Our Team

We are so fortunate to have a wonderful team of committed staff. Many of our staff have lived experience of ADHD/Autism; all of them are skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate, and look forward to working with you. Please click on any of the pictures to find out a little more about each person on the team.

Senior Leadership Team

Kay D'Cruz

Chief Executive Officer

Kay D'Cruz

Chief Executive Officer

Hi, I’m Kay, very proud CEO at CAAS. I have a background in Finance and Operations and joined CAAS from Bliss, the national charity for sick and premature babies. There I was responsible for finance, controls, and risk management, HR, IT, digital, facilities, and contract relationships. I also played a key role in the development of operational, fundraising, and financial strategies and in the annual planning process. I used to work for CAAS as our financial controller, and I am a qualified accountant. I am delighted to be re-joining CAAS as it embarks on the next stage of its strategy, which aims to allow CAAS to build on its reputation for quality services whilst growing in a sustainable way. It is such a privilege to work with the talented staff, volunteers and supporters who over the last 25 years have had such a positive impact on ADHD and Autistic individuals and their families across North West London. Please do get in touch to tell me about how we have helped you in the past, or what more we can do at CAAS to make a difference in the future. I love to be busy, which with 3 young daughters is easy to achieve! I also enjoy cheesy jokes, a good novel and nice wine.

Email:kay@adhdandautism.org

Therese Glynn

Director of Services

Therese Glynn

Director of Services

Hi, I’m Therese. I’ve been involved since 1998 when my son was diagnosed with ADHD aged six. The lack of services and support for parents were the driving force behind my involvement with the charity. I am the Director of ADHD Services, managing the business, services and development of the charity. Previously I have spent many years working in hotel and event management. I trained through OCN as Parenting Facilitator, along with Middlesex University and the Trust for Adolescence in providing support to parents. I have since developed the parenting support at CAAS to be in line with the requirements of NICE guidelines on ADHD. I am also a trained ADHD/ASC Specialist Coach and PTLLS trainer for Adult Education. I recently completed my “WhyTry” youth programme, the qualification to deliver training to professionals. I am on the Editorial board for ADDISS magazine and am involved in supporting other groups setting up services for ADHD across London. When not busy working, I love walking and dancing, travelling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Email:adhd@adhdandautism.org

Rebecca Murphy

Financial Controller

Rebecca Murphy

Financial Controller

I’m Rebecca Murphy, the Financial Controller at CAAS. I joined in June 2019 and I’m responsible for ensuring all the finances run smoothly! I am a CIMA qualified accountant with over 20 years’ experience, and previously worked in large commercial organisations. Here at CAAS I really love being part of a fantastic team who work really hard to deliver important services to our clients. Outside of work, I have two young children that keep me busy! My daughter was diagnosed with Autism at a young age and has learning disabilities, so being part of this organisation is really important to me in supporting people going through similar issues. I became a member of CAAS when I needed help and support with my daughter’s diagnosis so I know first-hand how important our services are. If you meet me at the centre, please feel free to ask me anything or tell me your story, as it’s really nice to know individuals’ stories and how we can help.

Email:rebecca@adhdandautism.org

Management Team

Blaise McDonald

Youth Services Manager

Blaise McDonald

Youth Services Manager

My name is Blaise McDonald and my role at CAAS is Youth Services Manager. My background is in Family Support and Youth Work and I’m a trained Parenting Facilitator. I’ve worked here for nearly 7 years now and absolutely love my job! You’ll usually find me in the Youth Office or out and about in local schools or colleges meeting with staff, delivering training or supporting young people. I oversee all the youth groups and courses here including Girls’ Group, Social Group, Film Group, Why Try and CALMS. I also oversee our fantastic Living With ADHD and Autism courses. We are fortunate enough to have a great group of facilitators to deliver this course in the centre and online. As the Manager of the Youth Services please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions about our various projects or would like to refer your family into our team for personalised support. As I’ve got two very bubbly and energetic daughters keeping me on my toes outside of the office I work term time only but there’s always a member of the team who can help during the holidays. If you see me around the office feel free to ask me about the work we do in the Youth Team.

Email:blaise@adhdandautism.org

Karen Crocker

Family Services Manager & Youth Worker

Karen Crocker

Family Services Manager & Youth Worker

I first met the team at CAAS as a parent over 14 years ago. I was amazed by their warmth and understanding. The information and support was life-changing for my family. My training and background is in psychology and therapeutic counselling. Before I joined the CAAS team I worked for several charities as a counsellor, a support worker, and a keyworker. I still offer private work as a therapeutic counsellor, which balances well with my role at CAAS as Family Services Manager. Since joining CAAS I completed the Counselling Teenagers Certificate at the Institute of Art Therapy. I enjoy my 1-2-1 and group work with young people through the Youth Team. I’m also privileged to work with some of the adult groups and projects. At CAAS there is always an opportunity to learn and develop my skills and knowledge, and it’s a privilege to support our amazing and dedicated Family Support team. When I’m not working I love walking, swimming and spending time with my family. If you see me at the centre, please say hi and ask me about how our Family Support team can work with your family.

