Who are we?

Established in 1996, OAASIS aims to provide parents and teachers with impartial, comprehensive and prompt answers to the many questions and problems which looking after or teaching a child with SEN may present.
It is a part of  The Cambian Group one of the largest providers of independent residential special schools and colleges in the UK.

Meet the team

 

 

 

 

 

 

From left to right

Gill Ansell (ASD Advisor)
Gill Ansell has had 14 years ASD experience and has previously worked as a Teaching Assistant at an independent 52 week special school for autism (secondary age) and one for Asperger Syndrome (aged 7-16). She also worked in a mainstream primary school as a Teaching Assistant for a young boy with Asperger Syndrome and ran emotional literacy groups for children with learning difficulties. Gill was involved in a support group of mainstream TAs and teachers who met regularly under the guidance of an Educational Psychologist to discuss educational issues of students with Asperger Syndrome and to develop relevant strategies that could be used. She fully understands the difficulties that can arise with a child on the autistic spectrum both at school and home. 

Lucinda Dowson
Lucinda is a parent of young children and understands the demands of family life including the strain that a child with SEN can place on the family. Lucinda helps to keep the office running smoothly by ensuring our stock of information is up to date; researching and sending out information quickly to enquirers; manning the helpline in the absence of Andrea and Gill or at busy times; and generally doing whatever is required of them!

Andrea Wooldridge (OAASIS Manager) 
She has been at OAASIS for 6 years and in that time has spoken to thousands of enquirers, mainly parents, experiencing all sorts of issues with their children.  She has been on numerous courses and training workshops and has learnt more through internet research. Her knowledge ‘I know a little about a lot of things!’ ranges from getting extra help at school and home, trying to obtain a diagnosis, the SEN process and obtaining a Statement, suitable holidays and more.  If she can’t help you she will point you in the right direction of someone who can. Previous to that she worked as a trained Teaching Assistant for 8 years in a mainstream primary school working with a variety of special needs children but especially those with Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism, reluctant learners and difficult behaviours.

Jayne Halligan
Jayne is a parent of young children and understands the demands of family life including the strain that a child with SEN can place on the family. Jayne helps to keep the office running smoothly by ensuring our stock of information is up to date; researching and sending out information quickly to enquirers; manning the helpline in the absence of Andrea and Gill or at busy times; and generally doing whatever is required of them!