Advisory Board
Everyone needs a guiding light to illuminate their path; We happen to have a bunch of them. Each one of them is a radiant specialist and as they coalesce together, it’s magical. It’s our privilege to introduce some of the most remarkable people, we know.
Dr Roshelle Ramkisson
MBBS FRCPsych, PgDip (Psych), MSc Health & Public Leadership
Specialisation
- Child Psychiatry
- Health and Public Leadership
- Healthcare Workforce Wellbeing and Development
Dr Roshelle is practicing doctor with over 15 years of clinical experience in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
She is a medical consultant in child adolescent psychiatry and Director of medical education and Associate medical director at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust UK.
She also serves as: Deputy Director and Reader of Institute of Psychiatry, School of Medicine at University of Bolton, Honorary Senior Lecturer at University of Manchester, She also holds a national role as Chair of the Core Training Advisory Committee at The Royal College of Psychiatrists UK. As Global mental health capacity & capability building Educational Lead at University of Manchester, she chairs a Global child mental health research group and Global medical education research group.
Her former roles include Training Programme Director and Academic Training Lead at Health Education North West as well as a Scholar and Fellow at The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence UK (NICE UK),
She is one of the “25 amazing women psychiatrists” chosen by Royal College of Psychiatrists and awarded Royal College of Psychiatrists Educator of year 2021. She also received the British Association of Psychiatrists Rising star award 2021 and Pennine care people’s improving lives award 2019.
Ms Alison Knowles
RGNUK, RSCN, NMP, BSc Honors CAMHS
Specialisation
- Nursing
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Ms. Alison has over 34 years of experience in paediatric nursing, paediatric neurology, neurosurgery, child, and adolescent mental health.
She is a Registered General Nurse (RGN), Registered Sick Children Nurse (RSCN), Non-Medical Prescriber (NMP)
and has a Bachelor of Science Honors in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) from University of Central Lancashire UK.
She has served as the Member of The Nursing & Midwifery Council UK (NMC), Royal College of Nursing UK (RCN) and National Health Service UK (NHS UK).
She has delivered and volunteered her services in many countries including UK, USA, Germany, and Rwanda.
Dr Donna M. Volpitta
Ed.D. Education; M.Ed. Education; B.A. Psychology
Specialisation
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Mental Health Literacy
Dr. Donna is an educator, author, and speaker dedicated to the understanding of transformation effects of neuroscience in supporting emotional wellbeing. She co-authored the Pathways to Empower educational materials and Co-Directs Pathways to Empower Productions, a media company that teaches young children about the brain, resilience, and mental health through music, animated videos, and puppetry.
She is a a Co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Mental Health Literacy Collaborative, she leads global initiatives to embed mental health literacy into education systems and community wellbeing programs. She serves on the Board of the One Revolution Foundation and contributes to several global initiatives, including the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative, the Global Mental Health Action Network, the Character Collaborative, and Parenting 2.0 as a Global Presence Ambassador.
She was the keynote speaker at Ireland’s Inaugural Children’s Mental Health Symposium in 2021 and is a consultant to Junior Genius Global, Ireland on their Education from the Heart wellbeing program. Based in New York, she is also the mother of four young adults who
Ms Sandra A. J. Carter
MSc, BA Honors in Education & Training, NPCH
Specialisation
- Child Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Protection in Schools
- Education Management
- Teacher’s Training and Mentoring
Ms Sandra is an academic with over 25 years of extensive pedagogical experience in childhood education management and teaching delivery across multiple countries.
She has the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) from the National College for Teaching and Leadership UK, Bachelors of Arts Honors in Education & Training from Buckinghamshire New University UK, Diploma in Emotional Intelligence Coaching & Training from Yale School of Management USA and a Master of Science from University of Greenwich UK.
She is an active volunteer and activist for children education and served in numerous school projects in UK, China, USA, Gambia, West Africa and Middle East. She is passionate about helping students in developing relevant contemporary skills, nurturing creativity and leadership. She has served as school safeguarding head and lead numerous school inspections.
