Hello, I’m Paula Farrow. I have 4 children; 2 older boys who are now married and living independently, and two younger children who are autistic. From an early age, I could see that they were wired differently. They have so much to offer and yet the difficulties that they experience with some everyday tasks and situations can make it hard for them to shine or even be able to cope with many everyday activities.
I am a founding member of MyOTAS and I am passionate about improving outcomes for neurodivergent children who often also experience high anxiety and other mental health problems. I am so grateful to the parents and professionals who have worked so hard to improve the understanding of autism and neurodiversity over the last 20 years, and I want to keep that momentum going, for our own young people now, and for the generations that follow. Prior to becoming involved with MyOTAS, I worked for Essex Family Forum, to ensure that the experiences of families of children with special needs were heard and represented with Education, Health and Social Care Services and before that I worked for RBS in Corporate Change Management.
Outside of work, I can usually be found walking my loyal dog Amber, watching my son playing football, or taking my daughter to concerts. I also enjoy teaching and practising yoga.
My life with MyOTAS started as a trustee, brought in to help set up the registered charity. After both my children had struggled in school, in different ways, I wanted to offer help to other parents going through the same battles to secure a diagnosis, recognition of their difficulties and appropriate support in school. When my eldest was diagnosed, all I received was a piece of paper with the National Autistics’ Society website on it – I knew absolutely nothing about autism and neurodiversity wasn’t even a thing back then. I have learnt so much during my time at MyOTAS, so much so, that I’m part of the writing team for the ‘Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child’ book and realised that I’m AuDHD too.
I’ve always wanted to work in a role that helps others, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be doing that with MyOTAS.
I’m a mum of three, and neurodiversity is a subject close to my heart. While going through the autism diagnosis process with my daughter I took a course in understanding autism, which in turn sparked a real passion in me to want to support other families on similar journeys.
MyOTAS have been a great support to me, and my children have benefited from attending several of the groups they run. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s about being there for others in the way I know can make a real difference during tough times
Outside of work, I enjoy the simple things—spending time with my family, baking, and losing myself in a book!
As a parent to two incredible neurodivergent teenagers, I’ve experienced firsthand the complex and often overwhelming journey of navigating education systems, mental health services, transport, therapies, and more. These personal challenges have shaped my deep commitment to supporting families who face similar paths.
With over 30 years of experience in project and operations management across both corporate and health service sectors, I bring a practical, solutions-focused mindset and love turning ideas into action.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me in the kitchen cooking up something delicious, curled up with a good book, or enjoying time with my family.
Hello, I’m Karen Cogger and I am the Family Support Manager at MyOTAS. With over two decades of experience as a teacher and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), I have a wealth of knowledge about the education system and supporting children in mainstream education settings.
As a mother to two wonderful girls and someone with lived experience of neurodivergence, I am deeply committed to supporting families navigating similar journeys. My passion lies in inclusive, understanding environments where every family feels heard and valued.
Beyond my professional life, I enjoy creative pursuits like crafting, and I cherish walks by the sea. Being near the water makes me feel calm. In fact, I’m a typical Pisces! I love to travel and discover new places with my family.
At MyOTAS, I am dedicated to empowering families, drawing from both my personal experiences and professional background to make a meaningful impact.
My name is Vicky, I am a parent to 2 neurodivergent young adults.
We have been through many challenges throughout the years and when things were particularly difficult, we found MyOTAS. They provided us with lots of help and support when we really needed it.
I wanted to give something back so started volunteering for MyOTAS at Woodland Warriors before becoming a Family Support Worker in January 2022 and then the Family Support Team Leader in 2025. I absolutely love my job and really enjoy working with lots of lovely families, helping them through the many challenges of parenting neurodivergent children.
Hi, I am Jill Hawes, adoptive mum to two boys aged 18 and 17. My youngest has autism, ADHD, DCD, sensory processing issues along with moderate learning difficulties. My eldest was recently diagnosed with ADHD.
In the past I have been a foster carer and was an early year’s educator for 2–4-year-olds for over 9 years.
Prior to this I worked at one of the oldest banks in London and a local newspaper both within the HR payroll departments and then as cabin crew in the airline industry, so quite an eclectic mix of roles.
