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The Training & Coaching Team

Robin Wilding

Senior Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

Robin is one of our original team of specialist coaches and provides supervision to all members of the team.

She is also a busy Mum to four beautiful children. Her eldest child was diagnosed with Aspergers and ADHD at the age of 8yrs, leading her to train as a specialist coach with ADD-vance. She recognises the challenges parents face with their children and aims to offer strategies that work for individual families and children, to improve family life as a whole, offering a fresh perspective without judging. Everyone can feel as though they’ve run out of ideas and sometimes may simply need a little support to regain the confidence in their own resourcefulness.

Dan Adams

BA (Hons), Level 3 Teaching Qualification

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach, EHCP Specialist

Dan is a Dad to 3 awesome, neurodiverse young people who all have a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD. Dan himself has a diagnosis of ADHD and is happy to bring his real-world experience to the table. Over the past decade, he has developed substantial understanding and appreciation of these conditions and how to relate them to different families on differing journeys and brings his experience and expertise in his role as Specialist Autism/ADHD Coach and Trainer. Dan is a clear and down to earth communicator, is also a full-time lecturer at a local College and brings care and compassion to his role.

Dan also has significant expertise in the EHCP process and maintenance, being part of the team (alongside Bridget) that transitioned them from Statements of SEN to Education, Health and Care plans as an Independent SEN Adviser. With his experience as both a parent and teacher, he is able to bring these together when supporting with EHCP applications.

Laura Bell

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

With a keen interest in neurodiversity and background in HR, and having been supported by ADD-vance’s courses and coaching as a parent, Laura was excited to get involved with the Neurodiversity in Employment project and is now supporting families as a Specialist Coach. Previously, Laura worked in HR in both the voluntary and commercial sectors and was a Trustee with Electric Umbrella for 4 years. Laura decided to leave her HR role last year to set up her own HR & neurodiversity consultancy.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys singing for a glee choir, walking in nature with her dog and helping her children discover and harness their unique strengths.

Jamie Brown

BSc (Hons), Level 3 Teaching Qualification

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer

Jamie is a dedicated advocate and trainer at ADD-vance, with a personal journey shaped by ADHD. Driven by a profound passion for challenging societal norms surrounding neurodiversity, Jamie began volunteering with ADD-vance during his final year of undergraduate study in the field of Psychology, and has remained with ADD-vance ever since. Now a Lecturer at Middlesex University, Jamie brings his expertise in ADHD, mental health, and lived experience to shape the minds of future professionals. Amidst these endeavours, Jamie is a proud parent to five neurodiverse children—a testament to his commitment to fostering understanding, support, and inclusivity in both professional and personal spheres.

Helen Collins

Specialist Autism and ADHD Coach

Helen discovered ADD-vance almost 10 years ago when she was searching for help and advice to support her family. So inspired by the amazing team at ADD-vance, she was keen to be more involved, and subsequently trained to become a specialist coach. Helen really enjoys supporting parents by working on strategies around their specific needs, and helping to build their confidence to improve family life.

Steph Curtis

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

Steph is mum to two autistic teenage girls, one also diagnosed with ADHD. She worked in the ADD-vance office several years ago and is delighted to be returning to the charity as a specialist coach and trainer. Steph started writing a blog about family life with autism on the day her younger daughter was diagnosed at the age of two, and she has used her blog to raise awareness and spread understanding of the profile of autism known as Pathological Demand Avoidance. She has been a Trainer for the PDA Society for several years and has also represented parent carers locally on behalf of HPCi. Steph is passionate about helping other families find their way through the maze that springs up when trying to parent neurodivergent children.

Joanna Daw

B.Ed (Hons)

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

Jo first came to ADD-vance after both her children were diagnosed with a combination of ADHD and Autism, having previously worked as a primary school teacher. She expressed interest in joining the team as a coach and trainer and hasn’t looked back! Jo is passionate about all things ADHD and Autism. She is very open and honest about the delights and challenges that come with living in a neuro-diverse family. She loves working with families along their journey, and helping them to feel confident and empowered, alongside working with schools to improve awareness and understanding.

Eleanor Griffiths

Specialist Autism and ADHD Coach

Eleanor started her career working in IT in the City but then became a full time parent to two neurodiverse children who are now teenagers. She first became involved with ADD-vance when her eldest child was in the process of being diagnosed with ASD and ADHD almost a decade ago. Since then ADD-vance have continued to be a lifeline to Eleanor and she has been an active member of the ADD-vance community. Eleanor is passionate about empowering parents to advocate for their children and have the confidence they need to enable their children to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Karen Hannan

Specialist Autism and ADHD Coach

With a background in education, advocacy and mental health, Karen is passionate about ADD-vance training and coaching after its phenomenal impact on her own amazing, neurodiverse family. She focuses on identifying the strengths and passions of neurodiverse individuals and families, to enable healthier and happier outcomes.