Email:karen@adhdandautism.org

Helen Fleetwood

Adult Services Manager

Helen Fleetwood

Adult Services Manager

I’ve been involved in the services for Autism in Harrow since 2005, when I joined the former National Autistic Society’s Harrow Branch (NASH) and became the Branch Officer in 2006, after my own child’s diagnosis of Autism in 2003. I knew I wanted to become involved in improving the services, not just for my child, but for all autistic people. Over the years I have maintained several roles within the organisation. For the last decade, I have been a trustee while developing my training skills to deliver some of the courses and training for CAAS, until I was able to accept a full-time role within the organisation to provide the Autistic Adult Services. I now spend my time working with the autistic adults that attend CAAS for support via a variety of means and mediums. I facilitate monthly social and therapeutic groups, hold weekly one to one sessions, develop new programs of support and roll them out. I have a particular love for the gaming group that I have been desperate to get started for over 10 years. I particularly enjoy delivering training to schools, parents, professionals and employers to help them understand Autism and broaden their knowledge.

Email:helen@adhdandautism.org

Staff

Carla Aboorashtchi

Family Support Worker

Carla Aboorashtchi

Family Support Worker

I started working at CAAS in 2022 as a creche worker and have now moved into a family support worker role. I love working at CAAS; we have a great team who I learn so much from. I get to meet wonderful people of all ages. My job role involves supporting families, facilitating our drop-in sessions with the team, delivering training opportunities and leading on CAAS projects. I have worked in education for over 20 years with children. I’ve specialised in the early years and am extremely passionate about children’s learning and development. I have been very lucky to work within the local community, supporting families. I love to read, and I will try anything to do with arts and crafts. I enjoy being with my friends and family, and I have 2 daughters who keep me very busy. I absolutely love netball and volunteer to help at a local primary school each week. If you meet me at the centre, why don’t you ask me about me about my latest read? I always carry a book with me wherever I go. I love to hear book recommendations too!

Email:carla@adhdandautism.org

Leigh Andrews

Family Support Worker

Leigh Andrews

Family Support Worker

Email:leigh@adhdandautism.org

Sandra Bolger

Family Support Worker

Sandra Bolger

Family Support Worker

Hi, I'm Sandra and I'm a family support worker at CAAS. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a welcoming, caring and dedicated organisation.

I am a qualified primary school teacher and I have worked in a local primary school for over 20 years. Although I have worked with a wide range of age groups, I specialise in Early Years. I particularly enjoy facilitating role-play and creative opportunities, where children are given a fun space to develop their language and social skills, while enhancing their sense of self. I enjoy working with children, having volunteered for many years as an assistant leader in Rainbows, and for other community based groups.

I like to spend my free time catching up with friends and family over a cup of coffee. I have three adorable dogs, and my two daughters and I enjoy taking them on long walks at the weekend. However, our dogs don't like the rain, so on a rainy day, I love to snuggle up on the sofa with them, watching an old black and white film. If you meet me in the centre, please chat to me about your pets and the films that you enjoy.

Email:sandra@adhdandautism.org

Vicky Egan

Sleep Advisor & Family Support Worker

Vicky Egan

Sleep Advisor & Family Support Worker

Hi, I’m Vicky and I work in the creche. I have my NVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education. I have over 18 years experience working with children with varied needs. I’m also the Sleep Advisor at CAAS. I have my OCN Level 6 in Holistic Sleep. I have professional and personal experiences and have supported children and their families for over 10 years. My work at CAAS is highly rewarding and I look forward to meeting new families.

Email:vicky@adhdandautism.org

Sarah Haynes

Family Team Support Officer

Sarah Haynes

Family Team Support Officer

I have been involved with CAAS since my child was diagnosed with autism 13 years ago. I now work for CAAS as a Support Worker for the Adult Team, Youth Team, and Family Support Team. If you see me at the Centre, come and say hello and let me know if you have any questions about how we can work with you or your family. I am also a qualified Nutritional Therapist and have completed my Level 3 Counselling Skills.

Email:sarah@adhdandautism.org

Niloofur Italia

Family Support Worker

Niloofur Italia

Family Support Worker

My involvement with CAAS started almost six years ago, supporting with drop-ins and later co-facilitating courses for parents. I have always found warmth and compassion amongst the family at CAAS. My training and background are as a teacher for children with learning disabilities and autism. I have a masters in autism and later secured Autism Accreditation for the school. My area of interest is supporting children to manage their behaviour when their communication skills are not as developed. I joined CAAS in 2022 as a family support worker. I am passionate about my work with families and young people and learn a great deal from every one of them. When I’m not at work, I relax with cooking and baking, but most enjoy being with family and friends. I hope to meet you at the centre soon.

