Who we are

Our team.

Aim Higher are a local charity run by these fabulous people…

Gill Jagger(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.

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Nicola Robinson(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.

Scarlett LeedhamChairperson

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 Certiticate 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.

Hayley CollinsonTrustee

Hayley Collinson is a Senior Associate Solicitor at Hudgell Solicitors and a mum to two young children. She has over 15 years’ experience in representing clients who have suffered serious injuries arising from medical accidents. Hayley is an APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers ) accredited Senior Litigator and is featured in the Legal 500. She is passionate about patient safety and has a particular interest in birth injury, neonatal and brain injury cases and has led campaigns to provide improved support for families who suffer baby loss. Based in our Hull office, and having risen through the firm, Hayley is now responsible for a team of clinical negligence fee earners and mentors trainee solicitors.

Hayley regularly represents Hudgell Solicitors at charity events and has fostered relationships with many local charities. She is proud to work for a firm that supports hundreds of charities, local community groups and good causes through donations, fundraising and staff volunteering. Hayley is passionate about creating long lasting partnerships and is fiercely committed to promoting Aim Highers cause.

Clair SamsonTrustee

Clair is a mum of two neurodivergent children, one who is autistic and another who is autistic and has ADHD. Clair is neurodivergent herself, having dyslexia. Clair and her family have regularly attended Aim Higher events and has found the support from the service invaluable. Clair has a BA (hons) in Child and Youth Studies and a MA (DipSW) in Social Work. Clair has worked with children and families in a safeguarding and supportive capacity for more than twenty years this includes via voluntary work and employment with Local Authority’s. Clair’s current role is as a Family Court Adviser/Children’s Guardian. Clair is passionate about ensuring that neurodivergent children, young people and their families are championed, supported and treated with equality and equity. Clair is proud to be a trustee of Aim Higher and hopes to be able to give something back to a wonderful service for their nurturing, kind and sometimes humourful support which has benefited her and her family.