Louise Dawson
PGCE. Education; PGCE. SEND; PGDip SEND; MBPsyS; CCET; CPT3A
Specialisation
- Wellbeing
- Psychology
- Special Education Needs
- Gifted and Talented Provisions for Children
- Learning & Development
Ms Louise has over 40 years of international experience in education, specialising in inclusive practice, SEND provision, wellbeing, and learning development across international school settings. She is a UK-qualified teacher holding PGCE (Education), PGCE & PGDip (SEND), NASENCo, and is a qualified CCET and CPT3A assessor. Louise is a Member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsyS) and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT).
She has led and developed outstanding inclusive provision within multiple international schools and brings deep expertise in whole-school inclusion, advanced learner education, specialist pathways for high-needs learners, and English as an Additional Language (EAL). Her work supports schools in strengthening psychological wellbeing, access to learning, and sustainable inclusion strategies.
Louise was the first British Schools Middle East (BSME) Network Lead for Inclusion and has written and delivered professional development programmes for Infinite Learning, Real Training, and EduCare. She has facilitated multiple cohorts of the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) SEND and operates a licensed training centre focused on staff development, school improvement, and alternative education pathways for young people outside the formal system.
A recognised international speaker and practitioner, and a strong advocate for assistive technology, gifted and talented provision, and evidence-based approaches to psychology, wellbeing, and inclusive education, supporting schools to build effective, future-ready learning environments.
Professor Sergio Pecorelli
M.B.B.S.; Ph.D.
Specialisation
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Oncology
- Pre-conception & 1,000 days of life
Dr. Sergio Pecorelli is Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Brescia, Italy, where he also served as Chancellor from 2010 to 2016. An internationally respected leader in women’s health, gynecologic oncology, and public health policy, he has been an Adjunct Professor at Yale Medical School since 2009 and previously served as President of the Management Board of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), representing Italy in the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging. His global leadership roles include serving as President of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society and chairing the Gynecologic Cancer Cooperative Group of the EORTC.
He currently leads the Giovanni Lorenzini Medical Foundation in New York, directing its Preconception and First 1,000 Days of Life program, and serves as President of the Scientific Committee of the Italian Federation of Sports Medicine.
Professor Pecorelli, is an honorary member of both ACOG and ACS, has authored more than 300 scientific papers focused on female cancer, disease prevention, and women’s health. His distinguished honors include the Gold Medal for Public Health Services from the President of Italy, the Gold Leonardo from the Italian Federation of Sports Medicine, the August and Marie Krogh Medal from Denmark, the Commander of May 5th recognition from Argentina, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Gynecologic Cancer Society.
Mr Gaurav
MBA; CIPD; Dip child Psychology; Dip child neuroscience; Six Sigma
Specialisation
- Wellbeing
- Learning & Development
- Psychology
Mr Gaurav is a dedicated children’s welfare advocate and founding member of Cogniasal, as well as a board member of the International Certification and Quality Assessment in Wellbeing (ICQAWUKAD). With more than 25 years of corporate leadership experience across education, wellbeing, and human development, he combines strategic insight with operational excellence to advance global initiatives that enhance child development, emotional resilience, and evidence-based wellbeing outcomes.
He is committed to creating environments where children and adults can flourish emotionally, socially, and intellectually. He is the author of two books, A Beautiful Young Mind: Navigating Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Understanding Kids: A Parenting Handbook, which offer practical, compassionate guidance for parents, educators, and caregivers. Through his leadership, writing, and advocacy, he continues to influence a global movement dedicated to nurturing inclusive, supportive spaces where communities can thrive.
Ms Sarah Abu Al-Haj
M.Sc. Clinical Neuropsychiatry; M.Sc. Organisational & Psychology; B.A. Hons. Psychological & Behavioural Sciences
Specialisation
- Cognitive Psychology
- Organisational Psychology
Ms Sarah Abu Al Haj holds an MSc in Organisational and Business Psychology from UCL, graduating with Distinction, and a First-Class Honours BA in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences from the University of Cambridge. She is the recipient of several prestigious academic awards, including the Barbara Bodichon Scholarship, the Phyllis Tillyard Prize, the CB West Undergraduate Prize, the Girton College Scholarship, and the Mary Higgins Undergraduate Scholarship.
