Lucy Owen – Chief Executive

I joined SNAPS in October 2016 having worked in the charity sector for 13 years for organisations such as ChildLine, Leeds Mencap, Leeds Rugby Foundation, Left Bank Leeds and Leeds Community Foundation. I am passionate about delivering excellent services that support children with additional needs and their families. SNAPS does just that and I love working at an organisation which delivers such vital services that families need and deserve.

I have worked as a Fundraiser for over 10 years and now specialise in Trusts and Grant Fundraising.  As the Mother of a profoundly disabled child I know first hand the importance of SNAPS.  I know how important friendship is to lift families and how important, rare and invaluable accessible play opportunities are.  I was privileged to be one of the 6 founding families of SNAPS and I am very proud of the difference we have made to so many over the years.

I joined SNAPS in July 2018 after previously working with the Jane Tomlinson Appeal – before that, I worked for Luv2meetU, a friendship and dating agency for people with learning disabilities. My experience has given me a real appreciation for the work services like SNAPS do to support those with additional needs and I was instantly impressed by the hydrotherapy and rebound therapy sessions! My job involves working in the community to raise funds to continue this much needed service and to share the message of SNAPS within the Leeds community. I’m also here to support people taking on a challenge or organising an event to fundraise for us, so if you’re looking to do something like this, get in touch!

Eve Holdsworth

Alex Firth – Finance Manager

Dean Sanderson – Manager

Jenn Evans – Assistant Manager

I am originally from Canada and I am currently completing my Masters Degree in Physiotherapy at Leeds Beckett University. I started volunteering with SNAPS in March 2018 and immediately fell in love with the charity, the children, and the families. I am so grateful to now have the opportunity to work as the assistant manager at the Pennyfield site. Every Saturday I look forward to working alongside an phenomenal team while supporting incredible children and families; all of whom have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I am a stronger believer that you will never change the world by trying to be like it, and I love that SNAPS not only accepts, but celebrates the differences in everyone.

Chloe Elmslie – Support Worker

I have been working with SNAPS for three years. I’m able to learn about different conditions the children have been diagnosed with and find out how their diagnosis impacts the child and their family, as well as other skills such as different methods of communicating with a non-verbal child. I love seeing the long term impact on the children, seeing how the physiotherapy they are receiving has benefitted them. SNAPS on my personal statement was a massive help getting my accepted onto my university degree, therefore I love working for SNAPS to give back and saying thank you for their help to me.

Becky Lackie – Support Worker

I’m a support worker at SNAPS, based at the Pennyfield site, as well as undertaking an MSc Physiotherapy degree at Leeds Beckett University. I instantly fell in love with SNAPS when I experienced how passionate and committed the team were to whole families of children with additional needs. I saw how important it was for children and their siblings to have a free space to be themselves, meet new friends and have fun. I also recognised that it is just as important for parents and relatives to have a place to sit down, have a cuppa, and meet other families in their shoes, as well as joining in on the fun of course. As an aspiring physio, it feels amazing to be part of such an incredible team and I feel honoured every Saturday to have the privilege of working for SNAPS.

Mia Donaghy – Support Worker

I am a first year BSc student at Leeds Beckett University studying physiotherapy. I love being a support worker at SNAPS as it has had such a positive impact on my own family and I want to support other families going through similar things. SNAPS helped my sister, who has Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, find her love for dance and swimming when she was younger and allowed my parents to talk and console to other parents with children with disabilities.

Leanne Constantinou – Swimming Instructor

I’m Leanne and I’m a swim instructor at Swimbrite swimming school. I have been teaching swimming for almost 2 years and did all my training with Swimbrite. It was there that I found my passion to work with children with additional needs and was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to work with the children at snaps. Alongside swimming, I work in a school offering support to children with autism to access mainstream education. I am also a graduate of MSc Health and Wellbeing. I adore the work I do with the kids at snaps, who never cease to amaze me with the barriers that they can overcome. My main aims in most of my work at snaps is to ensure the children have some understanding of water safety, they have a positive relationship with water and they have fun in their lessons!

Jo Milburn – Manager

I first started working for SNAPS when the Broomfield site opened and enjoyed working as a support worker and seeing the positive impact we have on families at SNAPS. I’m grateful I now have the opportunity to work as the Broomfield site manager and to work alongside many different people. Its great to see so many people attending our sessions and meeting new faces as well as building up relationships with the families and watching friendships develop.

Anita Tonkinson – Assistant Manager

I have been working with SNAPS since the Broomfield site opened. I enjoy working at Broomfield as it’s a good atmosphere and the staff and families are all wonderful. I have made many friendships since working at Broomfield.

Paul Wade

I have been with SNAPS since the Broomfield site first opened. I enjoy working for SNAPS because it provides support for children with special needs, parents and siblings. Since working here I have seen many friendship made between the children as well as helping parents find a place where they can discuss any issues they are facing with other parents. I have also enjoyed seeing each week how Rebound helps the children.

Jamie Tonkinson – Support Worker

I enjoy working for SNAPS and meeting all the new families. I like working in Rebound but also seeing the children enjoying the activities in the hall. I enjoy working at Broomfield and enjoy the atmosphere at Broomfield.

I enjoy working with children and families and putting a smile on their faces and making them feel welcome at Broomfield.

Suzanne Waite – Support Worker

I have worked at SNAPS since 2018. I have several years of experience in multiple schools teaching and helping pupils progress. I love seeing kids building relationships with staff and other pupils.