Charity Manager – Gillian Bowlas 

Gillian has been part of the charity since it first started in 2007, as a founding trustee and then becoming Charity Manager in 2016. She is a mum of three, including a daughter who has Down syndrome. Prior to working for Downright Special, Gillian held various leadership roles within the petrochemicals industry. In her spare time Gillian likes cycling, playing squash and is very, very slowly learning to play piano. 
 

Charity Organiser – Louise Smith 

Louise started coming to sessions at the charity in 2009 when her son was born with Down syndrome. She began volunteering for the charity in 2011, running our eBay shop before taking on the job of Administrator in 2015. Now as Charity Organiser Louise works hard behind the scenes managing the day-to-day admin, finance, small grant applications, community fundraising and supporting families with benefits forms. Outside of work, Louise loves nothing better than going out to cafes with her son for a cup of tea and a slice of cake! 
 

Health Lead – Sam Findlay 

Sam has been involved with Downright Special since 2008, when her daughter was born with Down syndrome. She has been an integral part of the charity ever since then and has done a number of different roles over the years including graphic design work, leading the baby group, being the new parent contact, organising social events and being a trustee. Having gone back to university and getting her degree in Learning Disability Nursing, she rejoined the staff team as Health Lead, working one day a week on Fridays. In her free time Sam enjoys open water swimming and reading. 
 

New Parent Support – Susanne Townhill 

Susanne first got involved in the charity when her son was born with Down syndrome in 2012, coming along to our weekly Downright Special Friday sessions. Susanne formerly worked as a nurse on a major trauma ward. She joined the staff team in 2021 as new parent contact and baby group leader. Since that time her job has grown to providing wider family support as well as liaison with (and training of) midwives, neonatologists and health visitors. Susanne delivers our baby group and supports families. Outside of work, Susanne is kept busy looking after her four children but when she gets a moment she loves walking and watching reruns of classic television programmes! 
 

Friday Group Teacher/Training Administrator – Sarah Hyde 

Sarah has been involved with the charity since she first came to Friday group as a parent in 2010, with her 4-week-old son. She became the charity Office Administrator in 2019 and then we were fortunate to have her take on the role of a Friday Group Teacher in September 2021. She also runs our Magic Bag sessions and is the Training Administrator. She is mum to three children, including Arthur who has Down syndrome. Before joining the charity, Sarah was a Primary School Teacher and has taught across all age groups from Early Years to KS2. 
Outside of work Sarah enjoys long dog walks on the beach. She loves dancing and is an active member of her local Amateur Musical Theatre Society. 
 

Early Years Advisor – Laura Nichols 

Laura has a degree in early years education and has worked as an early years educator in various settings for more than 20 years. Alongside this, she also worked for the Barnardo’s Short Breaks service for many years, where she supported many children and young people with Down syndrome and their families. Having always had a passion for promoting an inclusive and adaptive curriculum, Laura joined the team as our Early Years Advisor in 2015. Laura has three children, and as such, has both personal and professional understanding of navigating the SEND system. She has a keen interest in EHCPs and has completed SEND law training through IPSEA to be able to better support our families. 
 

Specialist Teacher / Designated Safeguarding Lead – Katie Bewell 

Katie has worked at Downright Special since June 2018 after first volunteering for the charity in 2017. She was a mainstream primary school teacher for almost 20 years, leading Early Years, Key Stage One and subject areas, before training and becoming a portage home visitor in 2017. Katie works three days a week at Downright Special as a specialist teacher as well as being our designated safeguarding lead. She also attends most of our social events as the lead adult. Katie loves hedgehogs, feeding those that visit her garden each night. She also enjoys crocheting to help her relax after a busy day. 
 

Advisory Teacher – Nicola O’Riordan 

Nicola is our KS2-KS4 Advisory teacher and has been part of the team since 2016. She is a qualified teacher with over 20 years of experience working with special educational needs in a leadership capacity. She has a master’s degree in applied educational studies and a Ph.D. in educational policy and values. She has worked in advisory roles for two local authorities. Firstly, as a teaching and learning consultant for inclusion, supporting SENCOs to fulfil their statutory duties and secondly, as a specialist teacher undertaking EHC assessments in response to EHC requests. 

Join Us and Make a Difference 

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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