Meet our awesome team
Andrew joined Autism Unlimited as a Trustee in December 2020. Andrew is keen to support the charity in all areas, with a particular focus on HR. Andrew wants to see the charity continue to be a force for good in supporting individuals and families across the region.
Deputy Head Teacher at Portfield School, Portfield School
Occupational Therapist
Talent Partner
Dance Movement Psychotherapist
Senior Talent Partner
Work Experience Coordinator
HR and Training Director
School Administrator at Portfield School
Senior School Administrator, Portfield School
Gabriella has seen the impact Autism Unlimited can have on individuals and families and understands the value of our role in the community. Gabriella wants to give everything she can to make a valuable contribution towards our important work.
Harry is keen to invest the experience gained in his career to contribute to the development of Autism Unlimited to enhance the provision of care and services to people in the region and to continue his passion during his career of supporting individuals to maximise their potential.
Ambassador - Football Manager and TV pundit Harry joined the charity as our first Ambassador in 2015. Committed to helping us to raise our profile, Harry launched the Interactive Room at Portfield School.
Hugh's aspirations for Autism Unlimited are to support the staff to ensure that the people we support continue to be well looked-after, and develop their potential as far as they can.
James is enthusiastic, empathetic and proactive in his approach, and his vision for Autism Unlimited is to support the charity externally and help Autism Unlimited to grow in both stature and size.
Head Teacher at Portfield School
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Julie is determined, proactive and passionate about the potential for Autism Unlimited, and brings real-world experience and understanding of autism to her role. Julie’s vision is to represent the parent voice and help the charity fulfil its potential.
Futures Lead
Occupational Therapist, PCST
School Counsellor, PCST
Music Therapist, PCST
Chair of Trustees - Malcolm brings a variety of personal qualities and experience to Autism Unlimited. He hopes that his ability and dedication to project management, budget control and long term planning will help the organisation grow and support more individuals living with autism.
Futures Coach
Living with Autism is hardly easy and takes a lifetime of strength and courage. Having joined AU as a Trustee in 2020, Meherzin is determined to support the excellent work being done to further the mental and physical health of both, people living with autism as well as their family and friends. In addition, she is keen to ensure that while staff working within the unlimited scope of AU give their best while caring for their clients, their own wellbeing is also looked after so that they have enriched working lives. As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Meherzin wears many hats: she is the Lead for Wellbeing and Psychological Professions for the Dorset Integrated Care System, Trustwide Lead for Psychology and Psychological Therapies for Dorset HealthCare and Clinical Lead for the Dorset Pain Management Service. She truly believes that being a psychologist is the best job in the world!
Assistant Head Teacher
Director of Adult Support
Behaviour Support Assistant, PCST
Mark has a thorough understanding of autism research and the implications for the lives of autistic people and their families/ advocates. Mark hopes his understanding of what constitutes good evidence can help support the charity to achieve the best possible outcomes for autistic people.
Richard Strachan is the Managing Director of 3 SIDED CUBE, with a particular passion for building technology for good - specifically digital solutions that are either life-saving, life-changing or problem-solving. Over the years, he’s worked with clients such as the BBC, Gap, Activision, the Red Cross to deliver a range of projects and campaigns.
Receptionist at Portfield School
CEO
Ambassador - Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano opera singer Sophia is one of our Ambassadors. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 45, Sophia is passionate about raising understanding and awareness of autism.
Assistant Head Teacher at Portfield School
Art Psychotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Futures Coach
Ambassador - Impressionist and comedian, Tony Rudd, became one of our Ambassadors in 2020. Tony was diagnosed with Asperger’s aged 55 and is passionate about embracing autism and the creativeness it can bring. Tony manages a radio station for children with disabilities alongside his career in the public eye.
We have an amazing team of people at Autism Unlimited. Their dedication, passion and care shine through in every aspect of their work. Each individual makes a big difference to the lives of the people they support and we couldn't do it without them.
We don't just have people in our team, we also have some furry friends!