sue worked in vocational education commencing as a teacher then coordinator for a number of departments across three regional sites, working at all levels from teachers to department and campus managers, then undertaking further training as an auditor. At the time Sue lived in regional NSW also helping her husband manage three beef cattle farms.

Sue’s lived experience with chronic illness and disability underscores her keen interest in representing and advocating for those in the community who have interactions in the health setting. Sue volunteers her time as a Consumer Representative with the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Queensland and enjoys this role immensely.

Family and community are Sue’s passion, mother of two beautiful daughters and wife of 27 years with Marc, Sue is an inspiration to all who meet her.

Elizabeth’s relationship with FND Australia Support Services began in 2019 when her daughter, Sarah, contacted the charity seeking help following her diagnosis with FND.
Despite a nursing career spanning over 40 years and her role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Integrated Chronic & Complex Care for NSW Health, Elizabeth had never heard of FND. Unfortunately, as is the experience of most people who eventually receive a formal FND diagnosis, after numerous contacts with various health professionals, the only resources provided were a website—in our case, neurosymptoms.org.

At the time of her diagnosis, Sarah was halfway through her studies for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, which she successfully completed in 2022, and she now works part-time as an OT, which she loves!

Like always, she began researching and seeking services to help her navigate her new and frightening world. This led her to Dr. Kate Gill and FND Australia Support Services, who became a beacon of hope during what had become a very dark period in our lives.

It was because of this lifeline that I decided to volunteer and become involved with the charity. My motivation stemmed from sincere gratitude, as well as my professional background as a health professional. From both personal and professional experience, I saw how much needed to be done to support people with FND—especially in achieving early diagnosis and initiating prompt treatment pathways.

The vision and values of FND Australia Support Services align closely with my own. I am passionate about supporting all individuals to reach their full potential in life. I believe that knowledge is power, and through providing quality education to health professionals, patients, and their support networks—grounded in sound research—we can greatly improve outcomes for those living with FND.

Raising community awareness, providing support, and advocating for those affected are also essential to changing the future trajectory of the FND community.
I am proud and honoured to be part of this positive change, working alongside a wonderful group of committed individuals dedicated to making a difference.

We are all part of the solution because I truly believe that each of us can:
“Be the change that we wish to see in the world.”

As a long-time professional in the tech industry and proud father of two incredible daughters, I’ve witnessed firsthand the quiet strength required to face invisible battles. My eldest continues her brave journey with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) into adulthood, and her resilience inspires me daily. I am committed to making a difference for those whose challenges often go unrecognised.

Kate lives in Beaudesert Qld and was diagnosed with FND in August 2021. Kate is a keen photographer and opened her new Etsy online store, ‘kraftydesignsbykate’, designing eye catching merchandise with her beautiful photography in print. Kate wanted to do more for the FND Community and has information on FND with every item you click on. We collaborated with Kate to design snazzy and comfortable merchandise for FND Australia Support Services in January of 2023. Kate volunteers her outstanding creative talents in graphic design for our programs and content for our social media platforms.

Kate joined our organisation in February 2023 and is a highly valued member of our volunteer team. Kate is a very proud Mum and Grandma, and her passion is photography, camping, painting & family. Kate is married to her husband Wayne & they just celebrated 30 years together. They have 3 kids & 4 grandchildren. Previously to Kates diagnosis she was a Palliative Aged Care Nurse & Support Worker.

Ash is known as the Crazy Bird Lady, the name is quite fitting considering Ash has four Rainbow Lorikeets and one very cheeky flirty Indian Ring Neck, can’t forget her German Shepherd Dexter!

Ash was born and raised on the Darling Downs in Queensland; she found a passion for Disability at a young age in primary school. She spent every school holidays volunteering at a local endeavour centre and stepped out of high school into the equivalent of full-time employment in Disability. Ash explored Mental Health, but after 2 years she returned to what she knew and loved.

In November 2022, Ash had just turned 30, was living her best life, buying her own home, and working her dream job, little did she know a week later her life would change forever.

Ash experienced stroke like symptoms, going into hospital, after a week and numerous tests Ash was sent home; less than 12 hours later she went back into hospital, after a few days Ash was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder.
Fast forward to now, Ash is taking day by day, still getting used to living life with FND, she is thrilled with the opportunity she has been offered to volunteer to support others with FND.

Tess is a patient advocate passionate about supporting the Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) community through practical support, lived experience, and storytelling. Her advocacy is informed by her own journey with FND, giving her a deep appreciation for the complexities patients face.

She has a strong interest in IT management, event and function coordination, and assisting the FND Australia Support Services Inc. with a range of administrative functions. Tess is known for her thoughtful, reliable, and organised approach to supporting both people and systems.

In addition to her advocacy work, Tess is a published author writing a book about her lived experience with FND. Her work seeks to create understanding, challenge misconceptions, and offer hope to others, navigating similar paths. Brain Interrupted is a worthwhile read for those who are new to the FND world or those trying to connect with similar experiences.

The book [e-book ] can be ordered through Amazon and Apple Books or purchased as a paperback copy. All proceeds are going to FND Australia Support Services to fund vital research and projects now and into the future.

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