She has several years of hands-on experience in organisational psychology and applied behavioural research, contributing to enhanced organisational and human-centred outcomes. She has worked on special assignments with the Psychometrics Centre at Cambridge Judge Business School, supporting development of a psychometric assessment tool and also contributed to cognitive neuroscience research at the University of Cambridge.
Ilona Rizk
M Ed; Dip Special Education Needs; Dip Leadership & Management for Early Childhood Settings
Specialisation
- Child Protection & Safeguarding
- Special Education Needs (SEN)
- Adult Education and Assessment
- Professional Training Standards & Frameworks
- Early Childhood
Ms Ilona is an international early childhood education specialist, trainer, and assessment professional with over 30 years of experience across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Her work focuses on advancing the quality, safety, and professional standards of childcare through evidence-informed training, competency-based assessment, and leadership development. As Co-Founder and Managing Director of Kiddie Care for Professional Competencies Development Training and Global Babysitters Hub.
She leads the design and delivery of specialised programmes for child caregivers, nannies, and early childhood practitioners, with a strong emphasis on child development, safeguarding, caregiver competence, and effective adult learning methodologies. She has contributed to the development and implementation of training, assessment, and advisory initiatives for early childhood authorities, educational institutions, and NGOs in the UAE.
Ilona holds a Master of Education and advanced qualifications in early childhood leadership and management, child protection, special educational needs, and adult coaching, reflecting her sustained commitment to ethical practice, continuous professional improvement, and evidence-based approaches that support children’s development and wellbeing. Her professional experience spans Canada, the United States, the Czech Republic, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates, and her professional roles and affiliations include Co-Founder and Managing Director of Kiddie Care for Professional Competencies Development Training, Global Babysitters Hub, Educator, Senior Assessor, and CPD Trainer with AIM Middle East; Child Protection Trainer with ADEC; Certified Instructor with ICQAWUKAD; KHDA-approved Trainer in Dubai; and Board Member at Mumz Academy.
Ms Emily Birch
MA Honors Social Work, BSc Honors Psychology, Post Graduate Certification Autism
Specialisation
- Psychology
- Autism
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health
- Safeguarding Disabled Children
Ms. Emily has over 18 years of hand on experience in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Autism, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and welfare & safeguarding disabled children.
She has a Post Graduate Certification in Autism from Sheffield Hallam University UK, Master of Arts Honors in Social Works from University of Manchester UK, and Bachelor of Science Honors in Psychology from Cardiff University UK.
She serves as a Senior Specialist in Child and Adolescent Mental Health in UK, with emphasis on children neurodiversity. She has worked for half a decade with the local authority social work in UK, specializing in welfare and safeguarding of disabled children. She has worked extensively for over a decade in areas of child mental health, with emphasis on neurodiversity like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), along with community eating disorder.
She has special interest in promoting emotional wellbeing, positive identity, and harm reduction in autistic and neurodevelopmental child and young person community.
Ms Christine Clinton
Specialisation
- Education
- Wellness & Cancer Care
- Child Development
- Physiotherapy
- Massage Therapy
Ms Christine has over 35 years in the health and wellness sector, delivering advanced education for spa professionals in massage, skincare, cancer care, clinical lymphatic drainage, reflexology, aromatherapy, hormone health, teen mental health, and children’s wellness programs.
She is the founder of Clinton Cancer Care—an international award-winning certification program—and Wellness for Life, and has served as a school owner, spa operator, international examiner, therapist, and global speaker.
She is a founding member of the UK charity SATCC (Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care) and a founding member of the Global Wellness Education Collaborative (GWEC). She also serves on the Advisory Board of the International Certification & Quality Assessment in Wellbeing (UK). Christine has taught her award-winning programs across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, reaching hundreds of professionals and thousands of clients. She partnered with industry expert Joanne Berry to build a global educator network delivering hands-on cancer-care training in spa settings.
