Chair of Trustees – Lizann Lowson 

Lizann has been a Trustee since 2019 and Chair of Trustees since 2020. She has worked in education for over 20 years. Holding various roles, including senior leadership positions, she has always been ignited and driven by inclusion. Her work, at a Bristol based college, developing education and residential provision for young people with Down Syndrome led her to seek volunteer opportunities on her move back to the local area in 2019. Lizann was delighted when she found Downright Special. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in the countryside, reading and travelling. 
 

Trustee - Emily Barnett 

Emily joined as a Trustee in April 2025 but has been involved in Downright Special for many years. She first joined us in 2018 on placement from Hull University when she was studying for her degree in Education, Social Inclusion and Special Needs, continuing to volunteer on Fridays for two years and then at social events. Emily is a qualified SEN teacher specialising in behaviour and communication and says that the support received during her voluntary roles has shaped her into the practitioner she is today. Outside of work Emily enjoys walking, finding cosy pubs with wonderful food! 
 

Trustee – Emma Tudor 

Emma has worked in Human Resources for over 20 years and is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive workplaces. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, she brings valuable experience in understanding people and promoting equal opportunities for all. Emma’s personal interest in supporting individuals with Down syndrome began when a friend’s daughter was born with the condition, giving her a deeper appreciation of the joys and challenges faced by families. Having seen the incredible work that Downright Special does in HEY - and with the company she works for already supporting the charity - Emma was inspired to get involved personally and contribute as a trustee. 
 
 

Parent Trustee – Michelle Marie 

Michelle is parent of Jaeden who was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth in 2010 and later diagnosed with autism aged 5. She has navigated the educational, medical and therapy resources for Jaeden both in the U.S. and England. In 2017 the family moved to the UK, and she is amazed at the resources available to Jaeden in this country vs. the U.S. He has been thriving in his special school setting. 
 
Michelle was a trustee on the board of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (NC) for many years and joined Downright Special as a Parent Trustee in 2022. In addition to parenting Jaeden and his brother Tristan, she works as Global Head of Procurement for an international company and hopes to schedule some travel for her and the boys. 
 

Parent Trustee – Neil Findlay 

Neil has been involved with the charity since the birth of his daughter, Anya in 2008. He became more “hands-on” with the charity in 2010 by coordinating social events and being the resident Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Neil is particularly proud of the “Dad events” that were run and of course the flagship children’s party. 
 
Neil now supports the charity with their IT needs, providing help and guidance on anything technical as well as helping publish on the website. 
 
More recently, Neil has become a trustee of the charity to help guide and support the charity at a strategic level. 
 
 

Trustee – Huw Jones 

Huw has held board memberships for 25 years, spanning the health, technology, and education services sectors, including statutory, charitable, and commercial entities. A central focus of Huw’s work lies in addressing inequalities through innovative and creative approaches. Huw currently leads development work in digital health and social care for people with additional needs. Huw has assumed the role of Chair for a company, served as a Chair for a couple of charities, and held an Executive Director position in the NHS. 
 
Huw joined Downright Special in 2025 after helping a friend and colleague through a challenging experience in the health care system. 
 

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If you're inspired by our mission and want to contribute to the incredible work we do, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in volunteering, fundraising, or offering your professional expertise, there are many ways to get involved and help us create brighter futures for children and young people with Down Syndrome. Get in touch today and become a valued part of the Downright Special family. 
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