WE LOVE OUR WORK.

OUR TEAM AND MORE.
Learn more about the passionate team behind Positive Support Group and the professional bodies we are accredited with.
Our team
We are an incredibly experienced team of PBS professionals who truly love our work and making a difference to so many lives. We’re also a very friendly bunch who are more than happy to chat about your specific needs and how we can help you. So please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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Sarah Wakeling
She/Her
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Practitioner Psychologist, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
In 2007, I became a board-certified behaviour analyst and established Positive Support Group. Since then, I have done all I can to ensure Positive Support Group provides exceptional support that has the power to truly transform people’s lives.
In 2013, I also qualified as a practitioner psychologist; and academically, I have a first-class honours degree in Psychology and a Masters with Distinction in Learning Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour.
Outside of work, I’m a mother of two very active boys (this keeps me busy); I like yoga, a glass or two of wine, dancing to 80s music, and relaxing with my cat, Wolfie.
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Katherine Baskerville
She/Her
Chief Operating Officer
I joined Positive Support Group in 2021 after 11 years as a management consultant, where I specialised in Business Strategy and Operations and worked across multiple industries, including Retail, Banking and across the Public Sector. I have experience leading multiple large transformation programmes and implementing change and fostering growth in a wealth of different organisations. I have joined as Operational Lead. This means I am looking to bring my experience and expertise to help put in place structures and processes that enable Positive Support Group to deliver the care and support to more people, more effectively.
In my spare time (haha!), I spend time with my three children, my friends and family and I enjoy cooking and getting outside for walks and coffees!
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Jessica Aviles
She/Her
Chief Clinical Officer and Behaviour Analyst
Hey there! I'm Jessica Aviles, BCBA, UKBA(cert), and CCO at Positive Support Group. I'm dedicated to helping individuals and their loved ones overcome barriers and create positive impacts through the science of behaviour. I have a BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, and a MS in Counselling with an emphasis in ABA. Since 2005, I've worked with autistic children, young people, and individuals with learning disabilities in diverse settings like schools, community programmes, EIBI clinics, and the NHS. My experience is also diverse, ranging from direct intervention, supervision, consultation, assessment, to tribunal representation for families/schools, and training parents, educators, and other professionals.
I am dedicated to fostering innovation and finding new ways to meet the unique needs of our clients. I believe in the power of genuine connection, compassion, and evidence-based practices to make a difference. I find happiness in the little things, using humour to connect, and empowering marginalized communities. I also really love tacos, karaoke, and my kids!
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Andy Swartfigure
He/Him
Relationships Director
I am an experienced Behaviour Analyst and sector leader. I have worked in homes, schools, with Local Commissioning Authorities and organisations since 2000. I have been BCBA qualified since February 2014 working predominantly in Autism Services although previously delivered behavioural-based training from an Organisational Behaviour Management (OBM) point of view. I am a current board member of the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UKSBA) and played a large role in developing the Supervision and Practice standards for the UKSBA. I am also a School Governor and have Advisory Board experience in the independent and maintained sectors as well as being a co-opted member of the Innovation Committee for the Cranstoun organisation.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my children, watching sport and movies as well as the occasional round of golf.
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Chris Clark
He/Him
Chief Financial Officer
I joined the Positive Support Group in 2024, having spent 13 years working for myself to support the growth of businesses in developing their financial reporting processes and streamlining their operations. I am a Chartered Accountant and have worked in practice as an auditor, business advisor, and more recently in Corporate Finance mergers and acquisitions with Deloitte, PwC, and BDO. I aim to leverage my experience and expertise to help Positive Support Group scale their operations for more effective delivery.
Away from PSG, I spend much time engaging with sports, whether it's refereeing football, watching my sons play various sports, attending live football matches, or simply watching on telly. I have two rescue dogs, and I enjoy taking them for walks for some peace and relaxation—unless, of course, there are SQUIRRELS!
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Maria Amenabar
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hi! My name is Maria and I am originally from Chile, South America. Growing up, I had the opportunity to live in the USA, Germany and Brazil so if you cannot quite pinpoint my accent, this could be why! I completed my Psychology BSc(Hons) undergrad degree at UWL and then proceeded to do my MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) at University of Kent, Tizard Centre. I began my ABA journey doing volunteer work during my undergrad and once I finished my masters I started working as an ABA tutor. I have been a BCBA since 2021 and feel like I continue to learn and grow with my learners and clients each and every day. I’m always excited for the next challenge!