Karen is diagnosed with ASD and ADHD herself. The combination of lived experience, reflective skills and extensive knowledge regarding neurodiversity provides a unique perspective. Her ability to relate theory to relevant real life practice, enables families to move from helplessness to understanding, acceptance and hope.

Fiona James-Trezona

MA English Literature, PGCE

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer

Fiona has a background in language teaching and has worked as a classroom teacher in both primary and secondary settings for over 18 years. She first encountered ADD-vance 4 years ago when searching for help and advice to support her family. Seeing the potential to apply modern understanding of ADHD and Autism to make a real difference to children’s lives, she signed up for a post graduate certificate in special educational needs (Autism in children) at the University of Birmingham and has now decided to move her career into supporting children in the school environment. Fiona is passionate about sharing her experience as a teacher and her learning about ADHD and Autism and with other classroom professionals and thereby having a lasting impact on children’s wellbeing, confidence and learning.

Helen Jex

Specialist Autism and ADHD Coach

Helen is a mum of three. Her middle child was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. This is when she first discovered ADD-vance, attending many of their courses. Over the next fifteen years, she devoted her time to raising her family, researching and learning as much as she could to better support her family and others. During this time she ran an inclusive under five movement group and worked as a 1:1 in Early Years. She fully understands the challenges families face and is passionate about supporting others without judgement.

Sophia Jones

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer

Sophia is a mother of 4 amazing children most of whom are young adults now. Neurodiversity is sprinkled throughout her family and with a background in education, she has worked closely with young people and families impacted by neurodiversity for over 20 years. As a Trainer she supports people with coaching and by delivering courses and as a Drama specialist, Sophia’s love for all things theatrical means that when the camera has stopped rolling she can be found having a cheeky “Movement Break” or as others like to say, impromptu desk dancing.

Kirsty Lemare

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

Kirsty is a mum to two lively, crazy and hilarious little boys and one little girl, as well as a writer, comedian and technology whizz. Kirsty’s eldest son was diagnosed with ADHD and a sleep disorder at six, and her husband also has ADHD, which whilst incredibly tough at times has allowed (forced) her to really get to grips with supporting the boys through the unique set of challenges they face. Kirsty’s aim is to support families and young people with ADHD and Autism and help them to build their self-esteem and confidence. Kirsty deeply believes that a confident child is a child with a great future regardless of the challenges they face, and her aim is to do as much as she can to combat that negativity and help parents and children feel supported and accepted.

Bridget Livsey

BA (Hons), PG Cert Autism

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach
Independent SEN Adviser

Bridget is an autistic and ADHD mother of three amazing, unique young men. Over the past two decades, Bridget has developed substantial understanding of autism, ADHD, dyspraxia and anxiety, both in her lived experience within her neurodivergent family and through post-graduate study and research. Bridget is a clear and empathic communicator, born from her first career in journalism, and brings compassion and care to her work with both parents and professionals. Bridget is particularly passionate about supporting parents in navigating SEN law and EHCP processes. She draws on her extensive training in this area, her lived experience of supporting her sons through the education system (and out the other side), and also her many years of working with professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Bridget Livesey

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach
EHCP Specialist

Bridget is mother to three amazing, unique young men who all have diagnostic combinations of autism and ADHD. Over the past two decades, Bridget has developed substantial understanding and appreciation of these conditions, and brings her experience and expertise to bear in her role as Specialist Autism/ADHD Coach and Trainer. Bridget is a clear and empathic communicator, born from her first career in journalism, and brings compassion and care to her work with both parents and professionals. Bridget is particularly passionate about supporting parents in building on their skills, understanding and ability to support their children through the use of proven and well-tested strategies.

Bridget has a particular interest in SEN law. She is a trained IPSEA adviser and helped launch the government’s Independent Support programme in Hertfordshire in 2014, at the time of the SEN law reforms. This programme helped parents navigate the introduction of Education, Health and Care (EHCP) processes. Since the closure of the programme in 2018, Bridget brings her EHCP knowledge and expertise to parents as an Independent SEN Adviser, drawing on her extensive SEN legal training and also her own personal experiences as a parent of children with an EHCP.

Susanna Mateu

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

Susanna, who is originally from Spain, has a wealth of experience teaching Spanish to adults and children in Hertfordshire for over 10 years. She came across ADD-vance when her son was 6 years old and has had a soft spot for the charity ever since. Susanna is a very caring person who is always keen to support the most vulnerable in the community. She also helps run a fantastic award-winning charity, Potential Kids, which supports neurodiverse children and their families in Hertfordshire.

