Chair Of Trustees
Bio
Trustee
Bio
Trustee
Bio
Secretary to the Board of Trustees
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CEO
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Manager
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Jo, a mum of three with a background in social and paediatric care and lived experience of SEND. She believes in empowering parent carers with the knowledge to advocate for their child/ren. She recognises in her own experience that it can be overwhelming and complicated.
Jo is currently undergoing the process of seeking an ADHD diagnosis to enhance her ability to manage the unique challenges that arise from her differences. She understands we don't all have to be a square peg in a round hole.
Castle Point & Rochford Engagement Officer
Bio
Jo Houghton joined the team after having her own positive experiences with the charity. She has two autistic children. One child was
diagnosed during her time at university, and the other was diagnosed three years ago and also has complex medical conditions.
With 25 years of experience working for HMRC, Jo's role is the Rochford and Castle Point Community Engagement Officer, bringing valuable administrative and HR skills to her role.
Volunteer
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Michelle is a mother of two who has transitioned from a career as a nail technician to becoming a passionate advocate for change within her community. Her personal experiences with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and hip conditions with her own neurodivergent family have inspired her to raise awareness, share her journey, and support other families. Michelle has been featured in local newspapers and news outlets, and more recently, she participated in a parliamentary group focused on eating disorders.
Volunteer
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Joan volunteers at STRM and brings years of experience in supporting neurodivergent children and families, both in family law and within her personal life.
She served as Chair of Governors at an inner-city school in Birmingham and has been an LEA adopted governor at a Southend School for the past six years.
With a deep understanding of family law, Joan has provided assistance to families in a Pilot Project, helping eight families navigate complex issues such as housing, family law, and challenging medical conditions, shedding light on the intense challenges parents encounter in the SEND system.
Volunteer
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As a parent of a daughter with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), she has navigated the various challenges she has faced in education, health, support services, and the wider community. Kay has many years of experience working with children and families, helping them overcome obstacles to accessing health, education, and social care. Her background as a former councillor also provides Kay with valuable insight into local authorities' decision-making processes. Kay has volunteered on a parent helpline in the past and is excited to join STRM as a volunteer, inspired by their remarkable dedication to improving the lives of children and families.
Volunteer
Bio
Santanna joined the team as a volunteer to assist with administering the Online Parent Support Forum.
She enjoys helping parents access online support, especially since, as a parent of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and understands the difficulties of accessing support due factors like not being able to leave the house or you work full-time. The Online Forum provides parents with an outlet to access support online rather than in person.
Santanna has four children; and one is diagnosed Autistic and ADHD, and her other child is on the pathway.
We are a ‘ by parents for parents’ registered charity.
Our mission is to improve the lives of families in Southend and Essex whose children have been identified or are suspected of having specific educational needs and/or disabilities.
SEND the Right Message Charity is registered in England.
Charity Number 1193572