0191 367 0634| admin@sensesupport.org
Meet the Team
Who We Are
Founder & Director
Claire is the founder and Director of SENse Support, where she leads the strategic growth and development of all services, including the alternative provision, multi-disciplinary assessments of needs and our advocacy service. With over 20 years of experience working with disabled children and their families - spanning legal, educational, and therapeutic contexts - Claire brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to the world of special educational needs.
Claire’s expertise is deeply rooted in lived experience. She is a neurodivergent former looked after child, as well as the mother of neurodivergent children, and understands first-hand the barriers faced by families navigating complex systems. This drives her passion for creating inclusive, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed services that are responsive to real-world need.
Originally working as a litigation executive in complex paediatric brain injury cases, Claire transitioned into education in 2011 and is a qualified SENCO with First Class Honours in both Education and Special Educational Needs. She is widely recognised by professionals and families across the country for her integrity, drive, and unwavering advocacy for children who have been misunderstood, excluded, or overlooked.
In addition to her leadership role within SENse, Claire also provides professional supervision to a range of professionals working within the field of SEND, supporting the development of reflective, resilient, and neuro-affirming practice across the SEN sector.
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Debbie Lynch
Manager
(Operations, Compliance & Designated Safeguarding Lead)
Debbie is a dedicated Manager with a passion for working with neurodivergent children and young people. She finds it a privilege to support students as they grow in confidence, celebrate their achievements, and recognise their unique strengths.
Debbie brings over 30 years of experience working in social care, with a particular focus on supporting young people with special educational needs. With lived experience of children's social care, Debbie is passionate about supporting neurodivergent children and young people who are Looked After Children. Prior to joining SENse, she held roles including leading social care services on a national level, where she developed a strong foundation in inclusive and relational practice and leadership. Debbie has also held the role of Registered Children's Home Manager and volunteered her leadership skills at Director level for Samaritans. She therefore brings to her role a wealth of experience and skill in Safeguarding, Compliance and trauma-informed practice.
At the Hub, Debbie is a skilled Maths tutor and especially enjoys engaging students in darts, and card games, using these activities as a fun and therapeutic way to introduce Maths, build connection, confidence, and develop executive functioning skills. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family and in the garden - she finds joy in nurturing things to grow.
Angela Avery
Specialist Teacher
Angela is a passionate classroom practitioner, qualified SENCo, and specialist teacher with a wealth of experience supporting children who have faced significant adversity. As a mother of two adopted children with complex trauma histories, Angela brings deep personal insight into the impact that early experiences and mental health can have on a child’s self-esteem, relationships, and capacity to learn.
Angela joined the SENse Support team in September 2024, bringing with her extensive experience from mainstream education and a longstanding commitment to therapeutic, inclusive practice. She is responsible for co-ordinating and delivering our animal therapy programmes, using carefully planned interactions to reduce anxiety, promote emotional regulation, and foster social connection and re-engagement in education. Her therapy animals often serve as study buddies - offering calming, sensory support to students in times of stress or dysregulation.
Angela is passionate about preparing young people for adulthood through meaningful, real-world learning experiences. She believes every child deserves to be understood, nurtured, and given the tools to thrive. For Angela, supporting mental health is not an add-on - it’s at the heart of education.
Kim Leck
Specialist Teacher
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Kim leads the delivery of our Primary curriculum across both The Hub and our outreach sessions. She is passionate about creating joyful, engaging learning environments that spark curiosity and inspire confidence - placing ‘awe and wonder’ at the centre of every session.
Her approach is deeply relational and rooted in empathy, recognising that what may seem like small steps to some are often enormous milestones for the children we support. Kim is dedicated to celebrating every success and nurturing the self-belief of each learner.
While her professional experience spans a range of educational settings, Kim believes her most valuable learning has come from supporting her own children through their neurodivergent journeys. This personal insight shapes her practice and strengthens her ability to connect meaningfully with the children and families she works with.
Rebecca Watt
High level Teaching Assistant
Rebecca is a skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant with a wealth of experience supporting children with special educational needs. Her career began in 2011 as a teaching and boarding assistant, and later expanded into tutoring and supply teaching following the birth of her son.
Before joining SENse Support, Rebecca spent four years working with children who had become disengaged from education - helping them reconnect with learning and transition into placements where they could thrive. Her ability to listen, build trust, and uncover each child’s interests remains central to her practice at The Hub.
Rebecca is passionate about supporting young people to rediscover their confidence and take pride in their educational journey. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Lyn Daniels
Pastoral Assistant
With over 45 years of experience as a Registered General Nurse, Lyn brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role at The Hub. Her career has included working in paediatrics, orthopaedics, and across learning and physical disabilities -supporting children and young people with complex conditions such as brain injuries, Spina Bifida, and Hydrocephalus. In the later stages of her nursing career, Lyn worked in the private sector, specialising in dementia care.
After retiring from nursing, Lyn chose to continue making a difference by supporting children with special educational needs as a Teaching Assistant. She joined The Hub in early 2024, where she now works closely with students who have both educational and healthcare needs - particularly within our primary provision.
Her confident, nurturing approach and extensive clinical insight make her a valued member of the team. She loves watching students flourish, grow in independence, and successfully transition into their next steps. Outside of work, Lyn enjoys holidays and spending time with her grandchildren.
Mahe Gladdon
Administrator
(Education Partnerships & Operational Support)
As Administrator of Educational Partnerships and Operational Support, Mahe plays a vital role in keeping SENse Support running smoothly. She is often the first point of contact for families, schools, and professionals - managing communications, coordinating support, and ensuring our operations stay organised and responsive.
With experience in the Short Breaks sector and personal insight as a parent to two neurodivergent boys, Mahe brings empathy, warmth, and lived understanding to everything she does. She finds working in SEND incredibly rewarding and loves being part of a team that champions progress and celebrates every milestone.
At The Hub, her favourite moments are spent chatting and relaxing with students in the Sensory Room, helping to create a space of calm connection. Outside of work, she’s a devoted mum - and when life allows, a passionate sleeper!
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