The NAC Team
Founder Director
I have been working in the field of learning disabilities since the early 1990’s and founded NAC in 2020 with the intention of sharing what I have learnt about emotional wellbeing and to create a community to continue developing our understanding and practical applications in this important area of care, support and education.
I am proud to be a registered learning disability nurse (RNLD) and feel that my degree in psychology, PhD in learning disabilities and skills in group facilitation, communication, person centred planning and mentoring contribute to what I have to offer.
I love to travel and have a passion for wholesome, nutritious food. I have two grown up children and live in South Oxfordshire with my husband. When not working, I love to spend time with friends and family, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, dancing, cooking and walking.
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn
Director, Accounts & Bookkeeping
Annabel Barnes
I founded my business Bluebells Bookkeeping in 2020 so that I could maintain my career whilst being able to provide support and care for my young family.
I trained and gained my accountancy qualifications (level 2 through to level 4) with the AAT (The Association of Accounting Technicians) in 2008 – 2010, during which time I was working in industry where I spent the best part of 10 years with companies who provide support to those that face mental health challenges and learning disabilities.
I am licensed by the AAT to provide Bookkeeping & Accountancy Services to Sole Traders, Partnerships and Companies and wanted to help NAC because of my previous involvement in the industry, and I believe that it is a very worthwhile cause.
When not working, I am running around after my two children, or holidaying in my favourite part of the UK in Cornwall.
Communications & Research
Sam Bell
In 2023 I started a new role as Assistant Educational Psychologist for a local authority. My enthusiasm for spreading a culture which enables individuals with disabilities to thrive and enjoy life is fostered by my twelve years of experience working in special needs schools. I feel privileged to have spent a number of years teaching young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and my passion for this field has led me to undertake a Masters Qualification in Psychology, with a view to pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Psychology in the future. I have a keen interest in the application of research and evidence-based practice to optimise quality of life.
Whilst being in teaching and senior leadership roles I often reflected on how Continuing Practice Development (CPD) should be informed by the people it is designed to support. Having, myself, undertaken NAC courses and accessing the NAC guidance, I was struck by how sensitively the realities of the lives of people with complex disabilities have been framed in order to successfully promote recognition, reflection and action. This instilled a strong desire to volunteer to be part of the team which has such respectful values and goals and to support in the production of emotionally enriching tools.
I always endeavour to search for possibilities and strive for positive outcomes for those with severe and profound intellectual disabilities and their care givers. Emotional wellbeing is one of the most important fundamental elements of life and should be accessible to all.
Outside of my teaching role and studies I enjoy sharing a love for Harry Potter with my Daughter, embarking on magical adventures and crafting!
Email: [email protected]
NAC’s Patron
Michael Ambrose
Michael Ambrose has dedicated his life to the Special Needs Community since injury forced his retirement from professional football in 1988. His passion has always been helping young people to fulfil their potential in life, regardless of their upbringing, disability, gender or race.
Michael is passionate about equality, believing that we are all the same and stronger together. However, he will always vigorously address issues of racial discrimination, when these are obvious and apparent, otherwise he believes that the best way to break-down barriers is to just allow people to work together and natural friendships will always be forged, through shared values and achievements.
Over the past 25 years, Michael has enjoyed considerable success in his charitable endeavours and has been publicly recognised for raising over £2 million for children’s charities. This led to Michael becoming an Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which in turn has increased his personal profile in the media.
Today Michael is often found on television, as a Social Commentator, on a wide variety of issues, from his role within the People’s FA movement, looking to make our national game more representative of society, to speaking about public awareness of race and special needs.
Michael has worked for many years in the field of special needs and has seen first-hand a lack of emotional wellbeing support and mental health needs being unmet. He is therefore delighted to be patron of an organisation that is dedicated towards this important area of care and education for those with most severe and complex needs.