Meet the team

Clair Meares
Practice Manager

Shannon
Smart and Play Well Services Lead

Becky
Strides, Sparkle, Source and Play Well Services Lead

Ava
Source Service Lead

Rosie
Scamps Service Lead

Sam
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Francesca
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Lachie
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Max
Inclusive Practitioner

Mohammad
Inclusive Practitioner

Libby
Inclusive Practitioner

Kevin
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Maxine
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Akram
Inclusive Practitioner

Louis
Inclusive Practitioner

Amina
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Cassie
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Aliyah
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Aliya
Inclusive Practitioner

Maryam
Inclusive Play Practitioner

Laura Watts
Co-founder& Mentor

Suzanne
Development Support

Dione
Charity Bookkeeper

Natalie Thompson
HR Support

Our team of play workers are a diverse group of amazing people, with different specialisms of working with children and young people. This playful bunch support and encourage children to explore and learn through play; helping develop more resilient children.

Every team member has an Enhanced DBS check and safeguarding training. Our staff training package also includes:

  • Play training
  • Understanding Autism
  • Complex behavioural needs
  • Non-verbal communication

Some of our part time practitioners have worked with children using the charity’s services for over ten years. They stay because of the relationships they have developed with children and their families. This is one of our greatest asset.

Meet the Board of Trustees

The trustees are in the main parents of children with disabilities or mental health needs and have lived experience of the challenges facing families of SEND children and young people. 

The Board has professional skills to help the charity to strategically develop. 

New trustees were voted in at the AGM on Sat 17 Jan, plus 3 stepped down. These will be added in the next couple of weeks.

If you are interested in joining our Board of Trustees, please contact Laura Watts by email: laura.watts@parksforplay.org 

Amy Swanson
Trustee (Acting Chair)

Amy is mom to three children; the youngest is autistic and
loves his Smart play sessions. She has 20 years experience working in higher
education information services as well as more recently doing freelance
research and writing.

Kim Roden
Trustee

Kim is a Social Worker with over 27 years’ experience. 

She has worked with and supported foster carers who care for children with life limiting illnesses and additional needs. 

Uvarlyn Hayles
Trustee

Uvarlyn is a freelance Sales & Marketing Professional, who has had over 12 years experience as a fundraiser, ambassador and chairperson for various charities. Having used Parks For Play Services play sessions at the very beginning of its formation 20 years ago, she has seen the passionate and positive impact it has made to countless lives within the local community, and therefore feels compelled to assist with prolonging it’s legacy to ensure its vital services can continue, particularly whilst there’s growing demand.  

Sobia Haidar
Trustee

Sobia is a school Teaching Assistant who is happily married and a proud mother of three teenagers. Her youngest, who has a learning disability including autism and ADHD, regularly attends Source which has become a very important focal point in his life. Parks for Play has been a lifeline for her son and his mental health. She looks forward in helping to keep the vital services Parks for Play provide to the local community. 

Emmie Reilly
Trustee

Emmie is a previous employee of Parks for Play and other SEND organisations. She has built a rapport with our Parks for Play families and is keen to advocate. She is currently a student, who is passionate to create meaningful positive impacts for our community. 

Rosalind Goodier
Trustee

Rosalind’s oldest child, now a teenager much taller than she is, is disabled and has been enjoying sessions at Parks for Play for almost 10 years. The whole family has appreciated so much the uniquely safe, engaging and nurturing opportunities that he has at Parks for Play and the charity has a very special place in all their hearts.  After working as a lawyer for over 15 years, Rosalind now works in higher education.

Elizabeth O'Keeffe
Trustee

Liz is a mental health nurse and also has experience as a Secretary of a Charity. Both of her children (who are now teenagers!) are autistic, with ADHD and learning disabilities. Liz has been involved with Parks for Play for over 10 years, since her daughter began to attend play sessions, and she’s excited about what lies ahead for the organisation.

Faye Zammit
Trustee

Faye is mom to three boys. Her middle son, who has autism and disabilities, has attended Parks for Play for a few years now and really enjoys Source. 

Jade Whillock
Trustee

Jade is a mother of three, one who attends Parks for Play, and a passionate teacher for SEND pupils. She is grateful to Parks and the opportunities they offer to her son and is excited to be a part of an amazing, close knit charity and to help nurture it to support new and current families further. 

 

Fezza Hassan
Trustee

Watch this space for details!

Parks for Play is a proud member of

An alliance of 70+ diverse organisations delivering and advocating for inclusive provision.