Our Board

Gail Green – Board Chairperson

Ms. Gail Green is a Social Worker with over 40 years’ experience. She has specialised in trauma work for over 25 years and has been published twice in the Australian Social Work journal and in several other magazines as well as speaking about her work at a number of national and state conferences. Gail has a good understanding of governance issues, obtaining and managing funding budgets. Her work as a counsellor, therapist and supervisor of staff has provided her with a good working knowledge of ethical and moral challenges in trauma informed practice.

Kevin De Souza – Board Deputy Chairperson

Kevin is a practising lawyer.  He grew up in Singapore and has been involved in social justice and human rights issues for nearly 40 years.  He was previously involved with the UNHCR as a refugee lawyer.  He served on the board of CASE for Refugees from 2005 to 2010.  Kevin was previously detained as a political prisoner in Singapore and  this experience continues to motivate him to participate in society, seeking the advancement of human dignity, especially among the vulnerable in our society.

Wade Scott – Treasurer

Wade is a senior finance leader with over 20 years’ experience working across several diverse and complex industries. He has well-developed skills in strategic thinking, governance and financial thought leadership. Wade has experience in philanthropic committees, plus diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging groups. With an MBA and a Chartered Accountant qualification, he hopes to utilise his skills to give back to the community and help ASeTTS realise its vision. 

Amanda Gillett – Board Secretary

Amanda is currently the Manager of Service Development for the Centre for Women and Children at Ruah Community Services which provides recovery and healing support to women and children affected by family and domestic violence. Prior to working with Ruah, Amanda spent 16 years working with refugee services, including 6 years with the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre and 10 years with ASeTTS. Amanda lived in South Africa from 1993 – 2006 during which time she held several positions including Project Officer with the National Youth Development Forum, Manager of IDP Education Australia’s office in Johannesburg and Senior Program Manager with AusAID, the international development arm of the Australian Government.

Tony McRae – Board Director

Tony McRae has more than 30 years’ experience in public policy and community development. He was a Member of the WA Parliament for 8 years with numerous leadership roles, including Minister for Citizenship & Multicultural Interests. After leaving Parliament in 2008, Tony has been CEO, Company Secretary and Board Member of a range of companies, charitable trusts and community organisations, as well as consultant and business adviser. He has been a member and supporter of ASeTTS for many years and is an advocate for its services and development as a member-based organisation. Tony is a trained Director (GAICD) has a BA (Social Ecology) and is undertaking PhD studies into Indigenous participation in low carbon technologies.

Wildaliz De Jesús Arocho – Board Director

An environmental professional with a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Universidad Metropolitana, Puerto Rico), a Master of Studies in Environmental Law, and Juris Doctor (Vermont Law School, United States). Wildaliz is also a member of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and has extensive experience in governance, policy and management. She’s currently partnering with industry through her TAFE Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety studies. She advocates for heat safety at work and disability inclusive environmental regulation, policy, and planning.

Michael Elwan – Board Director

Michael Elwan is an experienced leader with over 15 years of expertise in strategic planning, governance, and advocacy, shaped by his lived experience as a carer for family members and navigating suicide bereavement within a culturally diverse household. This personal insight has deepened his understanding of the systemic barriers faced by vulnerable communities and informs his commitment to equity, dignity, and belonging.

With postgraduate qualifications in business, social work, and mental health, and as a current PhD candidate specialising in lived experience leadership, Michael blends academic knowledge with practical experience. His career is grounded in designing trauma-informed and culturally inclusive approaches to address systemic challenges, aligning closely with ASeTTS’ mission of supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and displacement.

As an advocate for lived experience leadership, Michael actively contributes to policy development, community education, and cross-sector collaboration. His governance expertise and passion for inclusive systems enable him to provide strategic guidance and meaningful impact as a Board Director at ASeTTS.

Helen Cotter – Board Director

Helen Cotter is an experienced Community Services professional specialising in strengthening family relationships, early childhood development, mental health, childhood trauma and building safe and connected communities. Helen holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Counselling, Professional Certificates in understanding and assessing childhood trauma and is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact. Helen’s most important personal values are of compassion, inclusivity and connection she always strives to live by these. She also has a real passion for empowering people and communities to use their strengths to lead fulfilling lives.

Tijana Gibson – Board Director

Tijana Gibson is an experienced leader and senior policy analyst, specialising in infrastructure investment and strategy, social impact (including sustainability), financial management and budgeting, governance, and risk management. However,  the real focus of her work is to embed perspective and drive equality of opportunity.

Although her professional career revolves around financial data and big builds, Tijana is an advocate for lived experience and has dedicated over 15 years’ to volunteering with various humanitarian charities, and her forever to studying geo-political narratives.

Tijana holds bachelor’s degrees in International Relations (National Security and Terrorism Operations) and Public Relations, and qualifications in project management and systems development.

Rania Soliman – Board Director

Rania is a dynamic and results-driven leader with over 30 years of experience in education, specialising in strategic management and team leadership within the VET sector. Holding a master’s degree in training and development, she has been a pivotal figure in vocational education since 2010. Over her diverse career, she has held various roles as a Secondary teacher, ESL Lecturer and Trainer, Head of Programs, and Program Coordinator. Her extensive experience working with migrant and refugee communities, alongside settlement providers, has enabled her to ensure that clients receive tailored services that promote their successful integration. With a strong understanding of trauma-informed practices, she has worked directly with asylum seekers and refugees, contributing to policies designed to enhance their quality of life and strengthen their community connections.

As the current Director of English and Language Studies portfolio at North Metropolitan TAFE, Rania oversees the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), ESL, Auslan, Languages, and Interpreting. She is deeply passionate about supporting migrant and humanitarian clients, helping them integrate into Australian society and assisting with their settlement needs.