Meet Our Team
Matthew Bell
Founder & Director
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Matthew Bell brings a wealth of experience as a practising organisational and business psychologist, with cutting-edge expertise in leadership, well-being, inclusive practices, and personal and organisational development. His extensive background in education complements his passion for addressing systemic challenges, driving meaningful change, and evolving organisations for the benefit of all.
As a specialist coach in vocational rehabilitation and educational reintegration for neurodiverse individuals, Matthew is dedicated to fostering inclusion and unlocking potential. He lectures on higher education programmes and has been published in international journals. His groundbreaking Universal Framework for Skill Development reflects his commitment to evidence-based practices that enhance inclusion, diversity, and performance.
Matthew holds an MSc in Occupational and Business Psychology, an MA in Education, and an MBA in Leading Global Operations. He is also HCPC-registered, ensuring the highest standards in his professional practice.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Matthew is an adventurer at heart. He enjoys music and drumming, hillwalking, mountaineering, rock climbing, carpentry, and even crafting guitars. His passion for growth and creativity fuels his innovative leadership at SAILs.
Laura Kenny
Director of Education – Curriculum
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Laura is a highly qualified and experienced educator, bringing a wealth of expertise in curriculum design, teaching, and leadership to her role as Director of Education – Curriculum at SAILs. With extensive experience in both mainstream and special education settings, she has a passion for creating accessible, inclusive curricula that cater to neurodivergent learners and students with a wide range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Laura’s dedication to excellence in education is reflected in her ongoing professional development. She is currently completing a diploma in Digital Learning Design, building on her recent achievement of a Level 7 Certificate in Psychometric Testing for Exam Access Arrangement Assessment. These qualifications enhance her ability to design innovative, learner-centred programs that make education more equitable and impactful.
Beyond her contributions to teaching and curriculum development, Laura has held Senior Leadership Team roles, where her expertise in strategy and communication often draws upon her Master’s degree in PR and Communications. Her extensive background includes serving as Head of English and Literacy, Senior School SENDCo, and other influential positions within the education field.
Laura's focus is on transforming educational practices through creativity, accessibility, and a deep commitment to the success of every learner. Her work reflects a belief that all students deserve opportunities to thrive, regardless of their challenges or starting points.
Ria Povey
Business Manager
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Ria brings a unique blend of strategic vision, organisational expertise, and creative flair to her role as Business Manager at SAILs. With a BA in Geography and a PGCE in Secondary Education, Ria combines her academic foundation with years of hands-on experience as a Marketing Director, driving impactful campaigns and initiatives.
Her multifaceted career journey also includes achieving an AAT Level 2 Bookkeeping qualification, equipping her with the financial acumen to manage resources efficiently and support the operational success of the organisation.
A former rugby player, Ria is no stranger to teamwork, resilience, and determination—qualities she channels into her work at SAILs. Her ability to coordinate diverse projects and foster collaboration ensures that the SAILs team operates seamlessly and continues to deliver transformative support for its clients.
Outside the office, Ria’s passion for fostering growth extends to mentoring and empowering others, embodying the values at the heart of SAILs.
Anna French
Director of Education – Teaching
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Anna brings over 20 years of dedicated experience to her role as Director of Education at SAILs. A passionate educator and team builder, Anna has worked tirelessly with young people, their families, and support agencies to create meaningful pathways to success for those who may not fit within the traditional educational framework.
With a proven track record as a Vice Principal and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), Anna has cultivated a deep understanding of the challenges faced by learners with SEND. Her commitment to building systems that effectively meet the unique needs of each student has earned her widespread respect in the field of education.
Anna thrives on supporting and empowering young people who navigate non-traditional educational journeys, helping them find confidence and purpose. She believes in working collaboratively with families and agencies to foster environments where every learner can thrive.
