Our Team
Governance, Leadership, and the People Who Make It Happen
Autonomie is guided by strong governance and delivered by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Together, they ensure our work is well-led, accountable, and centred on empowering young people with physical disabilities and additional needs, and supporting their families.
Management Committee / Trustees
Governance & Oversight
Autonomie's Management Committee (Trustees) provides strategic oversight and governance. The Committee ensures the charity is well-governed, financially responsible, and focused on delivering meaningful, long-term impact for young people and families.
They bring a range of professional skills, lived experience, and independent perspectives to guide Autonomie's direction and sustainability.
Committee Members
Janice English
Chair
With a professional background in sales and marketing, Janice brings a wealth of communication expertise and driving growth into a cause close to her heart. Her daughter attends Autonomie so she has a personal understanding of the challenges families can face. She helps to ensure the smooth and successful running while contributing both professional expertise and lived experience.
David Coates
Secretary
David is the parent of a young person who has been part of Autonomie for many years. He has many years' experience of providing professional advice and guidance to a range of organisations in the public and private sectors. He supports the effective running of the Management Committee, ensuring good governance, clear decision-making, and compliance with regulatory responsibilities.
Graham Coulter
Treasurer
Graham has a strong background in finance and plays a key role in overseeing Autonomie's finances. As Treasurer, he helps ensure that funds are managed responsibly and sustainably, supporting the ongoing delivery and future development of our work.
Naomi McAleese
Young Persons Representative
Naomi brings the voice and perspective of young people directly into governance, helping ensure decisions reflect lived experience and remain grounded in what matters most to participants.
Paul Jeffers
Committee Member
Paul brings experience and independent perspective to the Committee, helping guide the charity's development and long‑term sustainability.
Niamh McSherry
Committee Member
Niamh brings the perspective of a sibling of someone with additional needs to Autonomie's governance. With a strong background in volunteering and currently studying law, she helps ensure that decision-making remains grounded in lived experience and reflects what matters most to young people and their families.
Ciara Smyth
Committee Member
Ciara brings valuable experience from serving on committees across the charity sector, along with a strong professional background in Human Resources. She provides informed oversight on people, governance, and organisational development, supporting Autonomie to operate effectively and responsibly.
Staff Team
Delivering Support, Every Day
Autonomie's staff team brings the organisation's mission to life through the design and delivery of inclusive programmes, family support, and community engagement. They work closely with young people, families, volunteers, and partners to ensure services are practical, person‑centred, and empowering.
Staff Members
Sandra McDonald
SAIL Project Manager
Sandra leads the delivery of the SAIL programme, working closely with young people, families, and partners to build independence, confidence, and life skills. She is passionate about creating supportive environments where young people can grow at their own pace.
Megan Baine
SAIL Support Worker
Megan supports young people participating in the SAIL programme, helping deliver sessions that focus on practical skills, confidence‑building, and personal development. She works alongside participants to ensure they feel supported, included, and encouraged.
Sharon Quinn
Admin Officer
Sharon provides vital administrative support to the organisation, helping keep programmes running smoothly and ensuring families, young people, and partners receive timely, professional communication and coordination.
Amy Deane
SAIL Support Worker
Amy supports young people taking part in the SAIL programme, helping to deliver engaging sessions focused on practical skills, confidence-building, and personal development. She works closely with participants to ensure they feel supported, included, and encouraged to reach their potential.
Volunteers
Making Our Programmes Possible
Volunteers play a crucial role in Autonomie's work, supporting young people during activities, building confidence, and helping create welcoming, inclusive spaces.
We are grateful to our volunteers who support SAIL and Freedom2Choose, including:
Freedom2Choose Volunteers
- Emma
- Bethany
- Olivia
- Brian
- Chloe
- Lara
- Lila
- Rita
SAIL Volunteers
- Conor
- Meabh
- Curtis
- Edel
- Niamh McS
SAIL & Freedom2Choose
- Mick
- Keelan
- Niamh Q
- Katie
Their time, care, and commitment help bring our programmes to life.
Shared Commitment
Across governance, staff, and volunteers, everyone involved in Autonomie shares a commitment to:
Join Our Team
Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, or support our work, there are many ways to get involved.
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