Who We Are
Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia is operated by a Committee of Management and a small group of dedicated staff.
The committee meets monthly. If you are interested in joining the committee or any volunteer opportunities, contact the office on (03) 7015 5637 or email us at info@tasca.org.au.
Peter Verveniotis – Chairperson
I am of Greek descent and have beta thalassaemia.
I am passionate about advocating and supporting people living with genetic blood disorders.
I have a background in the early childhood sector and currently work as an Early Parenting Practitioner within the public health system. I am a consumer adviser for the Monash Health Blood Committee.
I am committed to assisting my fellow patients and members of the society.
Robbin Vissakodeti – Deputy Chairperson
I am Robbin and I have been in Australia for the past 15 years, came here as a student and since have called Australia home.
I am a carrier of beta thalassaemia and my daughter Amelia and my wife Georgia both attend the Medical Therapy Unit at Monash Clayton for thalassaemia Major and Sickle Cell treatment.
I have a background in IT.
By joining TASCA, I want to make a difference and assisting patients and their families.
Jo (Giovanna) Mucciacciaro – Treasurer
My name is Joanne and I have a background in Accounting and bookkeeping.
I have come to know about TASCA through a dear friend with thalassaemia and wanting to know more about the condition. This has led me to join the committee of TASCA. I am here to make a positive difference to TASCA and people living with genetic blood disorders.
Pat Bollard – Secretary
After 35 years in secondary school teaching, I am now working in counselling and hypnotherapy.
My interest in the work of TASCA stems from the fact that thalassaemia is present in my extended family and I’ve recently found out that my mother is a genetic carrier of the condition.
Further, my husband has a chronic condition, so I understand first-hand the difficulties, physical, emotional and mental, that are associated with an ongoing medical condition, for both the patient and their family.
Yiannis Androulakis – General Committee Member
I moved to Melbourne Australia in 2013 from Crete, Greece to pursue a career in HR. I currently work at Fronditha Care as a human resources and recruitment officer.
I joined the TASCA committee as I have friends with thalassaemia and would like to contribute to raising awareness of these conditions.
Karen Parr – General Committee Member
I moved to Melbourne in August 2018, where I work as the Communications Manager for AusBiotech, Australia’s leading body representing and advocating for organisations doing business in and with the global life sciences economy.
I have worked in both science and conservation communication and engagement roles. I lived in London for two years, continuing to embrace my passion for adventure and travel. Experiencing new cultures and people has broadened my mind and my outlook on life.
While I don’t have a personal connection to thalassaemia or sickle cell conditions, I was looking to volunteer with a Board again, and with the community. TASCA caught my eye because of my background in life sciences. I’m looking forward to meeting members and helping to make a difference.
Dr. John Malios – Medical Advisor
MB, BS, (Monash), FRACGP, MACLM.
Dr John Malios is a general practitioner having practised in Oakleigh (1972 -2018) with an interest in Occupational Health and is an experienced medico legal examiner. He was the Convenor of Medical Panels Victoria (2012-2017) and Deputy Convenor (2007-2012), and continues to be on the Governor in Council’s List for appointment to a Medical Panel.
He has a long-standing interest in Thalassaemia and was the Thalassaemia Counsellor – Queen Victoria Medical Centre (1973-1985), the Royal Women’s Hospital (1975-1978) and Clinical Assistant, Haematology Clinic, Royal Children’s Hospital (1975-1977).
Dr Malios has previously been active in promoting information and education regarding Haemoglobinopathies and the role of screening in medical practice.
He was co-author of a paper: “Thalassaemia – a preventive approach”
RN Matthews, J Malios – Medical Journal of Australia, 1976.
This paper was also the subject of a presentation in 1976 at the New York Academy of Science.
Relevant current memberships:
- Life member Australian Medical Association (Vic)
- Life member Royal Australian College General Practice
- Member Australian College Legal Medicine
- Founding Member – Thalassaemia Society (now Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia)
Samuel Lam – Health Promotions Officer
My name is Sam and I am the Health Promotion Officer for TASCA.
My academic background is in Science and Public Health. I started working for TASCA in 2019 and I am excited at contributing to the work that TASCA does in raising awareness of haemoglobinopathies in the community. I am also passionate in advocating for improvement to the access and standard of care being provided to those living with haemoglobinopathies in Australia.
Sophie Moreau – Administration Officer
Bonjour,
My name is Sophie and I have been offered the opportunity to become the new TASCA Administration Officer.
I am of French and Ivorian background and I recently moved to Melbourne from an exotic and faraway place called Adelaide in South Australia.
I graduated in International Development Masters and currently study a Diploma of Community Services at Box Hill Institute.
I am passionate about contributing to positive change in peoples’ lives and therefore volunteer for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC).
I am eager to work with the passionate and dedicated TASCA team members to make a positive contribution to those affected by Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell disease.
I am also looking to bring knowledge from my studies to help TASCA extend its engagement with linguistically and culturally diverse community groups.