Sensory Minds Inclusion Centre Board Of Directors

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Ayla Herskind is the founder of Sensory Minds Inclusion Centre and Phoenix Counselling. Ayla collaborated with Fairfield City Best Start Education and Care, lending her wealth of knowledge to develop a tool that would assist educators in fostering the social development of the children within their services.

With a background in Counselling, Zoology, and Forensic Science. She has dedicated her life to helping families and children with disabilities, including Autism & ADHD/ADD. 

Ayla has over fifteen years of experience supporting children to build on their social skills, emotional regulation and sensory needs.

Ayla supports children by thinking outside the box as she creates support strategies tailored to the individual child.

VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER

Steve Drakoulis is the Founder of the Autism Community Network, a charity which now provides support for over 2000 families across Sydney and parts of NSW.

​As a father to a young man on the Autism spectrum he has lived experience of the needs of our families for access to support and developing inclusion across our community.

His background includes 30+ years of senior management experience and has served on a number of Boards of not-for-profit organisations.

He has been recognised for his work over 12 years growing this vital service with a multitude of awards including NSW Government Community Service Award, Georges River Citizen of the Year and a nomination for Australian of the Year.

Steve is also an accomplished public speaker who frequently talks on Autism support issues.

SECRETARY

Cale Munns is passionate about supporting children with sensory issues.

She is an experienced Hairdresser and Makeup Artist with over 20 years in the industry, with her own small business as well as working in the film, television and bridal industries. 

As a mother of a child with a diagnosis of ADHD she uses her own lived experience to help kids with sensory issues get their hair done safely with less anxiety.

Cale herself is Neurodiverse. Getting a late adult diagnosis of ADHD herself. 

In 2023 Cale’s community mindedness earned her the Commonwealth Parliamentarian's Recognition of Service Award for her volunteer work .

BOARD MEMBER

COMING SOON

BOARD MEMBER

Maria has worked in the disability and aged care services for over 25 years. She has worked as support worker, complex case management, community programs and initiatives. Maria has experience in policy writing, project management, financial and management of day programs and groups home.

Over the last few years Maria has worked within local government in disability and aged care. She has worked tirelessly in raising the profile needs and awareness around people with disability and seniors. 

Her current portfolio focuses on breaking social isolation for seniors by ensuring there are activities, networks and programs for them in the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government area.