Her leadership at SAILs reflects her unwavering dedication to making education accessible, inclusive, and impactful. Anna’s work is driven by a love for people, an unrelenting pursuit of innovation, and the belief that every young person deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Gabriella Cussell
Director of Client Relations
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With over a decade of experience in the complex injury healthcare field, Gabriella brings a wealth of expertise, compassion, and dedication to her role as Director of Client Relations – Curriculum at SAILs. Holding a degree in neuropsychology, Gabriella has devoted her career to supporting individuals and families navigating some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
Gabriella’s personal journey through family trauma has given her a profound empathy and understanding for those she serves. She is deeply passionate about ensuring that every individual receives the tailored education, care, and support they need to thrive. Her ability to connect with clients and build trusting relationships is a cornerstone of her work.
In addition to her professional expertise, Gabriella is a skilled case manager with years of experience advocating for and coordinating comprehensive support plans for her clients.
Outside of work, Gabriella is an avid skier and nature enthusiast who loves spending time outdoors with her three children, fostering their shared love for adventure and nature. Known for being organised, sociable and optimistic, Gabriella excels at diving into new projects with enthusiasm and dedication.
And when it's time to relax, you'll often find Gabriella enjoying her favorite food – pizza.
Niveditha Reddy Gandikota
Director of Communications & Partnerships
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As the Director of Communications & Partnerships at SAILs, Niveditha is instrumental in conveying the mission and impact of SAILs, championing its commitment to empowering those overlooked by mainstream education.
Niveditha holds a Master’s in Digital Marketing from the University of Southampton, where she developed a keen ability to craft innovative campaigns. Her professional journey includes working with renowned organisations such as EY and Lowe’s, as well as serving as a Project Team Lead for an educational company. Her diverse experience, combined with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration specialising in finance and accountancy, equips her with a strong foundation for strategic communication and partnership-building.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Niveditha is an enthusiastic cook and enjoys exploring new hobbies like dancing and skating. She also values meeting new people and building a social life, reflecting her innate ability to bring people together—both professionally and personally.
Ellen Fossett
Physiotherapist
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Ellen is an experienced Physiotherapist based in West London, with a background in both NHS and private healthcare. She has extensive experience in Neurotherapy, having worked as part of the Community Neuro Team in Central London, treating clients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including Stroke, Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Now specialising in Falls Prevention across Central London, Ellen focuses on dizziness management, balance training, and rehabilitation for older adults, helping them regain confidence and independence. In addition to her clinical work, she is passionate about education and lectures in Physiotherapy at St Mary’s University, sharing her expertise with the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Robert Jakobczak
Physiotherapist
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Rob has always been passionate about helping people achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Through his extensive experience in healthcare, he has seen firsthand the power of support and rehabilitation in empowering individuals to regain independence.
Holding two Bachelor of Science degrees—one in Physiotherapy and another in Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation—Rob has worked across a variety of settings, including:
Sports therapy, working with rugby clubs
Musculoskeletal rehabilitation, in a sports therapy clinic
Elderly rehabilitation, within hospital intermediate care
Neurological rehabilitation, in a neuro rehab center and community neuro settings
Rob believes in a person-centered approach, tailoring his treatment to each individual’s unique needs and perspectives. By understanding his clients holistically, he ensures their rehabilitation journey is both effective and meaningful.
Physiotherapists
Sharmin Rahman
Neurological Physiotherapist
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Sharmin is a highly experienced Neuro Physiotherapist with over a decade of clinical expertise. Since graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2012, she has spent the past seven years specializing in neurological rehabilitation, working with individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, long-term neurological conditions, and neuro-oncology.
Her career spans both leading NHS trusts and the private sector, where she has contributed to specialist neurology, neurosciences, spinal, and pain management services. Sharmin has also gained international experience, working in Australia while traveling along the East Coast.
Passionate about holistic, patient-centered care, Sharmin collaborates closely with clients to develop evidence-based rehabilitation programs tailored to their individual goals. Beyond her clinical work, she is actively involved in her community, volunteering to lead exercise classes for people with MS in Barnet and supporting refugees as a Home Assessor for Refugees at Home.
Outside of work, Sharmin enjoys live music, playing guitar, cooking, traveling, and trying her hand at gardening.
Abigail Hepworth
Physiotherapist
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Abi brings an open-minded and friendly approach to her work, shaped by her experiences of living in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the UK. She is passionate about helping people reach their full potential, taking the time to build positive relationships with her clients and tailor treatments to their individual goals.
