About Us
express is an independent user led organisation based in the borough of Kingston upon Thames. Our aim is to support autistic people and their families, and promote awareness and acceptance in the community. We are a CIC, which is a community interest company meaning that we operate as a 'not for profit' organisation.
Our History
express was founded in 2012 by Annette Williams and Tracey Gaggiotti. Both have autistic family members, and both were frustrated at the lack of services provided.
"We wanted to create a social environment where autistic people and their families would feel welcomed and secure within the local community", explains Annette.
"We wanted to provide a service that would be used, supported and enjoyed
by the community as a whole".
Since 2012 express has grown substantially, and has supported 100s of families in many different ways. From dramatherapy to dragon boat racing, express have done it!
Meet The Team
Service Leads
Meet the team who manage our creative arts therapy, counselling service, peer support groups and our clubs. They are all supported by therapists, counsellors and volunteers.
We couldn't do it without them!
Louisa Webster
Therapy Lead
Louisa is an HCPC registered drama & movement therapist. Qualified in 2014 she has extensive experience of working with ACEs with a trauma-informed approach in educational settings & working with children with additional learning needs and neurodivergence. Alongside therapeutic work directly with children she works with their families, carers, social workers, CAMHS & wider professional networks. Louisa has significant experience of social care needs & working alongside virtual schools to support children with Looked After status. She has worked in many MDTs, alongside offering supervision and line management for therapy colleagues and educators.
Kate McKenna
Counselling Lead
Kate is a registered member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and along side her work with Express she runs her own private practice.
Before becoming a counsellor she worked as a support worker with young adults with additional needs, then as an assistant social worker in Adult Social Care and as an IMCA
(Independent Mental Capacity Advocate).
Jane Davies
Peer Support Lead
Jane's background is in teaching and she currently works in a local school.
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Jane facilitates our peer support groups both meet ups and our WhatsApp groups.
Jane has one son who was diagnosed autistic aged 3. ​
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Advisory Panel
Our Advisory Panel is made up of our Service Leads, colleagues, young autistic people, parents, and professionals. They meet regularly, donate their time freely and their input is invaluable in shaping the work we do.
Anna Abulafia
Anna is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a registered member of the BACP.
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Anna set up and managed our Counselling service for a number of years. She now runs her own private practice and continues to see Express clients.
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Anna has a daughter and a son. Her son was diagnosed autistic aged 3.
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Jen Marillat-Bush
Jen is a qualified Drama Therapist and registered Therapist with the HCPC.
Jen managed our Therapy service for a number of years alongside running our groups and 1:1 therapy sessions.
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Jen now works primarily on long term 1:1 specialist packages as well as running her private practice.
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Kate Summers
Kate's background is in higher education.
She has two children one of which was diagnosed autistic aged 7.
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Kate loves knitting and sewing for relaxation.
Max Hamilton
Max is autistic and has experience working with autistic children, supporting them in group settings.
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Max is very keen to support Express.