Sheanagh Gibbs

I joined the NAS committee about four years ago. I'd taken my son to stay and play on Saturday mornings and loved what the committee said and did and wanted to be involved.

Myself and my husband have had a long battle to try an get our son his autism diagnosis as he was the golden child at school and we think it's your parenting attitude with his teachers.

His consultant still saw him and reviewed him until we moved him to a school that was tiny compared to his previous school and within eight weeks got a positive diagnosis for him.

We have two other children and a dog so busy household that's not often still for long!

Nicki Scarborough

I’m Nicki.  I’m a lone parent to Rowan, who is diagnosed with ASD.

I first got involved with NAS during the Covid lockdown, as I found the monthly parent support zoom meetings really helpful, especially as we had quite a battle to reach a diagnosis, and went through a few schools before we found the one that fitted. 

Once everything could open up again, Rowan started attending the Play Shed and the Stay & Play sessions.

Over time, my involvement as a parent, progressed to being a volunteer, and I’m now also a member of the committee.

I really enjoy helping at both of these sessions and love seeing the friendships grow between the children, some of whom struggle to make friends in other settings. Its also great to speak to other parents to share experiences. 

I’m originally from Liverpool but have lived in Stafford for over 15 years.  I work for a mortgage broker and Rowan attends a school which specialises in SEMH.

When we’re not working or at school, we love spending time outside in parks, or climbing and trampolining at local centres. 

Julie Goodyear

I am an extremely proud mom to Luke and Joe, both whom are autistic and young adults. My husband is also autistic and fantastically clever having interests in clock and watch repairs, PC building, engineering and mechanics.

I enjoy helping support other parents, carers and siblings by sharing my own experiences in the hope that I can offer support and advice, even in small ways! I am a person who will listen and fully ‘hear’ what you are expressing!

Tracy Moon

I am a newly joined member to the NAS committee. My 14 year old  son has Autism, ADHD and severe Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I spend my days supporting him; he has his education at home as he’s too anxious to attend school. 

I wanted to join the committee so I can support others who may be in a similar situation. It’s been a  very long road and it would have been scary without the help and support of others.

Nia Wearn

The newest member of the NAS Stafford committee. My son has an autism diagnosis and the branch has been a fantastic source of support to us all over the years, giving him space to play and be himself and giving us chance to talk to others dealing with some of the same issues.

I help run ‘tweens’ bowling and other groups as well as keep the website updated. I love technology, computer games, crime fiction and collecting fridge magnets from day trips.

Aimi Lacanivalu

I am Aimi and I am a Parent to 3 Beautiful Children 2 of whom are diagnosed ASC and both attend Specialist Settings and the third child is currently on the diagnostic pathway.

I initially joined NAS Stafford Branch not long after re-locating to the Area prior to the COVID lockdown. It was during this period, we were embarking on the diagnostic pathway with my youngest child who alongside ASC has diagnoses of Sensory Modulation Disorder; Global Development Delay; Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) with associated digestive conditions. I am hoping, like many others within this Community, I can share our experience(s) in navigating and overcoming many of the barriers our children and young people face.

Due to being a lone Parent much of the time due to my Husband being deployed/working away for much of the time, I felt alongside many other projects I am involved with, I wished to give something back to NAS Stafford Branch who have been a great source of support for the last few years. I joined the NAS committee where I can offer ideas and contribute towards planning events and activities.

Cara Parkin

bio coming soon