At the beginning of our neurodiverse family journey, we felt isolated and a bit lost until we found likeminded people who understood and helped us to navigate our way for better outcomes for our chid. I hope as a Family Support Worker for MyOTAS I can help other families on whatever part of the journey they are on.
For the last decade, I focused on sharing my learning from our varied journey within the world of neurodiversity, to help support others.
I volunteered at a local Children’s Centre and Barnado’s charity. I worked at Pre School settings; as a Key Person, 1:1 for a pre-verbal child with Autism and as a SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator). I loved working with children and having the opportunity to see them grow.
Previously, I worked in a variety of different areas ranging from big corporations to smaller companies, including running my own small business. All had central themes around organising, developing, coaching and training.
I’m passionate about empathically supporting children and families with fairness and dignity. I like to help others find their way, whilst often walking a challenging, confusing and sometimes lonely path. As a Family Support Worker for MyOTAS, I aim to reach out, offer kindness, share knowledge and help get families to a happier place.
Tiffany Belford-Fry, known as Tiffers, runs Woodland Warriors, an outdoor activity company dedicated to helping children of all ages and backgrounds develop essential life skills through nature-based play. MyOTAS has partnered with Tiffers to design and deliver bespoke sessions tailored to the needs of neurodivergent children and those experiencing social anxiety.
For over eight years, Tiffers has been running these sessions for MyOTAS, bringing a wealth of experience and an engaging, dynamic approach that makes every activity enjoyable and inclusive. Her ability to combine patience, encouragement, and creativity ensures that children feel supported and empowered. Tiffers’ infectious enthusiasm and commitment to learning through play shine through in every session, making her an invaluable part of the MyOTAS community.
I have approx. 23 years’ experience working with children, teens and young adults in various schools and a care setting.
I love supporting and working with children and people who are Autistic, anxious or Neurodiverse.
I have worked supporting families and feel like I can make a difference as I consider myself as caring, patient and understanding. I feel I can build a good rapport with people.
I love Nature, Yoga, cooking, arts and crafts. Working with Tiff with Woodland warriors is great, especially being outdoors and in nature. I love working with children and teens.
I’m a qualified Yoga Therapist living and working in Battlesbridge. I’m trained in yoga for adults, teens, children and special needs, and in Reiki and singing bowl therapy. I also have over 25 years’ experience in teaching, mainly in SEN, PE and Forest School. I like spaces where everyone feels welcomed, accepted and free to be themselves, and I aim to create this in my yoga sessions. MyOTAS has inclusion at its heart too, so I am pleased to be part of their offerings. I am mother to one beautiful daughter. I love dogs, music, singing, oak trees, being outside and barefoot on the earth. I love learning, finding things that bring me happiness and sharing these with others.
Gweniems Workshops, have been running for five years and have been in partnership with Myotas for over three years.
Emma specializes in working with children, creating a calm and supportive environment that allows them to explore their artistic talents. As a parent of a neurodivergent son, Emma brings a wealth of experience in understanding and addressing special needs and requirements, ensuring that every child feels included and valued in the workshops. Emma’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent and providing a supportive environment has made the workshops a beloved part of the Myotas community.
Gwen is a talented and imaginative arts and crafts assistant, working alongside Emma Dolby in the Gweniems Workshops. With a deep love for crafts and arts, Gwen brings a wealth of creativity and enthusiasm to every session. As a Nan to six grandchildren, three of whom are neurodivergent, Gwen has extensive experience in working with children who require more attention and care. Her ability to create a nurturing and inclusive environment allows children to explore their fantasies and express themselves through various artistic mediums. Gwen’s dedication to fostering creativity and her supportive approach make her an invaluable part of the Myotas community.
With her depth of knowledge and many years of experience, Jyoti Jo Manuel is recognised by many as one of the world’s leading authorities on therapeutic yoga for children.
Her personal yoga journey started in 1974, and she began teaching in 1989.
In 2002 Jyoti founded Special Yoga, a global organisation established to provide and develop sustainable and accessible yoga programmes for children with special and additional needs.
