MEET THE TEAM
Becky Peates
Charity Manager
What made you join TAG?
I was invited! I got to work with some people I had enjoyed working with before, and it felt good knowing that I had a set of skills which would help create a charity with an ethos of quality at its core.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Enjoying a sunny day at our beach hut.
When I need some head space I…
Read dreadful, escapist novels (often more than once!)
My super power is…
Being able to find the proverbial needle in a haystack (ie. the things the kids can’t find in the terrible mess that is our house!)
Tanya Spiers
Parent Services Manager
What made you join TAG?
I was one of the original founding TAG members right back when it first started – for various personal reasons I was unable to stay at the time but I have always been waiting for the right time to return and work with this amazing group of people. I love having the opportunity to use my professional and personal experience to give the right support to families.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
With my family doing the things we love – We have three teenage boys who are all brilliant, fun and have wildly different interests which keeps us very busy. Or eating chocolate, that’s a close second
When I need some head space I…
My super power is…
Definitely don’t have one – but if I did it would be researching the things I am interested in. Once something grabs my attention I want to find out everything about it.
Dawn Kohn
Communications Manager
What made you join TAG?
I love working in the area where we live and have raised our own family, including a son on the spectrum. It gives me the chance to share personal experience and knowledge gained over the years with other parents and carers and that feels special because I believe we feel stronger together.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
On a long woodland or coastal path walk – that includes a break for a cuppa and a piece of cake!
When I need some head space I…
De-clutter and re-organise a drawer or cupboard and enjoy creating a tiny bit of order and calm when the world feels challenging.
My super power is…
Creating a family meal that will feed committed carnivores, a picky eater and a strict vegan.
Ruth Barlow
Clubs Manager
What made you join TAG?
I’ve seen what a positive effect it has on young people on the spectrum to have opportunities to get together in a caring and supportive environment so I jumped at the chance to work with some amazing colleagues to create new social opportunities.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Sat on the beach, after having been in for a swim, watching the waves lapping at the shore… ahhh.
When I need some head space I…
I spend some time with my dog, either going for a walk or just enjoying a good back scratch – I meant the dog’s back, but actually that is not a bad idea…
My super power is…
Great courage in the face of an advancing house spider.
Karen Boresjo
Parent Support Worker and Trainer
What made you join TAG?
Having received excellent support from TAG myself in relation to my son, I was excited by the opportunity to give something back and support others in my local community. I have a son with an autism diagnosis and a daughter on the pathway too.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Swimming with my family, or binge watching my favourite shows with my husband.
When I need some head space I…
Swim, read a book or do diamond art.
My super power is…
Juggling the various needs of my family and staying on top of the laundry!
Jazz Anthony
Parent Support Worker and Trainer
What made you join TAG?
I saw a role advertised that was basically my dream job and knew I wanted to be doing something to support other parents who also have children with autism. I know how incredibly isolating and difficult the journey can be and I feel privileged to be able to be part of the amazing work that TAG do.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Going on a day out with the kids. I have 3 very active children all 5 and under so staying in is a no-go.
When I need some head space I…
Eat far too much chocolate and binge watch Netflix.
My super power is…
Being able to get 3 kids up, fed, dressed and with their bags and lunches out the door by 8.15am (most days).
Amanda Schenk
Art Club Leader
What made you join TAG?
Love sharing my Art skills with my local community.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Playing in my Art Studio.
When I need some head space I…
Take my dog daisy for a walk in the fields or go rock climbing.
My super power is…
Juggling a takeaway coffee, dog lead, car keys, phone and a backpack with one hand.
Suzy Weston
Art Club Support Worker
What made you join TAG?
I was tipped off about the job by a friend and saw a brilliant opportunity to work alongside people who are passionate about art and learning. I love the calm environment and making things as a group.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Doing art, swimming in a warm sea, seeing live comedy, eating out or cosied up on the sofa with my dog.
When I need some head space I…
Walk, do art, binge boxsets, SLEEP!
My super power is…
Devouring podcasts whilst doing chores (and being an expert on what I heard for roughly one day).
Garrick Rahal
Fusion, RPG and GAP Clubs Leader
What made you join TAG?
Like Becky, I was invited too! As an experienced youth worker, I’ve always particularly enjoyed working with young people on the autism spectrum and working with the young people at TAG’s clubs, seeing them enjoying each other’s company and gaining confidence and independence is so rewarding.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Gaming or Playing Call of Cthulhu, a role playing game.
When I need some head space I…
Listen to an audio book, especially the works of HP Lovecraft.
My super power is…
I am a proof-reader extraordinaire
Robert Edmunds
Console Gaming Club Worker
What made you join TAG?
The honest answer was an advert in a local paper advertising a job where you get paid to do gaming as a job. Over time it became far more than that.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Gaming on my PC, watching movies, or playing tabletop Role Playing Games (RPG’s)
When I need some head space I…
Tend to go for some quiet time to refresh my mind, or write material for RPG’s
My super power is…
Being myself, being relaxed, and caring
Sheryl Malcolm
Parent Support Worker
What made you join TAG?
I’m interested in autism and neurodiversity, I enjoy supporting families. A good friend of mine was leaving TAG and recommended I apply for her job.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Outdoors in nature, going for a run, gardening or catching up with friends.
When I need some head space I…
I put up my hood, play music and bask in sunshine or mood lighting.
My super power is…
Juggling 3 appointment diaries for myself and my family.
Tori Azalea
Fusion Club Worker and Book-Keeper
What made you join TAG?
I wanted to do some volunteering and TAG was looking for someone to help with console gaming and online RPGs two of my favourite activities so I jumped at the chance to do those, especially with other autistic people. I had a great time helping during the lockdown and online period and have had a fantastic time helping run Dungeons and Dragons and playing games with the young people since we have been back in person.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Playing boardgames or table-top role play with my friends.
When I need some head space I…
I love to lose myself in computer games or watching documentaries.
My super power is…
The ability to split my mind into parts and look at a problem from different angles.
Sharon Fallows
Parent Support Worker and Trainer
What made you join TAG?
I have 3 neurodiverse children and I really believe that knowledge is power – joining TAG gives me the opportunity to spread awareness and understanding of what autism actually is and that autistic people can lead extremely successful lives.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Sleeping!…joking apart, I’d love to get more sleep….
When I need some head space I…
Take the dog for a walk , or curl up on the sofa with the cat and watch a good box set.
My super power is…
Juggling for my family..knowing who has to be where when and making sure it all happens.
Lucy Fudge
GAP Club Worker
What made you join TAG?
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
When I need some head space I…
My super power is…
Douglas Scott
GAP Club Worker
What made you join TAG?
I saw the post advertised to work at TAG Clubs and knew that I could relate to the young people and share a love of all sorts of gaming.
When I’m not working I’d rather be…
Playing board games
When I need some head space I…
Take my dog for a walk.
My super power is…
Being able to quickly learn the rules of lots of different board games and explain them clearly to other people.