The Board | The ASDC

GOVERNANCE

The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians Board members are all dedicated dermal health professionals with expertise in clinical practice, education, and research. In accordance with the ASDC constitution and rules of the association, all members of the general board are required to be full members of the association and to have a directors identification number. All members are passionate and dedicated volunteers, with a strong desire to contribute to the profession working towards strategic objectives to fulfill the mission and vision of the ASDC as well as the operational requirements of the association.The board is supported by a collaborative professional community of practitioners, educators, researchers, and industry representatives in an advisory to the general board. Our full, associate, industry, and student members are encouraged to participate and contribute to shaping the future direction of the profession and association through engagement with various supporting committees and working groups. These include industry and consumer advisory boards, student committees,s and working groups and committees that contribute to the current strategic goals and direction of the association. All board and committee members have expertise in skin health, and integrity as well as a special interest in the support and clinical management of those who experience skin conditions, disorders, and diseases. Board and committee members as advocates for the ASDC endorse evidence-based, patient-centered care in order to empower those with skin concerns and improve their overall health and well-being. Board and committee members must also be committed to advocating on behalf of our members, industry representatives, and consumers in maintaining standards of safety and ethical practice. For current opportunities or to express interest in engaging with our working groups please contact info@dermalclinicians.com.au

ASDC Constitution

Board Member Nomination Form

Meet the Executive Board

Vera Koslova-Fu

PRESIDENT

Vera currently works in clinical development, education and training within the private sector for medical aesthetic equipment companies. She has a wealth of experience with a career that has spanned over 20 years as a Dermal Clinician.

In that time, Vera has had roles in development and teaching in both Vocational Education (Beauty Therapy) and Higher Education (Dermal Science and Therapy). She is also the co-director of a successful Dermal Therapy clinic in bayside Melbourne. In these roles Vera has guided and mentored those within the industry, particularly in her areas of expertise; including standardisation and regulation as well as best practice management utilising laser and light therapies.

This expertise has also seen Vera as a part of the ARPANSA working party and as an expert for consultation regarding insurance or legal cases relating to safe use of lasers.

Qualifications

•Graduate Diploma in Education, Monash University (2008)

•Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Dermal Therapies), Victoria University (2001)

•Certificate in Micro-pigmentation, Camelot Academy (2000)

•Certificate IV in Workplace Learning & Assessment (1998)

•Professional Certificate in Dermoscopy (enrolled)

Claire Coulstock

VICE PRESIDENT

Claire is an academic and clinical educator with the Dermal Science and Therapy discipline at Victoria University. Claire also works in private practice within Melbourne clinics. Claire's speciality and passion is for multi-modal and wholistic client centered care plans, particularly combining laser and other therapies for management of dermatological conditions and scar minimisation. Claire's other passion is for continuing education, professional development and networking opportunities. Within the university she organises industry networking and educational events for students and employer groups to increase engagement and raise the profile and awareness of the Dermal Clinicians scope of practice. Claire brings this expertise to the education portfolio and will be concentrating on the networking and professional development activities for the ASDC

Qualifications:

•BHSc (Dermal Therapies) Victoria University

•Professional Certificate in Dermoscopy (enrolled)

Shantelle Quarelle

GENERAL SECRETARY

Shantelle joins the board of the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians for the current term in the role of Membership Secretary. Shantelle is a Dermal Clinician with over 15 years of experience in various roles throughout the industry. Shantelle has worked closely with patients, clinic operations, and clinical practice, supported business owners in her role as a business development manager, and most recently worked as a representative and clinical trainer for a laser and light-based distributor. Shantelle has many years of expertise to bring to the board and her network of Dermal Clinicians across Australia makes her the perfect board member to assist with onboarding new members and supporting our current members with their enquiries.

Qualifications:

•BHSc (Dermal Therapies) Victoria University

Kristina Mazzone

TREASURER

Kristina brings insight from a business and clinic owner perspective, as a Dermal Clinician. She has a special interest in providing industry support to colleagues and the ASDC through her valuable experience in budget management, financial reporting, clinical practice and operational management.
Kristina brings skills to assist in the financial stability and transparency of the ASDC. Kristina is passionate about ongoing education, demonstrating her commitment to learning and teaching others through roles as a clinical supervisor at Victoria University and consulting in the dermal and medical aesthetics sectors.

Qualifications:

BDermSc Victoria University
Bachelor of Business

ELISE BIRCHALL

BOARD MEMBER

Elise is a Dermal Clinician, qualified Trainer and Assessor, and business owner. She has previously worked as the Director for a registered training organisation, as well as worked with SkillsIQ in a consultation role for the beauty therapy industry. With her background in the education space and government procedures she is bringing her experience and expertise to the policy writing and governance role within the ASDC.

Qualifications:

Professional Certificate of Integrated Health and Dermatology
Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics)
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116)
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110)
Bachelor of Applied Business (Management)
Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science

Mikaela Giaguinta

BOARD MEMBER

Mikaela is a business owner in Victoria and founder of a skin care brand. Mikaela was an active student member and now joins for her first appointment to the executive board.

She brings her industry insights from the perspective of a business owner and what is needed to support newly transitioning clinical practitioners as well as expertise and experience in editorial and media/marketing with her qualifications in Visual Arts and Literature.

Qualifications:

BA Literature and Visual Arts
BDermSc

Mala McAlpin

BOARD MEMBER

Mala joins the General Board of the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians for the current term in the role of Education. Mala has previously supported the ASDC through her roles on the subcommittees as a student representative and media / marketing member. Mala has varied experience and expertise with backgrounds in clinical aesthetics, journalism, media, clinical development and training. Mala would love to see greater recognition of the incredible breadth of knowledge and skills held by Bachelor qualified dermal health professionals and increased differentiation in the skin health sector. We look forward to Mala’s insights to help support our community for the year ahead.

Qualifications:

•BA (Journalism) Co-majoring in public relations

•BAppHSc (Clinical Aesthetics) Australasian College of Health and Wellness

Alara Wierzbinski

BOARD MEMBER

Alara has 11 years of experience in clinical aesthetics, including 4 in the medical and health sector. Alara is passionate about evidence-driven skin care, she enjoys quantifying and expanding her knowledge in the field. As a Dermal Clinician and Team Leader at a clinic in Adelaide, Alara prioritises educational opportunities for her team. She fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development, helping her colleagues enhance their skills and knowledge in dermal conditions. Alara’s interest in Dermatology drives her to deepen her knowledge of dermatological conditions by studying a post-graduate Diploma pathway in General Dermatology, identifying lesions clinically, and recommending safe treatments. She stays updated with the latest research and advancements, ensuring the best care for her patients.

Qualifications:

BHSc (Dermal Therapies)
Dip Business Administration and Management

Fiona Breitkreuz

BOARD MEMBER

Sofia is a Dermal Clinician and registered nurse. She is currently working in recovery and anaesthetics at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in East Melbourne and in a private setting as a Dermal Clinician and Nurse at Medical Aesthetic in South Melbourne. Sofia has worked sessionally at Victoria University as a clinical facilitator in the VU Dermal Clinic.
Sofia brings her experience of having worked in managerial roles and group-based work environments. She is invested in to contributing to the growth, outreach and expansion or the dermal profession.

Qualifications: