Meet Our Team
Appeer was set up and is being run by a group of autistic and neurodivergent women who have lived and professional experience of autism. We also work with a range of professionals including psychologists, school staff, organisations supporting neurodiversity and other autistic and neurodivergent women in advisory and operational capacities in order to maximise the benefit of their support.
Due to the diverse and extensive lived and professional experience of Appeer Community Interest Company’s staff team and our close connections with the community we support, Appeer are well positioned to pinpoint the unique needs of autistic girls, autistic women and their families.
Our Core Team
Jo Dilworth
CEO
Jo oversees the entire organisation as well as our Monthly Group Programme, our TEX Programme and our Outreach projects. Jo is a teacher and SEND specialist who has worked with schools and educational charities for 20 years.
Cathryn Jagger
Engagement Director
Cathryn oversees our Weekday Groups, our admissions across all our Programmes, and our Sales and Marketing.
Claire Livingston
Admin Officer
Claire oversees all our organisational administration including bookings.
Paula Stables
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Paula has been a Social Worker for 20 years working with children, families and adults.
Our Programme Managers
Georgina
Teen Programme Manager (Maternity Cover)
Georgina is an ex-drama teacher and has classroom experience supporting children who are autistic and have SEND. She has supported our Groups since Appeer's inception.
Kris
Girls Programme Manager
Kris has over 20 years experience working with children. She's taught everything from Cookery to Forest school. Kris is also a school governor of an ASD Specific school.
Natalie
Women's Programme Manager
Natalie leads our Young Women's Group and also facilitates at our Monthly Groups. She is also a class teacher at a specialist school. She has lived experience of autism.
Cathryn Jagger
Parent/Carer Programme Manager
Cathryn manages our Parent/Carer Programme across all our Groups and Sessions. Cathryn has extensive experience in family support.
Our Facilitators
Jo M
Parent/Carer Facilitator
Jo facilitates both our Weekday and our Monthly Group Parent/Carer Sessions.
Nicky
Youth Facilitator
Nicky has lived experience of autism and is also a yoga teacher so is very calm. Nicky works at our Weekday Groups.
Michelle
Youth Facilitator
Michelle has over 20 years of experience of supporting autistic young people within schools. Michelle works at our Monthly and Weekday Groups.
Lindsey
Youth Facilitator
Lindsey has extensive experience working with children from her role in an after school club. She has a passion for musical theatre. Lindsey works at both our Weekday and Monthly Groups.
Robyn
Youth Facilitator
Robyn works at both our Weekday and Monthly Groups and has a keen interest in the outdoors and animals.
Jessica
Youth Facilitator
Jess has extensive experience supporting children and young adults in education and Riding for the Disabled. Jess works at both our Monthly and Weekday Groups.
Casey
Neurodiversity Facilitator
Casey is an autistic advocate with a specialism in sensory toys and tools. She runs our Casey's Space Monthly feature at our Monthly and Weekday Groups.
Laura
Yoga Teacher
Laura is a fully qualified yoga teacher. She has taught our autistic teens and young women for a number of years.
Agnieszka
Youth Facilitator
Aga works at our Monthly Groups
Isabel
Youth Facilitator
Issy works at our Monthly Groups
Kate
Youth Facilitator
Kate works at our Monthly Groups
Nicki
Youth Facilitator
Nicki works at our Monthly Groups
Our Contributors and Advisors
Denise Thornton
Educational Psychologist with Neuropsychology Specialism
Denise Thornton is a Chartered Psychologist (BPS) and highly experienced Registered Educational Psychologist (HCPC) with a neuropsychology specialism.
Clare Truman
Autism Specialist
Clare has been teaching for eleven years and specialises in autism. She is currently doing a PhD and specialises in Pathological Demand Avoidance.
Our Directors
Jo Dilworth
Founder, Director
Jo served on the National Autistic Society Surrey Branch committee and holds Post Graduate Certificates in Education and Asperger Syndrome and a Graduate Certificate in Psychology.
Paige Sinkler
Director
Paige has qualifications in psychology and autism and a background in health and social advocacy. She is an active supporter of young people, parents and carers.
Cathryn Jagger
Director
Cathryn is a sales and marketing professional with 20 years experience. She has lived experience of parenting an autistic daughter and extensive family support knowledge.
Rachel Pearson
Director
Rachel is an HR and business professional and senior consultant for AS Mentoring, supporting adults with ASC. Rachel is also Safeguarding Director.
Ross Dilworth
Treasurer, Director
Ross is a finance specialist with extensive experience of strategically supporting charities.
Gemma Davies
Director
Gemma is a MIS/Data Manager at a school having worked in the educational sector for over 15 years. Gemma has been a trustee of a secondary school and currently is a trustee of a special needs school.
