Our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors’ expertise and experiences allow Journey 2 Learn to accelerate the mission of enriching the lives of individuals, families and communities by including children with autism in mainstream education!

Linda Osman

Acting Board Chair / Secretary / Founder
Linda is the founder of Journey 2 Learn and volunteers her time, 5 days a week, in service of autistic children and their families. Linda is a corporate travel expert by trade with over 20 years of experience dealing with high-profile clients and corporate organisations.

Chithrani Palipana
Board Member

Chithrani holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counselling from Griffith University. Chithrani is an experienced Disability Advocate, Rehabilitation Counsellor and Plan Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the law enforcement industry. Chithrani is a strong advocate for people living with disabilities.

Marnie Govorko
‍Board Member

Marnie’s educational foundation is built upon a Bachelor of Education degree from Swinburne University Of Technology, where she honed her pedagogical skills and gained a comprehensive understanding of effective teaching methodologies. Complementing her educational qualifications, Marnie holds a diploma in Marketing Management and a certification in Marketing Management and Planning from the Singapore Institute Of Management, demonstrating her multidisciplinary approach to education. Marnie has taught at Hillcrest Christian College for the past 7 years and previously worked as a teacher at King’s Christian College.

Paul Crapper

Executive Director

Paul Crapper is an MBA-qualified Executive Director at Journey 2 Learn, driven by a deep passion for helping autistic children. With over 20 years of executive experience in various industries and an MBA from Bond University, Paul excels in leadership, business strategy, and operational and financial management. His dedication stems from personal experiences with autism, motivating him to improve the lives of autistic children from a young age. With a proven track record of success and a heart for the cause, Paul strives to make a significant impact in the lives of autistic children.

Ambassador

Dinesh Palipana

Dinesh Palipana

OAM
2021 Queensland Australian of the Year
Ambassador
Dinesh Palipana is an Australian doctor, lawyer, scientist, author, and disability advocate. He was the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland and the second person in Australia with quadriplegia to graduate from medical school.

Dinesh works in the emergency department at the Gold Coast University Hospital and is a senior lecturer at Griffith University and a researcher at the Menzies Health Institute of Queensland and the Jamieson Trauma Institute. He is also a doctor for the Gold Coast Titans physical disability rugby team and a senior advisor to the Disability Royal Commission.

Dinesh is also on the advisory board of healthylife where he provides expert health information and advocates for the health of Australians.

Dinesh founded Doctors with Disabilities Australia and has been recognised for his contributions with numerous awards, including the Medal of the Order of Australia. Despite facing significant challenges, Dinesh is an inspiring figure who has made significant contributions to the medical community and the field of disability advocacy.

Dinesh is the 2021 Queensland Australian of the Year and a passionate advocate for inclusion.

Dinesh's autobiography Stronger was released by Pan MacMillan in 2022.
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