Our Board

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Prof Andrew Bateman (non-voting)

Current President

My vision is to transform neurorehabilitation through innovation, collaboration, and research that amplifies patient voices—building services that are evidence-based, inclusive, and future-focused.

I’ve dedicated my career to advancing neurorehabilitation and research since qualifying as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1990 (North East London Polytechnic & London Hospital School of Physiotherapy). After completing a PhD in Neuropsychology (University of Birmingham, 1997), I led NHS community rehabilitation services for nearly two decades, including the renowned Oliver Zangwill Centre for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation.

My interests span service innovation, holistic neuropsychological assessment, assistive technology, exer-gaming, social media in rehab, and advanced neuropsychology topics such as executive function, dyspraxia, and attention impairments. I also specialize in patient-reported outcome measures and Rasch analysis techniques.

I actively contribute to NIHR initiatives, including the Brain Injury Social Care Network (NIHR Incubator) launching in 2025, and fellowship programmes through the BRAIN HRC. I previously served as Director of the NIHR Research Design Service for East of England and continue to support researchers through the new NIHR Research Support Service. My work is also supported by NIHR ARC East of England, and I co-lead the “Heads Together” study on brain injury and social work.

Adine Adonis

Chair and Governance

I’m the current Chair of ACPIN and a neurological physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, education, leadership, and research.

I’m proud to lead ACPIN at a time of transformation, growth, and renewed purpose, building on our rich legacy to drive innovation, inclusion, and excellence in neurological rehabilitation.

I believe strongly in ACPIN’s vision: that we can achieve more together. As Chair, I am committed to ensuring our profession continues to lead, influence, and evolve—grounded in evidence, driven by compassion, and united by a shared goal to deliver better outcomes for all.

My work is nationally and internationally recognised, particularly for its focus on integrating research and clinical practice to improve outcomes for people living with neurological conditions. I have led and supported research initiatives across a range of neurological conditions, with a strong emphasis on patient-centred approaches, health equity, and the inclusion of underserved communities.

Throughout my career, I’ve remained passionate about empowering others—whether by mentoring clinicians, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects, or amplifying the voices of patients and practitioners in research.

My current NIHR Fellowship harnesses my passion for patient-centred evidence-based approaches.

Jakko Brouwers

Former Chair

I was a founding member and the first chair of Wales ACPIN region (growing four-fold in first years). Here we pioneered the successful use of WebEx as a teaching and meeting tool for ACPIN regionally and nationally. Joining the National Committee formally in 2008 and National Chair from 2014 to 2019. Currently Board member and past Chair. As a past chair of Spinal Cord Injury Therapy Leads group (SCiTL), I have also been active in National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy Board; have engaged in clinical research and co-authored several publications; have presented internationally on neuro rehabilitation and service improvement; and have supported PhD projects (mathematics as well as physiotherapy). Passionate about the neuro physiotherapy profession and consequent improvements in patient quality of life, I strive, through ACPIN, to promote networking, CPD, high professional standards and public /clinical recognition.

Nicola Guck

Regional Affairs and Vicechair

I am passionate about advancing neurorehabilitation through leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

As an ACPIN Executive Committee member, I helped transform our annual conference into a globally recognised event, elevating its reach and impact.

In my current role as Portfolio holder for Regional Affairs, I lead initiatives that strengthen collaboration between the National Board and 18 ACPIN regions. Since introducing this role in 2017, I’ve built a robust two-way communication framework—leveraging social media for direct engagement, implementing bi-monthly virtual meetings, and coordinating bi-annual council meetings across the UK.

This inclusive model empowers regions to shape ACPIN’s strategic direction, promotes transparency, and enables the sharing of best practices nationwide—raising ACPIN’s profile and influence among stakeholders.

Dr Praveen Kumar

Publications and Knowledge Dissemination

I am Dr Praveen Kumar currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of West of England that was awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in 2018, the Government's higher education ranking system. I teach on UG physiotherapy, Sports Rehabilitation and MSc Rehabilitation programmes.

My post-doctoral research includes development of assessment and treatment of shoulder pain and subluxation in people with stroke. I have several publications in peer-reviewed international journals some of which are in high impact journals. I have also presented my research at both national and international conferences and received awards for best abstract.

James Sampson

National Treasurer

I currently work as the Clinical Therapy Lead for Stroke Services within East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust.

I have been a member of ACPIN for over 25 years, serving on the Regional committee in Kent within various roles including Treasurer and Chair.

I am passionate about advancing neurological rehabilitation practice and ensuring that ACPIN continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and influencing policy, delivering evidence based CPD opportunities for its members and collaborating nationally and internationally to drive up clinical standards.
Working alongside like minded individuals, I share the vision of ACPIN to be the "go to" professional network for neurological rehabilitation.

Lindsay O'Connor

Co-Opted Board Member for Education

My vision is to inspire future physiotherapists through evidence-based education, compassionate leadership, and research that amplifies patient voices—shaping a healthcare system that values personalisation and co-production.

As Programme Lead for the UK’s top-ranked physiotherapy programme (Complete University Guide, 2026), I oversee curriculum design, quality assurance, and pastoral care. In my role as Senior Teaching Fellow in Neurological Physiotherapy, I lead the development and delivery of neurology teaching across BSc and MSc programmes, ensuring excellence and coherence.

A Chartered Physiotherapist with specialist neurorehabilitation expertise, I bring experience across the patient pathway—from critical care to complex long-term conditions. My clinical focus includes vestibular rehabilitation, FND management, spasticity, and acute rehabilitation.

My research, grounded in MSc and PhD-level study, explores lived experience, treatment burden, and cumulative complexity through qualitative methodologies, translating insights into better care and policy.

Renee Groenevelt

Co-Opted Board Member for Research

I am passionate about research and innovation, and actively support translating evidence into practice and having participated in multiple research studies.

I qualified as a Physiotherapist (BSc Hons) at Hogeschool Heerlen, Netherlands, in 1995 and soon developed a passion for neurological rehabilitation, fascinated by the brain, motor learning, and neuroplasticity. In 2017, I completed an MSc in Neurological Rehabilitation at Cardiff University.

Born in South Africa and raised near Maastricht, I gained extensive experience across private practices and hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, and Wales, specializing in Neurology and Stroke Rehabilitation. After moving to the UK in 2004, I served for 20 years as Senior Clinical Lead Neurophysiotherapist within the NHS, leading community and day hospital rehabilitation services.

Currently, I am Clinical Lead for the Long Covid, ME, and CFS MDT Service within Hywel Dda University Health Board and contribute to a Wales-wide Bevan innovation project developing hybrid upper limb rehabilitation for neurological conditions.

From 2018–2024, I co-chaired ACPIN Wales and now serve on its research working group, continuing to advocate for excellence in neurorehabilitation.

Prof Jane Burridge (non-voting)

Immediate Past-President

Jane Burridge is Professor of Restorative Neuroscience at the University of Southampton, where she leads the Neurorehabilitation Research Group. Jane’s research is about improving recovery of movement following acquired brain damage. Fundamental to this is understanding the mechanisms associated with normal, loss and recovery of motor function. Jane’s work crosses traditional rehabilitation boundaries, collaborating with engineers, neuroscientists and psychologists. She was elected President of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN) in March 2017 and held ACPIN steady throughout the pandemic. Her long association with ACPIN is a testament to her nuturing and championing neurophysiotherapists.