Our Team
We are very proud of the highly trained and committed multidisciplinary team at Pathways School. The team consists of Behaviour Analysists, Teachers, ABA Tutors, Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Therapist. Pathways School provides 1:1 support to all students. All of our staff are trained in ABA, PBS and Team Teach.
We have monthly visits from an external ABA/PBS specialist for staff training. Our staff and governors share a common: to help our students live their best lives.
Leadership
Neil Jones
Headteacher
Hello, I’m Neil, Headteacher.
I’ve been involved in education for 30 years in schools of a wide range of types: maintained and independent, mainstream and specialist settings. I love learning and I’m incredibly curious about people and how they interact with each other. My greatest professional passion is in supporting the most vulnerable children in our communities and is why I am most proud to be a part of the Pathways School Team. Outside school I love to sail, play boardgames and I am a fan of Leyton Orient FC.
Noelia Rodriguez
Assistant Head and Qualified Teacher
Hi, I’m Noelia and I’m a qualified teacher. I have a real passion for helping others, especially children with learning difficulties and disabilities. In my lessons I like to provide clear structured lessons, personalized resources and a supportive environment to ensure all the students have access to learning opportunities.
Federica Fadda
Behaviour Analyst and Qualified Teacher
I am Federica and I am the Behaviour Analyst at Pathways School.
In this amazing journey I will support all our pupils to grow and flourish. Preparing them to become independent young people, ready for the world outside. People know me to be a very empathetic and enthusiastic person. Also, I love food very much, especially as I am Italian!
Nimo Ali
Advanced Skills Practitioner
I’m Nimo Ali and I’m an ABA therapist and Advanced Skills Practitioner at Pathways School. I have recently started my career in ABA and have already seen a huge impact in the pupils’ quality of life. My passion for my role here at Pathways is undeniable and nothing is more important than the laughter, progress and friendship that we all share.
ABA Tutors
Lucy Ball
Class Lead
My name is Lucy, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in
psychology. I am an ABA tutor here at Pathways School,
where I have the privilege of supporting the children as they
learn, grow, and develop greater independence. I truly love
what I do, helping each child reach their full potential is both
inspiring and rewarding. I am passionate about continuing to
grow in my career here at Pathways and look forward to making an even greater impact in the lives of the students
and their families.
Sayuni Senevirathna
I am Sayuni Senevirathna.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Management and Leadership and an MSc in Human Resource Management. I have been part of Pathways for a year and love creating a caring, supportive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow. I enjoy being part of a dedicated team that makes a positive difference in each student’s learning journey.
Saffa Anvar
Hi, my name is Saffa Anvar. I have worked at Pathways since 2024.
What I love about the school is the care, empathy and kindness we have for each other and the children.
Something I love to do in my free time is relaxing and watching something interesting.
Ciaran O’Connor
Hi, my name is Ciaran O’Connor. I’ve been working at Pathways since the beginning of October 2025. I love the school’s ethos and look forward to helping our students become increasingly independent during their journey at Pathways School. In my free time I enjoy listening to music and watching/playing sports.
Sadia Afrin
Class Lead
Hi, I’m Sadia. I have worked at Pathways School since 2024 as an ABA tutor and class leader. I absolutely love what I do here! Helping children build skills and achieve the best quality of life is what inspires me every day. I completed my master’s in applied Behaviour Analysis at Trinity College Dublin, and I’m now working toward my UKBA certification to become a Registered Behaviour Analyst. For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, adults, and older adults with special needs in various settings, including schools, homes, residential facilities, and nursing homes. I’m especially interested in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Skills-Based Treatment (SBT), which focus on teaching communication, tolerance, and coping skills in supportive, person-centred ways.
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me travelling, cooking, reading, skydiving (yes, really! ) or enjoying time with my friends and family.
Sumaya Sheikh
Hi, I’m Sumaya! I’ve been part of Pathways since January 2023, and I love being in an environment that’s full of energy, creativity, and connection. No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes it exciting. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, experiencing new cultures, discovering new places, and taking the time to look and feel my best.
Stefania Pacurar
Hi, my name is Stefania. I am a dedicated and enthusiastic qualified Teacher with a background in biology and early years education. With experience teaching in both Romania and the UK, I am passionate about creating engaging, supportive learning environments that nurture each child’s growth and curiosity. I am committed to helping students reach their full potential through creativity, care, and a love of learning.
Hana Nuh
Hi, my name is Hana. I have worked at Pathways since September. What I love about the school is how amazing the staff and children are to be around everyday. Something I love to do in my free time is reading, watching films and spending time with friends and family.
