Meet the board


Portrait of Tim Cogan
  • Tim is one of the principal costs lawyers in South Australia. He has spent the majority of his legal career involved in civil litigation and, from there, has progressed to litigation costs. He is a member of the Australian law society.

    Tim’s wealth of business and professional knowledge and experience brings a considerable presence to the board, especially in his role as chairperson. Tim’s involvement and strong support of SA Support Services stem from his belief that all members of society deserve the opportunity to live full, rich, and meaningful lives.

A picture of Annette Schmidt
  • TBC

A portrait of Gary Mansell
  • Gary over the past thirty years has been a professional educator teaching in private, public, and International schools and with TAFE in SA, Victoria, and overseas. This included working in an international high school in Africa. Gary has said of his time in Malawi “My family and I have been fortunate enough to experience firsthand what it is like living in a culturally diverse and challenging environment”. Whilst in Malawi, Gary spent time working with and securing resources for disadvantaged primary and secondary school students from a neighbouring school in Ndirandi.

    Gary has always been a passionate advocate for social justice, inclusive education, and providing the best outcomes for marginalised and vulnerable people in our social welfare system. Gary’s extensive experiences as a teacher and developmental educator are a huge benefit to SA Support Services in their endeavour to produce permanent positive change in the lives of the individuals in care.

A picture of Kerry Scholten
  • Kerry Scholten has over 10 years’ experience working as a social worker within South Australia’s Health Department. Kerry is passionate about health equity for individuals who have a disability, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to achieve their best health.

    Kerry is passionate about human rights within disability and health services. In her own words, “I am committed to human rights and social justice through social development, advocacy and ethical conduct for those suffering with disadvantage. I am passionate about ensuring all endeavours I am involved with are culturally competent, safe and professionally sensitive”.