Management Team
Our Trustee board is made up of solo adoptive parents who have been part of SASSI and have a passion to support other solo adopters in the area.
We all recognise the benefits of the village we are part of and wanted to share this with other solo adopters. When you become an adoptive parent your friendship group will change and may not understand the needs of your child and why you parent differently. SASSI is here to support and understand, help with parenting and other issues you may have. Likelihood someone on the team has been there and will offer lived experience and knowledge.
Meet the Team
Read below to find out more about each of our leadership team
Julie
Charity Director
Hi, I’m Julie!
I’m a solo adopter to one amazing daughter who joined my family in 2014 — and we’re now navigating the teenage years together!
I’ve worked in the charity sector for more than 20 years, ever since setting up my first one as a teenager, and I’m a passionate believer in the power of peer support. My MSc Psychology dissertation explored the impact of building a “Peer Support Village” for solo adopters.
I love meeting people, hearing their stories, and I’m happiest when I’ve got a concert lined up — usually P!nk, who I’ve seen nearly 30 times!
Katherine
Trustee - Treasurer
I’m Katherine and I’m the treasurer for SASSI.
I adopted my son in 2013 and it’s fair to say that we’ve had our ups and downs, because adopting takes strength and resilience, especially as a solo - but that’s why this charity is so important.
I have lived experience on a variety of topics, including navigating school refusal, getting diagnosed and managing dysregulation.
I’m still working (although part time now) as an RPA developer, and I try to fit in hobbies where I can. I have written and self-published 4 books, including one that stars my son.
Tish
Trustee
Hi I’m Tish!
I’m an adoptive mum to one son. I’ve worked with children as a nurse since 2000 as a hospital based nurse in surgery and then in Children's A&E.
I have since retrained and now work as a Health Visitor.
I am passionate about baby brain development in utero to early years and how this can be developed for our children.
I enjoy 80s soft rock music, colouring and painting and getting out into nature.
Kate
Trustee
Hi I’m Kate, I am an adoptive mum to two amazing boys aged 14 and (almost) 12.
I left my firefighter career in 2024 and we spent a wonderful 12 months travelling in a motorhome and inter-railing in Europe. I completed an MSc in Autism and Neurodivergence, but my children have taught me so much more.
I love being outside, exploring and finding ourselves in random situations. I also love all varieties of wine and cake!
Susan
Trustee
I'm Susan, adoptive mum of 6 years.
I'm currently a full-time carer for my son, aged 10. Before that I was a social worker on a children's disability team and before that, I worked supporting parent carers for a local charity.
I love breath work, meditation, reading and have rekindled my love of crochet. I'm really interested in nervous system regulation and holistic therapies.
I love spending time in North Wales, I can't resist a rhubarb crumble and custard or a lemon meringue pie...