Jack Detwiler
My name is Jack Detwiler. I’ve worked at Pathways since September of 2024. One thing I love about the school is the amazing team of international professionals that I get to work with every day! In my free time I enjoy writing and acting in film projects.
Emanu Debesai
My name is Emanu Debesai, and I bring a unique perspective to our school community with my background in Clinical Technology. This foundation has instilled in me a meticulous, evidence-informed approach to understanding individual needs. What truly drives me, however, is the connection I build with each student. I am deeply passionate about creating a learning atmosphere where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to celebrate their unique strengths. For me, there is no greater reward than being a part of a student’s journey and witnessing their moments of breakthrough and growth.
Precious Chidiebere
I am Precious Chidiebere, a professional with a background in Artificial Intelligence and a passion for individualized learning. With experience in designing educational programs and working hands-on as an ABA tutor, I have developed a deep understanding of what it means to provide truly personalized support to every child. I am skilled in observing, collecting data, and adapting strategies to foster growth in communication, social, and academic skills. I believe in creating a dynamic and supportive environment where learning is not only tailored to each student’s needs b
Yuliia Babii
Hi! I am Yuliia, an ABA tutor at Pathways school. I have been working for 3 years in the education field and recently obtained a Master’s degree in ABA. I am an enthusiastic and adventurous person who loves to make a difference. The best part of my job is discovering people and observing meaningful changes. In my free time, I go hiking and learn to play the ukulele.
Angel Christian
Class Lead
Hello, my name is Angel. I’ve completed my Masters in International Relations with a background in Social Work. I started supporting children who have special needs in a residential setting 2 years ago and I have loved every part of it. Bringing that experience to Pathways School, and making some more memories with the pupils over here, has been fun and rewarding. The support from staff always makes me feel confident and happy.
Khadija Damhoun
Matina Manandhar
Senior Tutor
Hey, I am Matina. It is my great passion and pleasure to work with our young children. Being able to guide our children towards their happiness, friendship and independence gives me the best satisfaction. I believe that every child deserves to be heard, valued and a better life. During spare time I love working in my garden.
Tanvi Karumbaiah
I’m Tanvi, a graduate with an MSc in Psychology, and my commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment is at the core of my approach. Patience and adaptability guide me as I actively listen and prioritize reliability. The unique qualities of the children at our ABA school resonate with me, and I discovered my passion while building a strong rapport with students. Witnessing their progress and achievements fuels my dedication to ensuring success for every student in our community. I thrive on creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that not only supports their growth but also celebrates their individuality.
Priscilla Martey
I am Priscilla Martey. With experience in ABA, I have worked both in SEN and mainstream schools. I am passionate about making a positive contribution no matter how small. My love for working with children with autism is out of compassion and the joy that all the lovely impactful moments bring to me. I love working at Pathways school as it presents a great supportive environment where the brilliance and uniqueness of every child can be appreciated.
Pearleen Peart
I am Pearleen and I have supported children who have additional educational needs for 12 years. Having this experience and knowledge helps me to support the children at Pathways School to achieve their potential. To help me unwind I like to cook and to have family time.
Aaliyah Tennant
My name is Leah. I’m kind, determined and very resilient. I have been working in SEND school settings for 4 years. I developed my passion for working with autistic children when working in a drama school that was inclusive; that’s where my journey began. I love seeing the children thrive and learn new things every day, knowing that I’ve made a difference and a big impact on them.
Flavia Turyamuhaki
My name is Flavia T and I have been involved in supporting teaching and learning to children and young people with SEN and complex needs for more than 10 years. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience and a privilege when I see learners that I have supported achieve their goals despite all the challenges they may be going through. I like making people feel valued. When I am not working, I love cooking and listening to LBC radio for current affairs.
Christos Tzoudas
Class Lead
Hi! My name is Christos. I’m from Greece and I’m an ABA Tutor at Pathways School. I love supporting our students to learn how to find their pathway to independence while being happy, relaxed and engaged. In my spare time, I like spending time with my friends, cooking and doing yoga.
Administration
Aarefa Kureshi
School Administrator
Hi, my name is Aarefa. I am the administrator at Pathways School. I have worked at Pathways since December 2024. What I love about the school is the opportunity to help the team and see the difference they make in the students’ lives. Something I love to do in my free time is reading fiction and going out for walks.
Sophie Attree
Finance Officer
Hi, my name is Sophie Attree. I have worked at Pathways since September 2025. What I love about the school is how friendly everyone is and how much everyone supports each other. Something I love to do in my free time is walk my labrador (Prudie), do whatever my latest crafting project is, meet friends for coffee and watch TV with my teenage kids.
Therapists
Deborah Conte
Speech and Language Therapist
Deborah graduated from University College London in 2012 and since then has been working with students with speech, language and communication needs in a variety of settings, from the NHS to schools to private practice.