With extensive experience in both the NHS and private sector, Abi has worked in some of London’s leading hospitals, treating a wide range of conditions. She has a special interest in cardiorespiratory care, particularly in rehabilitation following critical illness or surgery.
Alongside her clinical work, Abi is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of physiotherapists.
Outside of work, Abi leads an active lifestyle, enjoying running, cycling, yoga, and travel.
Natalie Turner
Physiotherapist
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Since 2009, Natalie has built a successful career in neurological physiotherapy, working across a range of specialist areas, including neurosurgery, stroke rehabilitation, and neuromedical care. She is passionate about holistic therapy, empowering her clients to set realistic goals, regain independence, and maximise their neuromuscular function.
Natalie believes in forming strong therapeutic partnerships with her clients, always striving to enhance their quality of life and achieve the best possible outcomes. She has completed several postgraduate courses to further refine her expertise, including postural assessments and the Bobath approach. In addition, she is a qualified acupuncturist, incorporating acupuncture as an effective tool for pain management.
Outside of work, Natalie enjoys staying active and regularly takes on running challenges to support both her physical and mental well-being. She has a love for the outdoors, often spending weekends camping with her family and seeking out new adventures.
Carly Christensen
Specialist Neurophysiotherapist
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Carly is a highly experienced physiotherapist with a passion for helping people regain independence and achieve their rehabilitation goals. Originally from Hampshire and now based in London, she brings a wealth of experience to her practice, delivering clinical excellence with a patient-centered approach.
A former European-level Roller Derby player, Carly has traveled extensively across Europe, the United States, and Canada. In 2016, she supported the Men’s England Roller Derby Team as a volunteer physiotherapist during the World Cup in Calgary, Canada, where the team secured a silver medal.
Outside of work, Carly has a love for food, wine, and travel, enjoying cooking, dining out, and exploring new cultures and cuisines.
Rebecca Firth
Specialist Occupational Therapist
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Rebecca is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist, having qualified in 2010. She began her career in the NHS, completing rotations in medical, orthopaedics, surgery, stroke, and neurology, before specialising in neurological rehabilitation. She has worked extensively in acute stroke units and neuro-rehab settings, both within the NHS and private sector.
With over eight years of experience treating complex neurological conditions, Rebecca has supported patients with:
Stroke
Spinal cord injury
Traumatic & hypoxic brain injury
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Prolonged disorders of consciousness
Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Disease
Encephalitis & Meningitis
Rebecca played a key role in establishing the Neuro Integrated Care System for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, providing specialist rehabilitation for patients with complex neurological needs in both hospital and community settings. She also worked in the acute stroke unit at Frimley Park Hospital, using a range of assessment and treatment strategies to support patients in their recovery.
Rebecca takes a holistic approach to therapy, helping individuals regain independence in daily activities through rehabilitation, education, and environmental adaptations. She is skilled in cognitive assessments, upper limb rehabilitation, splinting, seating and postural assessments, and visual assessments. She enjoys working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best outcomes for her patients.
Louise Adam
Neuro Occupational Therapist
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Louise is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with over nine years in practice, including six years specialising in complex adult neurorehabilitation. She has worked extensively in both inpatient and community settings, supporting individuals with mild to severe brain injuries.
Known for her personable and friendly approach, Louise builds strong rapport with her clients, ensuring maximum engagement in goal-oriented therapy. She is skilled in providing rehabilitation for those actively working towards recovery, as well as offering long-term support focused on maintenance, quality of life, and leisure for those managing the ongoing effects of their condition.
Her specialist interests include:
Postural management & custom seating
Cognitive rehabilitation
Upper limb rehabilitation
Assessment of Disorders of Consciousness (DOC), as an experienced assessor
Outside of work, Louise enjoys cycling and spending time in her garden, embracing an active and outdoor lifestyle.
Ella Platts
Specialist Occupational Therapist
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Ella brings a wealth of experience in both community and inpatient settings, which has enabled her to develop a specialised skill set in assessing and treating individuals with complex physical and neurological needs. She is deeply committed to ensuring her therapeutic interventions are driven by the individual’s goals and aspirations, with a strong focus on providing client-centered, personalised occupational and functional rehabilitation.
