Who we are
Our team.
Aim Higher are a local charity run by these fabulous people…
Gill JaggerTrustee (Founder)
Gill was a founder of Aim Higher back in 2016 and is the current Chairperson. she is a mum of two – her youngest son has autism, which gives her lots of hands on experience. Gill loves campaigning, fundraising and empowering autism, neurodiversity and special needs. Gill is also the chair for Hull and East Riding SEND employment forum and is enjoying the challenge of trying to raise the uptake for employment and supported internships in the area. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, running and studying.
Nicola RobinsonTrustee (Founder)
Nicola is a founder of Aim Higher and feels her experience having a child who is now an adult diagnosed with autism at the age of 5 gives her a great understanding and empathy towards other families facing similar barriers. Her son has experienced difficulties with his mental health and feels this is an area of support that really needs improvement. Nicola has worked in a school which gives her an insight into the education system and how it can impact children with neurodiverse conditions. Nicola is passionate about empowering people to be their best and push boundaries. Her favourite quote is “Behaviour is communication. Change the environment and behaviours will change” – Lana David.
Tom SimpsonTrustee
Tom is a happily married father of two boys, he loves music (gigs and records), sport (football, rugby and golf) and in his spare time owns a recruitment company and a couple of apps. Tom has a real passion for championing the disadvantaged and is a proud socialist.
Scarlett LeedhamTrustee
Scarlett is the founder and director at Connect Therapy Services. She qualified as an occupational therapist BSc (Hons) from York St John University in 2009, gaining a Post-Graduate Certificate in Sensory Integration in 2012. She previously worked as the Lead Occupational Therapist within a third sector organisation, leading their sensory integration for 6 years. Scarlett is passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable Occupational Therapist who uses the most up to date clinical evidence to ensure best practice. She works closely with Directors, Local Education Authority Commissioners, Clinical Commissioning Groups, Trustees, School Business Managers, and professionals, raising the awareness of sensory processing difficulties and sensory integration. Scarlett loves the outdoors and going for long walks with her husband, children and Queenie, as well as paddleboarding and aerial dance.
Dave BeilbyTrustee
A parent rep in Aim Higher’s early years, a dad of 2, one of which is fiercely intelligent and sensitive but also has autism and an ever growing list of co-morbidities. Both are teenagers and have their own sporting love and focus – one is a Special Olympics swimmer and the other plays Rugby League, I am a registered volunteer for Special Olympics and a trainee official of the RFL. Due to recent circumstances my specialities are autism burnout / chronic fatigue as well as environment and autism following the work of Dr Luke Beardon and his research unit at Sheffield Hallam University. Dave became a trustee in 2018 to help “steady the ship” after a brief period of upheaval. Dave also does work with Hull Parent Carer Forum around trying to shape local services better for families in need and also liaised with TICs and their sibling support service. This is on top of the “day job” on the railway and outside of all that any spare time is spent watching football and rugby, the great outdoors, theatre and model railways.
Katrina ToddTrustee
Katrina Todd is a qualified Autism Practitioner dedicated to helping neurodivergent children thrive. She works as a teacher and trainer and has over 20 years of private sector experience, where she built and led businesses in the professional development field. Her unique combination of expertise in education and business equips her with a diverse skill set that benefits both her pupils and the wider community. As a mother and wife to a neurodivergent family Katrina is passionate about using her knowledge to foster inclusive environments and to promote growth and development for individuals of all abilities.