Kerrie Highcock - Family Development Manager 

Kerrie is our resident Family Development Manager. Having worked in the field for 18 years and just recently gaining her Masters of Education, in Autism, from the University of Strathclyde, and is currently working on her Doctorate. She is passionate about elevating the voices of and learning from autistic people. Kerrie is also our Autism and Neurodiversity Think Tank lead.

Before her 12 years (so far) with NEAS, she worked in schools and nurseries with specialist autism provision. She gained her BA (hons) in Special Educational Needs and has put her vast experience to good use developing post-diagnostic models of support across the region introducing parent and toddler groups, family workshops and youth activists groups.

I'm most proud of the art exhibition that came from our youth group - the Autism Activists.  What started as facilitating a safe space for autistic teenagers, turned into the most incredible group who produced eye-opening protest art. It influenced me so much I focused my dissertation on the need to give autistic young people a platform to express themselves and have opportunity to be heard.

You can contact Kerrie on 0191 410 9974 or email [email protected] 

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Becca Weatherstone - Senior Family Worker 

Becca is a key member of our Family Development team. Having worked as a manager in a in private day nursery for more than six years, as well as being the SENCO for that organisation, she was the perfect addition to this growing team. 

Facilitating toddler groups, organising youth support, leading parent groups and family workshops are just some of the duties she has undertaken over the last two years. If you make an enquiry at NEAS there's also a good chance that Becca will be the one to take your call. 

When asked what her highlights of the job have been so far, she said:

I think the moments I love the most are seeing the children graduate from toddler groups, then helping to support them into nursery and school. It makes everything we do worthwhile.

You can contact Becca on 0191 410 9974 or email [email protected]