She loves learning new things and is always prepared to help anyone that needs any support. Susanna is also a Mental Health First Aider and Trainer. She actively promotes the importance of self-care, practising yoga, tai chi and meditation. She loves travelling the world, having afternoon teas with her girlfriends in London and photographing sunrises and wildlife.

Alexandra Meadows

Specialist Autism and ADHD Coach

Alexandra first came across ADD-vance following her eldest son’s diagnosis of Autism in 2017 and focused her time on learning as much as she could about neurodiversity. She has personally experienced many of our services, seeking help from our support groups and attending our Understanding Teens with ADHD and Autism course. Passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of neurodivergent families, Alexandra completed a Foundation Certificate in Counselling and in 2019 began working as a SEND Family Support Worker.

Alexandra is a mum to two neurodivergent children. When not championing ADD-vance, Alex can generally be found with her nose in a book or swimming in a lake.

Amanda O'Gorman

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

Amanda’s first introduction to ADD-vance was following her son’s diagnosis of ASD and ADHD in 2013. Via our courses and workshops, Amanda armed herself with as much information as possible and has been a keen supporter of ADD-vance ever since. Amanda is passionate about her work in supporting and celebrating the differences of adults with ADHD and/or Autism in the work place and works closely with Potential Kids (a Hertfordshire based charity delivering social activities for children and young people with a learning difference). Amanda combines all of this with her role as a busy Mum to two beautiful, impeccably behaved children!

Annette O'Toole

MA Education, PGCE

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer

With a background in education and a passion for early years development, Annette brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. She originally came to ADD-vance after her son was diagnosed with ASD, and now combines her knowledge of education with her first-hand experience to help and support other families.

Frances Parsons

BA (Hons)

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

Frances first came on an ADD-vance course more than 10 years ago when she was searching for support for her family and Googled ‘ADHD Herts’. With a background in journalism, she was shocked how little information and educational support there was about ADHD and Autism at that time and is forever grateful to ADD-vance for all the strategies and help she received.

Having then gone on to train as a specialist trainer and coach for ADD-vance, Frances is particularly passionate about the positives of ADHD and Autism. She is a patient and empathetic communicator and loves working with families and professionals to encourage understanding, transform attitudes and, as a result, help everyone with these conditions to reach their full potential.

Melanie Peeke

MA Human Sciences

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer

Mel has a background in corporate training and development and like so many of us went into motherhood thinking she had everything sussed. When life threw a few curve balls at her and she ended up finding parenting more difficult than expected, she found fantastic support from local schools and charities (including ADD-vance) to help her bring out the best in her autistic daughter and really enjoy family life. She is absolutely passionate about the positive impact of parenting courses in helping to build a sense of community, provide a supportive place to share ideas and allow time for reflection. Mel has been involved with ADD-vance since 2010 and is one of the founding members for our sister group – Spectrum Girls.

Nerys Renowden

BSc Hons, PGCE, NASENCo

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer

Nerys has a background in education, working as a Secondary SENCo for 12 years and has used ADD-vance both professionally and personally whilst supporting her daughter on her pathway to an Autism diagnosis. She is passionate about working with parents and professionals to help them understand the challenges and highlights that come with neurodiversity and how we can support children and young people to fulfil their potential and develop their passions and strengths. Sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact and she finds the unique and individual approach required to support neurodiverse children and young people truly fascinating.

Helen Rognaldsen

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer

Helen worked in communications and marketing for over 25 years before deciding to change course with her career. She is now an apprenticeship coach at Cranfield University, where she also delivers neurodiversity training to staff and employers. She is also training to become an integrative counsellor.

Her first experience of ADD-vance was nearly 10 years ago, seeking help for her youngest child when he received an ADHD diagnosis. As other members of her family have also received ADHD and Autism diagnoses, she has regularly relied on ADD-vance for advice and training.

Helen is passionate about using her lived experience and growing knowledge to help neurodivergent young people – and those who support them – to thrive.

Miriam Shabetai

MSc (Hons) Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience

Specialist Sleep Coach

Miriam has a growing interest in the field of Autism, ADHD and mental health and joined the team at ADD-vance to help make a difference to families in Hertfordshire. She is currently working as a Research Assistant at Aston University on a study examining the effectiveness of behavioural sleep interventions in children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Miriam leads our sleep workshop and support group and supports families through our Specialist Sleep Service.

