Meet the team
Team lead
Heather
Heather is the Team Lead for Stoke-on-Trent SENDIASS, and has worked within the field of SEND for over 20 years. This has included positions in residential college, Social Care, and Choice Advisory. Heather has worked directly with SENDIASS (and the previous Parent Partnership service) for over 16 years. Heather has always had a keen interest in Special Educational Needs and completed her degree in Special Educational Needs (Autism) in 2008. She is eager to engage with parents and professionals in the SEND community with an intent to listen to everyone’s individual experiences and expertise.
Out of work, you will often find Heather spending time with the family, or working out at the gym. You might also spot her down the local football stadium shouting on The Potters!
Casework officers
Beverley
Bev has worked for the service for a number of years following seeking advice appealing a school placement for her SEN son. Bev then became a volunteer which led to being a permanent member of the SENDIASS team. With both lived and professional experience, she has a passion to support families navigating the SEN systems in place. Bev really loves working with young people to help support expressing views and to be heard. Bev is our SEN ENCYLOPEDIA!
Away from the job, Bev loves being with her family and will be out and about with them enjoying day trips!
Zamir
Zamir has worked with the service now for over 6 years. Zamir first came to the service as a parent seeking support for her SEN Child. Zamir started volunteering for the SENDIASS Service and is now a SENDIASS Casework Officer. Zamir is very passionate about the world of SEN and has experience not just through the service but also having SEN Children of her own.
Zamir is currently working on reaching out to the EAL families of Stoke -On-Trent by helping them navigate through the SEN Process.
Zamir’s hobbies are going to the park with her son and watching Netflix.
Casework officers
Gillian
Gillian joined the SENDIASS service in October 2022, having enjoyed a 13 year career in teaching, specialising in Early Years and Key Stage One. Gillian loves working with the families, children and young people and strives to provide, honest, impartial, friendly advice. She believes in equality and inclusive practice and wants all children and young people to thrive in their education. The best successes for Gillian are when children and families are empowered to succeed.
When not supporting SENDIASS families, Gillian enjoys being by the seaside with her family and planning and enjoying family days out.
Kate
Before joining the SENDIASS team in August 2023, Kate was a qualified teacher working in early years and primary for over 15 years. Kate always had a passion to ensure all children were included and happy in accessing education and made individual progress. She wanted to work closer with children with SEN so became a SEN TA. Following this for several years, she became a 1-1 TA with a child with severe SEN before leading a nurture provision unit. Kate has experienced the SEN process through the eyes of practitioners and also families.
When not working, you will find Kate watching her son play football, walking the family dogs or attending live music concerts.
Volunteer
Jemma
Jemma joined as a volunteer in SENDIASS service in 2026. She has a background in Early Years education, having previously worked as an Early Years Teacher supporting young children through inclusive and nurturing practice. Prior to teaching, Jemma ran Baby Sensory classes, where she enjoyed helping babies and families build confidence, connection, and early developmental skills through sensory play and fun activities. Jemma is passionate about supporting children and families and believes in creating positive experiences where every child feels understood and included.
When not supporting SENDIASS families, Jemma enjoys spending time with her three boys, travelling, exploring new places, and making memories on family days out.