Email:niloofur@adhdandautism.org

Rachel Walker

Family Support Worker

Rachel Walker

Family Support Worker

I have been working as a Family Support Worker at CAAS since 2007. I have 2 sons; my eldest has ASD, ADHD and learning difficulties. When he was young we struggled to find support to help him, so I took a leave of absence from my work with an international corporation and subsequently never went back. My favourite part of my job is meeting parents and families and supporting them through the years of diagnosis: from nursery, primary and high school, onto college or university and beyond. Every week I remember the difficulties we had in the early years and at each subsequent stage of life. Now I want to welcome and help families understand and support their children. Apart from being a mother, this is the most rewarding job I have ever had with the best team, and I wouldn't want to work anywhere else.

Email:rachel@adhdandautism.org

Zeena Bishop

Youth Support Worker

Zeena Bishop

Youth Support Worker

I am lucky enough to be part of CAAS’s homegrown team! I have worked as a family support worker at CAAS since 2016. I am passionate about my job, as I get the opportunity to meet, and work with some inspirational individuals. Pre CAAS, I worked as an SEN nursery nurse. Following this, I worked as a local authority SEN family support worker and volunteered as a respite carer for children with SEN in holiday camps and family homes. At CAAS some of my work includes one to one family support work, supporting at drop-ins, co-facilitating our Living with ADHD and Autism course and siblings group, sleep support, delivering ADHD and Autism workshops at schools and delivering ESL support for ADHD and Autism. Every day is different, and different is wonderful. When not at CAAS, my life is filled with my energetic twin boys and 3-year-old daughter. Jumping through the woods in the rain, dancing around the house, singing into our brushes, writing in hidden gem coffee shops and listening to flamenco.

Email:zeena@adhdandautism.org

Helen Blowers

Schools Support Worker Hillingdon

Helen Blowers

Schools Support Worker Hillingdon

Hi, my name is Helen Blowers and I have joined CAAS as a Schools Support Worker in Hillingdon. I support year 6 and 7 students with all the changes associated with the move between Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4. I feel very privileged to be working for such an amazing charity where everybody is so kind and welcoming. My career path has been very varied. I started in the travel industry and moved into a police role as a Scenes of Crime Officer in Hertfordshire. I quickly realised my favourite aspect of these roles was supporting members of the public. This led me to working as a Pastoral Manager at a busy secondary school, closely supporting students to enjoy their academic journey to success, along whichever path the journey took them. I love the humour and warmth kids bring to my working day.

At home I enjoy taking long walks with my dog and travelling with my family. Whilst we love a trip to a theme park, our favourite place in the world is the Isle of Wight. If you see me in the centre, please let me know of any fantastic places you have visited.

Email:helenblowers@adhdandautism.org

Amy Bolger

Youth Support Worker

Amy Bolger

Youth Support Worker

I joined CAAS as a Youth Support Worker in 2023. Previously I was a Therapeutic Tutor supporting and providing an education for children and young people were unable to attend school. I also have two years’ experience as a Teaching Assistant in a special educational needs school. In the evenings, I have been completing a degree in Psychology for Education. I have a particular interest in working creatively and therapeutically with children and young people which I hope to go on to study at postgraduate level.

My perfect weekend involves taking part in a sporty activity like snowboarding, tennis, swimming or water-sports. I also love staying at home, watching cheesy films with my family and three dogs, so if you see me around CAAS, tell me about your pets!

Email:amy@adhdandautism.org

Anna-Maeve Creber

Youth Support Worker

Anna-Maeve Creber

Youth Support Worker

I joined CAAS in 2023 as a Youth Support Worker. My background consists of working as a Learning support assistant in a secondary school, working with 13-16 year olds specialising in GCSE support. In my role at CAAS I will be facilitating social groups such as film group, delivering training opportunities and leading a CAAS project. I feel very lucky to be able to work for such an amazing company. Everyone is so kind and welcoming and always ready to help. I have a degree in Photography and love all things creative. My favourite pass time is to walk around art museums and admire the beautiful work. I love to paint and colour, and I have recently taught myself how to knit! Music is also huge passion of mine. I have over 100 playlists on Spotify. When I am not working, I love to spend time with my family and friends. Even though I am always busy with my studies and work, I love going on dog walks and I have recently got back into swimming. If you meet me at the centre, why don’t you ask me about my next trip I’ve got planned? I love to travel, and a life goal of mine is to go to every single country in the world!

Email:annamaeve@adhdandautism.org

Aaron Jewell

Schools Support Worker Hounslow

Aaron Jewell

Schools Support Worker Hounslow

Hello!

My name is Aaron and I joined as a Youth & School Support Worker for Hounslow Borough in 2024. I got started working in SEN all the way back in 2012, before spending the next 8 years at a school for children with autism where I ended up becoming a School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, leading on pastoral care. I was sad to leave but so excited for this new opportunity to bring CAAS to those who need it most within high schools! I also have a degree in Psychology (hoping to do my M.Sc. soon!) and have a special interest in training staff in best practice, particularly when it comes to reducing restraint within schools.

I am also a huge nerd, I love board games, video games and the occasional anime. I’m also keen to keep active, either playing football, running or gym every week. If you see me about, please do say hey, I’d love to know what you do for fun! 🙂

Email:aaron@adhdandautism.org