Deborah enjoys working with the unique and individual students at Pathways, in order to maximise their communication skills and create functional goals that support them to make progress in everyday situations. Most of all, Deborah enjoys working as part of the team at Pathways, where everybody works together to support all students. Outside of work Deborah loves exploring the outdoors with her family.
Governors
The Governors of Pathways School are the trustees of Positive Behaviour Support for Learning (PBSL). PBSL is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with autism and learning disabilities through education, training, and advocacy. Please see www.positivebehaviour.org.uk for more information.
The Board of Governors consists of high-level professionals with a wide range of skill sets. The Board is responsible for the strategic development and oversight of the school.
Fauzan Palekar
Fauzan has recently completed a tenure with the World Psychiatric Association-WPA (Geneva, Switzerland) as Director WPA Administration. The WPA is an international Membership Association made of 145 Psychiatric Societies from 121 countries. Fauzan took over the Secretariat during a challenging period. He implemented a modernisation programme to streamline processes and upgrade IT Infrastructure, and recruited a dynamic new team following a restructure of the Secretariat. Fauzan was previously Director of Professional Standards at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, where he led a team of 64 staff members. He was responsible for the overall strategy, development, and delivery of the Professionals Standards Department activities. He has a proven track record of strong leadership, strategic planning and decision making, operations management, change management and performance management.
As a Governor for Pathways School, Fauzan advises on recruitment, school improvement and development initiatives, and Health and Safety.
Fauzan graduated with and MSC in Development Studies and has a BA(Hons) in Modern Languages and International Studies.
Nick Barratt
Nick is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst with 22 years of experience using behavioural science to teach people the skills they need to get the life they want. He is the director of Barratt Behaviour
Change Consultancy, which specialises in setting-wide and individually focused Positive Behavioural Support, provides clinical supervision to other practitioners, and uses behavioural principles to enable people and organisations to achieve their goals.
He serves on the board of the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis and chairs the Applied Behaviour Analysis Forum, a London-based professionals’ group he co-founded in 2008. Nick is a member of the Positive Behavioural Support Academy and contributed to the development of the Positive Behavioural Support Competence Framework.
In 2014, Nick co-authored a book with Baroness Sheila Hollins called Feeling Cross and Sorting it Out, which focuses on the interactional nature of challenging behaviour.
Dr Serena Tomlinson
Dr Serena Tomlinson (PhD, UKBA (cert), BCBA-D) is a Senior Lecturer in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent. Her applied and research work focuses on supporting children with intellectual / developmental disabilities who display behaviours that challenge utilising a positive behaviour support framework. She has a particular interest in support for family carers and her PhD involved supporting family carers to develop skills in assessing and understanding their child’s behaviour. She has worked in the field since 2008 in a range of applied settings including a residential school, NHS child development centres, third sector settings and 1:1 support. She is passionate about advancing Positive Behaviour Support within the UK.
Kerry Sternstein
Kerry Sternstein is an experienced special needs headteacher, ILM-certified coach, and school improvement partner with over 40 years in education. Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to inclusive practice, leadership development, and mentoring across all phases—from trainee teachers to senior leaders. Kerry has supported educators through a range of NPQ programmes, including NPQH, NPQLPD, and the SENDCo Award, bringing a warm, reflective coaching style that fosters holistic growth and sustainable leadership.
A recipient of the City and Guilds Medal for Excellence for her work mentoring new teachers and teaching assistants, Kerry transitioned from formal school leadership in 2024 to take on a new role as Lead Mentor with Teach First. She now supports trainee teachers and their mentors, delivers secondary English subject knowledge modules, and continues to coach newly appointed headteachers while contributing to the delivery of the SENDCo Award. Kerry’s work is grounded in a belief that great leadership transforms lives—and that every educator deserves the support to thrive.
Saima Ali Majid
Saima completed her MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis from University of Kent at Canterbury. She has a sixteen-year old child with autism. Prior to her son’s diagnosis, she worked as an economic development consultant. Saima has an MSc and B.A in Economics and experience in research and analysis, project management, and strategic planning.
Mehmet Salaheddin
Mehmet is the Head of Finance at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He has worked in the charity sector for over 16 years and brings a wide range of skills to the board. His core competencies include financial accounting and management, financial reporting and analysis, change management, project management, risk management, system implementation, and business unit leadership.
The Trustees hold quarterly board meetings, however, due to the pandemic, they have all been online. In addition to the formal quarterly board meetings, the trustees have regular discussions and provide input in all matters of charity management and the decisions regarding school-set up. All the discussions and decisions made by the trustees are recorded in minutes of the meetings.
