Nicola August. Co-opted Member.

Trustee

As Partner at Furley Page Solicitors, I head the Vulnerable Client Team and I'm a specialist in elderly and vulnerable client matters. I have been an Approved Panel Deputy of the Court of Protection for some years and was successfully reappointed to the panel following a rigorous section process. I am also the only Panel Deputy in East Kent and Medway. Having worked with eth Kent Autistic Trust for a number for years, I am delighted to join the Board and look forward to working for and on behalf of the rust and its members.

Helen Jones

Trustee

Mother of Carl Jones, age 27 years who resides at Beaver Lane, Ashford, also mother of a daughter aged 23 years and granddaughter aged 1 year. I am employed as an Administration Manager at Magic Mend, Sittingbourne and have experiences of running businesses, a Public House and home for the elderly. My interests are going to the Gym, spending time with friends and holidays. I have been a Board Member for the Trust for over 20 years.

Gary Warner

Trustee

Gary is a Chartered Engineer. After qualifying with a Master’s Degree in Engineering and Asset Management he has held various engineering roles in the rail sector, most recently as Asset Lead on the Crossrail Project. He has been a trustee since 2008, he is passionate about ensuring the longevity and development of the Trust, whilst maintaining our excellent care standard. His spare time is enjoyed spending time with his wife and 3 daughters, he is also an avid cyclist when time allows, either getting covered in mud on his mountain bike in the country or road riding to the coast for a well-earned visit to the café!

Andrew (Jack) Warner

Trustee

I have been involved with the Trust for over 25 years. I am married with two sons, one who resides with the Trust. I also represent the Board on the Health and Safety Steering Group and chair the Service support Meeting. I am now retired but prior to this I was Facilities Manager for a large multi-national company. I have many interests including caravanning, gardening, golf, bowls, walking and cycling.

Vanessa Kelsey-Jansen

Trustee

Vanessa worked for six years as a Learning Support Assistant at the Autism Unit of the Abbey School in Faversham and has a Certificate in Autistic Spectrum Disorders from the University of Birmingham. She has a 20 year old son with Asperger’s Syndrome. Due to epilepsy she works as a secretary for her husband now rather than within a school, and spends her leisure time learning the piano and caring for her chickens.

Laura Smith

Trustee

Laura has been a trustee at KAT since 2011. She is currently Head of Construction and Manufacturing at the CBI, the UK's biggest business lobbying organisation having graduated with a BA in International Relations from Loughborough University back in 2010. Laura has a keen interest in politics and has developed her career in policy and lobbying and is interested in understanding how public policy decisions impact the Kent Autistic Trust. Outside of work she is completing a part-time Masters degree and is a keen but somewhat lapsed runner!

Vickie Sampson

Trustee

I have been a member of KAT’s Board of Trustees for around 12 years. I have been a member of the Service Support Committee and am currently the Membership Secretary. I have a brother who is supported by the KAT for both residential and day services; I have seen first-hand the wonderful work that KAT employees do to provide care for people such as my brother, who has really benefitted from their expertise in dealing with challenging and difficult behaviour. His life is enriched as a result of their dedication and passion for helping others. I am a teacher at MidKent College, specialising in Sports Science, Gym Instructing & Personal Training, and Sport & Leisure Management. I have been with the college for 7 years, and (generally!) enjoy the challenge provided by the hundred or so predominantly 16-19 year olds I teach! Aside from my professional responsibilities, I love road cycling and gardening (although not simultaneously). I also enjoy adventure travel and try to squeeze in as much cycling, hiking and kayaking as I can into every trip! I am very proud to be part of the Kent Autistic Trust as we look to the future in order to identify ways in which we can continue to maintain and improve the exceptional service we offer to Autistic people who need our help and support.

Prof. G.B.J.Dussart, BSc, MSc, MA(Ed), PhD, FHEA, FSBiol

Trustee

Professor Georges Dussart has a French heritage, having been born in France of a French father and English mother and living in England all his life. Graduating from a first degree at Cardiff University, he took a PhD studentship then lectureship at Salford University where he taught water sciences. He worked in the water industry as a senior biologist based in Carlisle. In 1981, Georges accepted a lectureship at what is now Canterbury Christ Church University eventually becoming a Professor in 2001. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 2011. During the latter period, Georges also graduated in 1988 with a UKC Master’s degree in Psychology of Education. His interest in psychology was triggered by his son who had a late diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome.

Martin Connolly - co-opted

Trustee

I was part of the Operational Management Team at the Kent Autistic Trust for many years.  I am both a qualified teacher and mental health nurse and amongst my qualifications I have a Masters degree in Autism. I now work as a Community Mental Health Nurse in London for one of the largest NHS trusts in the country. I continue to have a passion about supporting autistic individuals, especially those who come into contact with mainstream services.  

Rasheed Said

Trustee

 I am a housing professional with over 25 years’ experience in residential property management.  I have held management positions at  Newlon Housing Trust, Genesis Housing, and  Hyde Housing. I am currently working  at Thurrock Council where I manage the services delivering Right to Buy, Major Works, and Service Charges.  I recently joined the Board and look forward to working with other members of the Board during the period of growth for the Trust.