Ella’s communication and interpersonal skills have consistently been praised by supervisors throughout her career. She is known for being sensitive, clear, professional, friendly, and empathetic, qualities that allow her to build strong, therapeutic relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Her written communication is thorough and accurate, ensuring all documentation and report writing are in line with legal and departmental standards.
With a warm, friendly demeanor, Ella is passionate about positively promoting occupational therapy, striving to enhance the services she provides and improve the lives of those she works with.
Occupational Therapists
Eloise James
Specialist Neuro Occupational Therapist
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Eloise is a highly experienced Specialist Neuro Occupational Therapist with a passion for helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. With a BSc in Occupational Therapy and extensive professional training, she has expertise in postural and seating assessments, spasticity management, vocational rehabilitation, and advanced neurorehabilitation techniques, including robotic and remote therapies.
She is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT), and BABICM, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence. Her specialist skills include wheelchair prescription, splinting for neurological impairments, and cognitive, perceptual, and executive function rehabilitation. She is also a trained Clinical Student Educator at Southbank University, supporting the next generation of therapists.
Beyond her professional work, Eloise is an active and adventurous individual who loves spending time outdoors with her family. She enjoys swimming, Pilates, and cycling, and each year she takes on a 120-mile cycling challenge over two days to raise funds for charity. She also has a passion for travel and exploring different cultures around the world.
Aislinn Drumm
Specialist Neuro Occupational Therapist
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Aislinn qualified in 2010 in Edinburgh before moving to London, where she gained valuable experience through acute rotational hospital posts. It was here that she developed a passion for neurological rehabilitation, particularly supporting individuals during the acute phase of injury or illness and guiding them through their recovery.
Aislinn takes a client-centred and holistic approach, which she believes is essential for providing effective occupational therapy. Her broad experience spans a variety of conditions, with special interests in:
Stroke, acquired brain injury (ABI/TBI)
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
Disability management in long-term neurological conditions
Prolonged disorders of consciousness
Aislinn is particularly skilled in working with individuals who have significant cognitive and behavioural needs, having previously worked in a specialist behavioural brain injury unit. She also has extensive expertise in treating individuals with spinal cord injuries, including performing complex posture and seating assessments.
Her experience in upper limb rehabilitation includes functional electrical stimulation (FES), Saebo therapy, and splinting. She is also proficient in equipment prescription and home adaptations, helping clients live independently and safely within the community.
Meera Vitarana
Housing Expert - Occupational Therapist
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Meera is a fully qualified independent Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience in health and social care services, specialising in physical disabilities. She is highly skilled in rehabilitation, providing bespoke, tailored treatments for individuals affected by acute disabilities.
With extensive experience in complex equipment prescriptions, Meera is adept at selecting the most suitable tools and ensuring the home environment is optimised for both the client and their family. Her expertise allows her to identify areas of functional difficulty within the home and work to ensure that clients maintain their independence.
Meera is also experienced in housing adaptations, collaborating with architects to create spaces that are both safe and accessible, particularly for adult and elderly clients. She works with housing queries and medical legal assessments, partnering with solicitors to ensure the best outcomes for her clients.
Committed to improving her clients' quality of life and independence, Meera uses her diverse skills and knowledge to create solutions that meet their individual needs.
Jessica Kent-Pope
Occupational Therapist
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With 13 years of experience in the healthcare sector, Jess is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation, with a particular focus on stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. She has a strong interest in upper limb rehabilitation and spinal cord injury, bringing expertise in advanced therapeutic approaches.
Beyond neurology, Jess has extensive experience in frailty, rapid response, amputee rehabilitation, orthopaedics, polytrauma, complex hospital discharge, and care and equipment assessments. She takes a collaborative approach, working closely with individuals, their families, and multidisciplinary teams to set and achieve meaningful short- and long-term rehabilitation goals.
With in-depth knowledge of both statutory and private services, Jess is adept at navigating different funding sources to ensure individuals receive the best possible care and support. Her ability to think creatively and adapt treatment strategies helps her clients maximise their independence and quality of life.
Jess is committed to ongoing professional development and remains passionate about delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to help individuals regain confidence and return to their daily roles, activities, and occupations.
