Benita HexterCHAIR

Benita is Clinical Specialist and Lead Physiotherapist at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Stanmore and Honorary Clinical Teaching Fellow at University College, London. Her appointments reflect her passion for treating those with spinal cord injury and developing the staff and services which provide for them.

Stef CormackTREASURER AND SECRETARY

Stef worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, ten of which were at spinal cord injury charity Back Up, mostly as Head of Services and Deputy CEO. She now works freelance as a coach, facilitator and consultant.

Éimear SmithCOMMITTEE MEMBER

Éimear is Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the National Rehabilitation & Mater Misericordiae University Hospitals, Dublin since 2009. Sub-specialist clinical interests include paediatric SCI, ventilatory management in SCI, restoration of upper limb function in tetraplegia and the long-term medical complications of SCI. Current research interests include epidemiology of and outcomes following traumatic and non-traumatic SCI, and patient and public involvement in SCI research.

Claire TraskMEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

Claire has been qualified as a physiotherapist for over 30 years and has worked at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre, Sheffield for nearly 30 years.

Emma LinleyWEBSITE MANAGER

Emma’s first placement as a student OT was in the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre. Throughout her early career she returned to the Centre through various rotations and then consistently since 2000. She is now the Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist and Team Lead for the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre with special interests in seated postural management and tetraplegic upper limb management.

Carol AdcockCOMMITTEE MEMBER

Carol qualified as an SEN in 1987 and later converted to RGN. She worked for 28 years at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, Southport in a number of different roles including Staff Nurse, Rehabilitation Nurse Practitioner, Senior Case Manager and SCI Specialist Outreach Nurse. She is currently working as a SCI Specialist Nurse at the Spinal Injuries Association.

Dan BurdenSia Representative

As Head of Public Affairs Dan is a member of SIA’s Senior Management team and leads on the association’s campaigning work. As well as representing the SCI people at all levels of government, his role also requires him to be secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group on SCI.

Dot TusslerCOMMITTEE MEMBER

Dot is the Head Physiotherapist at the National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where she has worked since 1982. She is the former Chair of the MASCIP committee and has been a member since its inception in 1997. Dot has had a varied experience in spinal cord rehabilitation over her years, greatly enjoying the team working, sport and opportunity to contribute to the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury across their lifespan.

Hester DunneNEWSLETTER EDITOR

Hester is a registered nurse and has worked at the National Spinal Injuries Centre for over 30 years. She’s worked in various areas of the centre, including rehabilitation wards, outpatients and community liaison, and over the last five years as the tissue viability clinical nurse specialist.

Claire Guy

Claire has been qualified since 1984 and has worked in neurorehabilitation throughout most of her career. She has worked clinically and managerially at Stoke Mandeville Hospital with spinal cord injury, and has also spent time in a community setting, and 10 years in specialised brain injury and other neurological conditions. She is currently Principal Physiotherapist in Spinal Injuries based at the Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre in Cardiff, but linking with acute and community services throughout South Wales. The Centre was relocated to the University Hospital Llandough in June 2021. She is enthusiastic about accessible outdoor sport.

Kimberley Small

Kim has worked with individuals with SCIs since 2008. She is based at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury. She is passionate about her role as a physiotherapist and in training and education for staff and SCI individuals.