Special Yoga’s work reaches across education, therapeutic settings and within the home. Jyoti has travelled extensively implementing Special Yoga programmes in orphanages, social care, education and health care and for paediatric therapists and psychologists.
As founder, lead and spiritual head of Special Yoga she has trained senior practitioners to support the effective and impactful delivery of Special Yoga into local councils, academies and
individual special schools and specialist provisions to provide training in therapeutic yoga for children with special needs.
My career spans over 40 years, mainly within financial services undertaking senior roles across various areas such as strategy, sales, HR and Programme Management.
I have recently worked within the not-for-profit and Social Enterprise sectors utilising my extensive experience in improving and growing businesses through transformational change and cultural development.
I am now retired but my last role before retirement was CEO of Exceptional Individuals, a specialist employment agency supporting neurodivergent individuals gain employment, then training and coaching them in the workplace to be successful in their role.
I have four children ranging from 28 to 17: with my daughter being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
My free time passion is football, and I coach children and young people at our local – grassroots club Wickford Town FC, also running inclusion training sessions for neurodivergent kids.
I’m proud to be the President at MyOTAS – looking to use my professional and personal experience to safely scale up the charity so we can support as many families as possible.
I’m Maria Denton, current Chair and Treasurer of MyOTAS, a small charity supporting neurodivergent children and their families. I’m a parent to two boys, aged 14 and 11. My eldest is autistic and has a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Since his diagnosis in 2018, I’ve dedicated time to learning about autism and SPD—attending courses, reading extensively, and connecting with other parents. The knowledge and community support I’ve gained have been invaluable to our family, and I’m passionate about helping others access the same.
Professionally, I’m a CCAB-qualified accountant with over 20 years’ experience in Local Government. I currently work full-time in audit, governance, and risk, managing a small team. I bring this experience to my trustee role, combining professional expertise with lived experience to support the charity’s mission.
Jenne, whose name is pronounced “Yenna” (he is German!), has worked with children in the community and in special schools in South Essex for over 20 years, since 2004. Jenne’s special interests are Sensory Processing Difficulties, Autism and Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia. He loves the educational aspects of the job and sharing his passion for Occupational Therapy with parents and other professionals alike.
Jenne is a practising professional member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy and is registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Jenne currently works for The Great Little OT Practice and for the Treetops Learning Community.
Jenne lives in Billericay. He loves physical activities such as walking, running and Pilates; he plays table tennis in four different leagues in Essex. Whether at home, or out and about in his campervan, he enjoys eating yummy and healthy food, which includes his home-made sourdough bread.
I am Trisha McClure. I have worked as a Biomedical Scientist for over 34 years. I am currently employed by Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity.
I am Mum to an 18-year-old son with a diagnosis of autism, dyslexia and associated anxiety – he is attending University this year to study a BA in Photography. My daughter is 15 and is currently undiagnosed. I am delighted to be on the board at MyOTAS. My driving force is to raise awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity and to help children and their families to access the support available to them.
I joined the Board of Trustees at MyOTAS in 2024. As a dad to three daughters – one of whom was diagnosed as autistic at the start of 2024, and another currently on the pathway for an ADHD assessment – neurodiversity is a big part of our family life.
I’m proud to be part of a team that’s working to build a more inclusive and understanding environment for neurodivergent children and their families. helping to ensure they have the support and opportunities they deserve.
Hi, my name is Cameryn. I’m a volunteer at MyOTAS. I’m volunteering to gain more work experience and MyOTAS’ ethos and values aligned with my goals. Outside of volunteering, I play a lot of video games.
I’m Gloria, I only recently become a volunteer with MyOTAS. I am passionate about making a positive impact in the community. I have worked within customer service most of my life, bringing a wealth of experience in communication and care.
I now run a senior concierge business for elderly and am also about to start as a passenger assistant helping special needs and disabled children get to and from school.
I live in Basildon, am married and have a 20-year-old daughter, and 22-year-old stepson.
Outside of working I like to keep fit with yoga and weights and belong to a walking group as I love to be outside, be it walks in the park or along the seafront.
Natalie previously worked with a group of children in the United States whilst at high school who had learning difficulties. She found this experience rewarding and wanted to continue to raise awareness of neurodiversity in the UK.