Marta Oliveira
Neuro Occupational Therapist
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Marta is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in adult neurorehabilitation with over 10 years of experience working across a variety of neurological conditions in both Portugal and the UK. She is skilled in providing comprehensive services, from assessment to client-centered, goal-oriented treatment programs.
With a solid foundation in physical handling and upper limb rehabilitation, Marta also has extensive experience in equipment recommendations, ensuring her clients receive the tools they need to maximise their independence and quality of life.
Known for being a committed, caring, and reflective professional, Marta is deeply focused on delivering the highest standard of care, always prioritising the well-being and goals of her clients.
Damilola Okedare
Support Worker
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Damilola Okedare is a compassionate and experienced Senior Care/Support Worker with four years of expertise in assisting individuals with learning disabilities.
Dedicated to providing personalised care, including grooming, meal support and community assistance, Damilola also excels in leading teams to develop effective care plans.
With a strong commitment to promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for clients, Damilola brings warmth, professionalism and expertise to every aspect of care.
Rehab Assistants
Kevin Hill
Support Worker
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Kevin Hill is the founder of KPL Care Ltd and a dedicated support worker, providing compassionate care for an elderly client with an acquired brain injury. Based in Worcester with his family, Kevin holds a Business Management degree from the University of Worcester.
Passionate about empowering young people, he is committed to supporting their education and social development, believing that with the right opportunities, they can make a meaningful impact. In his free time, Kevin enjoys walking, exploring cafes and restaurants, attending the cinema and theatre, and cherishing moments with his family, especially his grandson.
Omotayo Agunbiade
Support Worker
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Omotayo is a dedicated professional known for his expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. With a results-driven mindset and strong problem-solving skills, he consistently delivers high-quality work. Passionate about continuous growth and innovation, Omotayo thrives on finding creative solutions and driving meaningful impact.
Massage Therapists
Gemma Eves
Sports Massage Therapist
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With over 20 years of experience as a Sports Massage Therapist, Gemma Eves has developed an exceptional skill set that spans from deep tissue, sports, and remedial massage to her current specialisation in neuro massage. Beginning her career in 2001 in Australia, Gemma has spent the past seven years focusing exclusively on neuro massage, using her expertise to support individuals with neurological injuries and conditions.
Gemma’s passion for neuro massage led her to establish a neuro massage school, where she is dedicated to enhancing the understanding and accessibility of this specialised therapy. She integrates a variety of alternative therapies into her practice, including reflexology, aromatherapy, Indian head massage, NLP, life and wellness coaching, and nutritional guidance, offering a holistic approach to promoting optimal health and well-being.
Gemma’s approach is deeply rooted in her desire to help her clients achieve their full potential, supporting them in reaching their personal goals while improving their overall health. Her love for travel and cultural experiences allows her to build strong connections with her clients, making them feel genuinely cared for and at ease.
Who we are
Supporting Achievement and Inclusion for Life (SAILs) is on a mission to empower people to become autonomous and build self-improving communities whether this be within their education journey or further along in their employment. We strive to support the hardest-to-reach young people and adults into education or work through our innovative and expert-led approach comprised of coaching, training, group facilitation, leadership development and policy change.
We are dedicated to creating personalised education pathways for learners with special educational needs (SEND) and acquired brain injuries (ABI). We believe every child deserves a supportive, adaptive environment that fosters growth, independence, and success.
Through empowering individuals and organisations we seek to promote systemic change for the benefit of all.
“One of my most complex clients with a brain injury from birth exhibited behaviours where he was disengaged from services, from education and in a downwards spiral. The mainstream education system failed him. Since SAILs has been involved, through little and often bespoke sessions, he began to see value in learning, himself, and obtaining qualifications for both life skills and indirectly academics. He is now as motivated as he has ever been, has the self-esteem to travel and explore, to learn and to achieve, and progress in a manner which was previously impossible.”
- Curtis Hadley | Case Manager | Community Case Management Services Ltd
To empower individuals and organisations to achieve their full potential through a customised, evidence-based approach to learning and development.
Mission
Vision
To be the leading provider of bespoke diagnostics, support and development solutions.