Regina Somekh

BA (Hons) Sociology and Psychology, PGCE

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer

Regina believes passionately in helping the neurodiverse community. She has three children and has dedicated herself to care for her young son who is Autistic and ADHD, enabling him to gain strong self-esteem via being his authentic self. She has navigated the legal system in order to fight for his right to education. Regina wishes for equal opportunities for all individuals to lead full, successful and rewarding lives at home, work and the community. Previously a sixth form teacher of Sociology and Psychology for 25 years, she is now a dedicated trainer at ADD-vance, having been initially supported invaluably by the charity. Her practical and empathetic approach aims to empower parents and professionals to navigate the complexities and joys of Autism and ADHD.

Vicki Whent

BA (Hons), PG Dip CG

Specialist Autism and ADHD Trainer & Coach

Vicki joined ADD-vance in 2015. Her professional post graduate career includes Journalism, Training and Guidance. She has previously held the position of Trustee for Tracks Autism for seven years, established a local autism/ADHD support group called Rainbows and has studied autism at university level. Vicki has a teenage son with a diagnosis of autism and ADHD.

Lisa Worrell

Specialist Autism and ADHD Coach

After three years of running the ADD-vance helpline, Lisa trained as a Specialist Coach, allowing her to pursue her passion for supporting families to change their lives for the better. Lisa has a wealth of knowledge developed through roles with the charities Marie Curie and Family Lives and through her own experience of supporting three neurodiverse children in her family

Talia Zamora

BA (Hons)

Specialist Autism and ADHD Coach

Talia is a mum of two boys with ASD. Through her journey of discovering her boys’ differences, her knowledge of Autism and ADHD grew along with her understanding of the many neurodivergent traits herself and her extended family have. Support from ADD-vance’s courses and peers enabled Talia to understand her family and parent in a different way which has given her a passion for wanting to help others in a similar position.

With a background in Business Improvement and Business Management, Talia started her own business as a Business Strategy Coach in 2018, helping determined women to succeed and become the expert in their field and is now excited to also be coaching families.

The Office Team

Debbie Wood

MBA(Exe), BA(Hons)

Chief Executive Officer

Debbie is a passionate believer in the importance of local charities and the benefits they provide to individuals and families. She has devoted her whole career to working in the Hertfordshire voluntary sector in agencies that support people to fulfill their potential. The work of ADD-vance and the impact it makes inspired her to join the team in 2020, where she feels she has been given the privilege of leading the charity into its next phase of success. Outside work, Debbie is a busy mum to her two children and when she is not being their taxi driver, she loves to bake anything with chocolate in.

Gillian Wilson

CGMA

Finance Manager

Gillian worked in varied Finance roles in Scotland and London for several large UK and multinational organisations. After having her 3rd child she took some time out to focus on raising her children and benefitted from ADD-vance support for her neurodivergent son. She returned to work in 2019 looking after the Finances for ADD-vance and loves working for a local charity that makes a real difference to families in Hertfordshire. Outside work, Gillian loves travel, pilates and chocolate, and is a busy mum to 3 children.

Jennie Rayson

MSc (Hons)

Neurodiversity Services Manager

Jennie has spent most of her career as an Economist in the Civil Service working in many different areas. She took a career break in 2016 to focus on family and having benefited from ADD-vance courses has recently joined ADD-vance as the Neurodiversity Services Manager. Outside of work Jennie is an avid tennis fan and has a very cuddly dog!

Sophie Da Silva

Neurodiversity Services Administration Lead

Sophie has spent the majority of her career working for large media organisations and made the decision to make that change to a role that would make a direct difference in her local community. With first hand experience of using ADD-vance’s services, Sophie knows all too well how much a local charity can make a difference to a family in need.

Andrea Horne

Training Administration

With two teenage children (and a cat!) keeping her on her toes, Andrea’s motivation to work with ADD-vance comes from her desire to see families like her own supported to thrive. Having joined ADD-vance in 2013, Andrea is determined to ensure that we get all our processes and systems in the best possible shape to help us efficiently and effectively support our members. Drawing on her experience of working in account management and keen eye for innovation, she is always on the lookout for new ways to improve our back office support to keep everything up to date. When she is not knee deep in statistics and reports, Andrea loves to travel the world with her favourite adventures being in the U.S.

Sarah Hennessy

Social Media Officer

Sarah lives in Welwyn Garden City with her husband and daughter (currently away at university), although she is originally from East London. After working in admin jobs for money brokers and accountants in the City of London for 11 years, she took a break in 2001 to get married and raise her daughter. Sarah was involved with Spectrum Girls (before it became part of ADD-vance), looking after emails and admin, and arranging social events for members. Sarah loves travel, reading, film and going to the theatre. Her whole family are passionate about football, Sarah and her daughter are members at Tottenham Hotspur and love to go to games together. After volunteering for ADD-vance for 6 months in 2021, Sarah now looks after all of our social media.