Our Staff

Sue Stockman - CEO

Sue joined LinkAble in October 2023 and is excited to build on the charity’s foundations to develop services and reach out to more children, young people and adults with learning disabilities, locally. 

Sue is passionate about empowering people with learning disabilities to gain new skills, have increased self-confidence and lead fulfilling lives as active members of the community.

With over 25 years of experience working for charities in Senior Leadership Team roles for organisations such as YMCA East Surrey, Active Prospects and The Grange, in Surrey and Bromley Day Services, Aspens Charities and Carers Lewisham.

Sue also has experience of day services, supported employment, supported living and residential care and is keen to draw on her experiences to expand LinkAbles services.

Sue is committed to co-producing services with people supported by the organisation and their parents and carers to build innovative services people want and need.

Melissa Anders – Children and Young People’s Services Manager

Melissa joined LinkAble in 2017 as a group sessional worker with under 18s. Within two years, she progressed to the role of Group Deputy and then to Group Leader.

In June 2022, Melissa joined the office team as the Under 18s Service Manager. Melissa strives to help every child she can find a sanctuary in LinkAble, and this role enables her to make this happen.

In Melissa’s free time, she enjoys travelling and being captain of her local football team in Woking.

Rachel Hudspith - Adult Services Manager 

Rachel joined LinkAble back in 2013 as a Sessional Worker. Since then, she has been a Group Leader for numerous groups and a Drama Tutor for the ActAbles and ActAbles Academy. In January 2024, Rachel took on the role of Adult Services Manager and is excited to expand and grow the adult services at LinkAble. 

Rachel is a trained Applied Theatre Practitioner, and her previous work has included working in SEND schools and colleges and within the NHS supporting older adults living with Dementia. 

Rachel is a qualified Makaton Tutor. She uses her knowledge to support staff and group members in developing their communication skills within LinkAble, whilst also running training within the wider community. 

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys going to the theatre, participating in her local amateur dramatic group’s productions, and relaxing at home with her fiancé and pet hedgehog, Waldo. 

Beth Lyford - Marketing & Communications Manager 

Beth Joined the LinkAble team in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience from working in the not-for-profit sector for 15 years. Beth has worked on many exciting projects, including a partnership with BBC Radio Bristol at social care charity Alive, large-scale cyber security conferences at tech charity Jisc, and microfinance programmes at international development charity Deki.

Beth is a born storyteller and relishes bringing the work of LinkAble to life through content and marketing. Raising the organisation's profile so more people can benefit from LinkAble's services feels like a privilege.

When not at work, Beth will most likely be hiking or camping. She is currently learning to play the guitar— it turns out it's never too late to start learning an instrument! 

Sophie Trievnor - Children's and Young People Team Leader

Sophie joined LinkAble in November 2021 on a government kickstart role working with over-18 groups and supporting LinkAble's Head of Services. 

She officially joined the office team in June 2022 as the Services Support Assistant for both over and under 18s. Sophie took on the role of Services Coordinator in May 2024 and is loves getting involved across all areas of LinkAble!

In her spare time, Sophie likes watching films/tv, and spending time with friends.

Emily Lake - Services Team Leader 

Emily joined LinkAble as a sessional facilitator in 2018. Since then, she progressed to the role of Group Deputy and then to Group Leader with both over and under-18 groups. In April 2023, Emily became Services Team Leader, offering a fantastic opportunity to use her vast LinkAble experience to help ensure the charity's services are the best they can be. 

Emily's goal is to support people with a learning disability and autistic people of all ages so they can lead a happy, independent and healthy life. She strives to support LinkAble's attendees and staff alongside the service managers to create a safe and welcoming environment.

When not at work, Emily enjoys going to concerts, looking after animals and spending
time with her friends and family.