She is also the co-founder of Junior Genius Global, offering early-years wellness programs, and serves as Chair of the Wellness for Children Initiative at the Global Wellness Institute.
Ms Christine is the recipient of the Debra Simon Award for leadership in advancing mental health and hosted Ireland’s inaugural Children’s Mental Health Summit in 2023, advocating for improved support for neurodiverse children. In 2025, she was recognised by Marquis Who’s Who in America for her outstanding contribution to the field of wellness.
Christine is a frequent speaker at leading industry events, including the Global Wellness Summit, World Spa & Wellness, Spa Life International, Medical Wellness Congress, FIBO Cologne, SESPAA, the Irish Spa Association, WE Caribbean, and SPARK.
Jarmila Benckova
MA Early Childhood & Elementary Education
Specialisation
- Pedagogy in Primary Education
- Early Childhood Development
Ms Jarmila has over 30 years of international experience in pedagogy, specialising in primary education and early childhood development. Her career spans diverse roles in the field; beginning as a primary school teacher in Slovakia, followed by work focusing on children’s wellbeing in educational centres in Australia, in addition to holding the position of Head Teacher at a leading private nursery in the UAE.
She is now the Co-founder and Program Development Director of Kiddie Care for Professional Competencies Development Training L.L.C. and Global Babysitters Hub F.Z.C. Jarmila is passionate about supporting children’s intellectual, social, emotional, and personal development by authoring and leading the delivery of early childhood educational programs for caregivers and nannies.
She also offers institutional-level advisory services to educational institutions and public-sector early childhood authorities. Her long-term vision is to standardise early childhood practices on a wider scale, promoting consistent, high-quality learning experiences globally.
Jarmila holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood & Elementary Education from the Faculty of Pedagogics, University of Pavol Jozef Safarik and is a Certified Instructor with ICQAWUKAD.
Ms Neha Pradhan Arora
MA Social Work, BEd
Specialisation
- Child Safety and Protection
- Education
- Teacher’s Training and Mentoring
Ms. Neha has 20 years of experience working in the education and development domain. She has focused on programs related to experiential education, social justice education, protection and safeguarding vulnerable individuals from abuse, violence & exploitation.
She has a Master of Arts in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences India, Bachelor of Education from Jadavpur University India, along with specialised certifications from Edmund Rice International & Misean Cara, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Centre of Environment Education (CEE).
She is the co-founder of Mudita Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation in India, that works towards tackling issues related to child sexual abuse, online exploitation, and human trafficking. The organisation aims to build a community-based prevention and response mechanism that is both effective and active.
She actively writes and publishes articles on various topics related to education and children.
Melonie Karriem
Advanced Teaching Diploma in Foundation Phase Education, Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services
Specialisation
- Early Year Education
- Pedagogy in Primary Education
- Early Childhood Development
Ms Melonie is an accomplished early years consultant, trainer, mentor, and education strategist, with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, specialising in early childhood development and early years pedagogy. She is the Founder and Host of Let’s Talk Early Years, a respected platform advancing critical dialogue in early childhood education through its podcast and conferences.
She is recognised for effectively bridging research, policy, and practice to drive meaningful and sustainable impact across the sector. Her work spans Southern Africa and the Middle East, where she champions quality, inclusion, and leadership in early years education. Deeply committed to philanthropic initiatives, she actively supports educators, children, and underserved communities, strengthening professional standards and long-term capacity within the early childhood ecosystem.
We also have operational council of mentors, who work with us at the operational level
Requirements:
Specialist in children education (early childhood, middle childhood or adolescence), paramedic emergency response, paediatric health care, paratactic nursing, mental health. child psychology, voluntary social work for children wellbeing
Please email us your mission statement, professional profile, recommendation letter from a senior specialist, and professional references, at reachus@cogniasal.co