Meet Some of The Team

As Chief Executive Officer, Billy leads A-ND with vision and dedication, driving our mission to create opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people, and their networks, to realise their full potential and transform the world we live in.

 

With a strong background in social care, psychotherapy, leadership and a deep commitment to our cause, Billy oversees our strategic planning and organisational growth and is responsible for driving the overall direction of travel, culture and financial performance of A-ND.

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Billy' innovative approach and compassionate leadership ensures that A-ND continues to provide exceptional services across North Scotland, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.

We are thrilled to see Shona Howie move into the new role of Head of Operations from January 2025, a role created to support the evolution of our operational leadership and structure as we continue to expand our services and impact.  

 

Shona will oversee the operational delivery of all A-ND services, working closely with our regional teams and service leads to ensure that our programs maintain the highest standards of quality and inclusivity. Her role will involve effective service planning, operational delivery of our strategic plan, resource allocation, and fostering innovation in service delivery to meet the diverse needs of the individuals and families we support.  

 

With a wealth of experience in operational management and a deep commitment to neurodiversity inclusion, Shona has been instrumental in driving positive change within the organisation since joining us in 2022. Her collaborative leadership style and forward-thinking approach make her the ideal fit to lead us into this exciting new chapter.  

 

Shona’s appointment into his new role reflects our commitment to strengthening our operational framework to better serve our communities and sustain the incredible work of our teams. We look forward to her contributions in advancing our mission to create opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their networks to thrive.  

We are delighted to announce that Charlie Spooner will be returning from maternity leave in January 2025 to assume the role of Registered Manager.

 

In this capacity, Charlie will oversee the delivery and quality of our support services across the Moray and Highland regions. Her responsibilities will include registered manager of our Day Care of Children service and facility in Dingwall, managing our dedicated staff teams in Highland and Moray, coordinating outreach efforts, and ensuring that our services meet the needs of the individuals and families we support. Charlie's leadership, passion, and dedication since joining us in 2022 has been instrumental in expanding our impact, and we are excited to welcome her back to continue fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

 

Charlie's commitment to excellence was recently recognised when she was a finalist for the prestigious Carer of the Year award at the Hero Awards 2024. Nominated by a person she supports, this accolade highlights her dedication and the positive impact she has on the lives of those in our community. 

 

With her return, we look forward to further advancing our mission to create opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their networks to realise their full potential and transform the world we live in. 

As Executive Assistant to the CEO, Izzy provides comprehensive administrative and business support to our CEO on a daily basis. This includes managing schedules, travel, coordinating meetings, and handling all our CEO's correspondence. Izzy ensures smooth communication between the CEO and all other departments within A-ND as well as external partners and stakeholders, leading and supporting special projects, and contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of our executive team, playing a key role in our wider Business Support Team.

 

Izzy leads and manages HR and people for our Highlands and Moray services and team, and key in the running our new Dingwall premises.

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Izzy brings a variety of skills and experience to  

support A-ND realise our vision and mission. 

Joining us on 15th October 2024.

 

As Finance Administrator, Frances is responsible for our finance functions and processes, maintaining the financial health of A-ND and ensuring we are compliant with financial regulations.  

 

Frances plays a crucial role in supporting our mission to provide exceptional services to autistic and neurodiverse individuals and their families across North Scotland. Frances is an integral part of our team, working diligently behind the scenes to keep our business support and finance functions running smoothly.

As our Aberdeen Playscheme and Afterschool Club Team Leader, Kirsteen-Marie is dedicated to providing exceptional care, support and activities for neurodiverse children using our Aberdeen based services.

 

Kirsteen-Marie oversees the planning and execution of playscheme activities and afterschool sessions, ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment.

 

With strong leadership skills and a passion for child development, Kirsteen-Marie supports staff, coordinates with families, and maintains high standards of service.

 

Kirsteen-Marie' commitment helps create enriching experiences that foster growth, learning, and joy for all our children and young people.

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As our Team Leader for our Keep The Promise (KtP) Pilot Project, funded by The Corra Foundation until March 2025, and Aberdeen Playscheme and Afterschool Club, Tristan is committed to delivering high-quality support and activities for neurodiverse children and their families.

 

Tristan oversees our unique KtP project, as well as supporting Kirtseen-Marie oversee our Aberdeen Playscheme and Afterschool Club, ensuring they align with our mission and meet children and families needs.

 

With a vast experience in social care and a passion for inclusive care and support, Tristan coordinates staff, engages with families, and oversees our pilot and service implementation.

 

Tristan' leadership ensures a nurturing and enriching environment, fostering positive outcomes and lasting impacts for all.

A-ND were delighted to welcome Lyn to this brand new and exciting role for A-ND from September 2024, with a further years funding confirmed as of December 2024 from the AVA Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund. 

 

As our Independent Advocacy and Participation Worker (APW), Lyn plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of neurodivergent individuals within our community across Aberdeenshire.

 

Lyn' role focuses on fostering meaningful engagement and promoting inclusion, ensuring that the unique needs and perspectives of those we support and their families are heard and acted upon.

 

With a strong background in independent advocacy, Lyn brings passion and expertise to her work, helping to create opportunities for participation that empower individuals to realise their full potential.

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