During my spare time, I enjoy baking and going to coffee shops. Coffee is not just a passion, but a lifestyle (cannot function without it!). I consider myself a foodie and love trying out different cuisines from around the world and trying out new restaurants with my friends.
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Helena Lee
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hi there, my name is Helena Lee. I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and UKBA(cert) and my experience includes supervising others and supporting children/adults and their families/support networks across home, school, hospital, and other community settings.
I am from Ireland but I’ve moved to London to join the Positive Support Group team. I studied Psychology at the National University of Ireland, Galway and also completed the MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis there. I have previous experience working in special education settings, supporting young people with a range of disabilities including Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. I am really passionate about supporting the people I work with to achieve their goals and to be happy. Outside of work, I enjoy music, being outdoors, and spending time with my family!
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Lauren Firth
She/Her
Division Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hi there! I am Lauren and I have worked in the field of Behaviour Analysis for 8 years. I studied Psychology at the University of Liverpool and University of Padova in Italy, before completing the ABA masters at Bangor University in 2017, and becoming Board Certified in 2019.
My clinical experience includes working across multiple settings including schools, family homes and residential settings, working with a range of professionals and a range of individuals with a focus on supporting individuals with Autism and Learning Disabilities.
I am extremely passionate about the field and am motivated to support people to achieve their best quality of life! Key interests of mine include collaborating with networks and families, as well as supervising others and providing consultation in the field of behaviour analysis.
Outside of work, I enjoy seeing as much of the world as possible, I am also a big Harry Potter fan!
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Samantha Stallard
She/Her
Division Lead and Behaviour Analyst
I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst/UKBA(cert) who has been working in health care since 2003, I started working as a cleaner in a mental health hospital (a big chunk of this was chatting to people as I worked). In 2005, I studied BSc in Psychology, whilst working in a residential home for adults
After graduating, my experience includes work in home and community settings, schools, hospitals and interdisciplinary teams with both adults and children.
I am passionate about improving people’s quality of life and applying the science of behaviour analysis to all aspects of life and business. I also love disseminating everything our science has to offer.
Outside of work, I love cold water swimming, playing video games and I have a rescue cat, Nipsy, who can often be seen in the background of my online meetings.
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Shannen Carey
She/Her
Division Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hi, my name is Shannen Carey. I am a board-certified behaviour analyst and have worked in the field for the past seven years. I received my masters in ABA at the National University of Ireland, Galway in 2017 and became board certified in Toronto, Canada in 2019. I love to travel and have worked as a behaviour analyst in Ireland, Canada and the UK. During that time, I have worked as a behaviour analyst in schools, homes and residential placements, as well as clinics. I absolutely love my job and the field I work in, especially working to ensure that the children and young people I work with achieve the best quality of life.
Currently, I have a special interest in Greg Hanley’s Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Treatment which teaches functional communication, tolerance and coping skills with a focus on reducing behaviours that challenge.
In my spare time, I love to travel, go hiking, dance at festivals and hang out with my friends and family!
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Kirsty Bishop
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
I have nearly 20 years’ experience within the Health and Social care sector, posts ranging from Cleaner, to Service Manager to Positive Behaviour Support Lead for multiple services across a Children Care Provider. I am currently a Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst and have completed a Masters within the Tizard Centre, University of Kent (Analysis and Intervention of Intellectual and Developmental Disability) and additional Pg. Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis. I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and member of the UKSBA.
My interests include reading (especially Sci- FI), rock music and walking my 2 dogs. I live on the canal system and spend time living in different places across London.
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Esther Ferri-Martin
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
My name is Esther Ferri-Martin. I am a board-certified behaviour analyst with an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis and a BA in Psychology. I have been working in the field of autism and ABA for a while now. I have been fortunate to work in different settings such as schools and nurseries, home and support living facilities with amazing professionals and families.
I am passionate about what we do, and how we can impact positively on the quality of life of children and young adults and their families.
I’m an “outdoorsy” person, so in my free time, I like to go for a hike, ride or walk. As well as travel and meet new places, try new food and meet new people.
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Aibhín O’Neill
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hi, my name is Aibhín (pronounced like Ay-Veen), and I am from Ireland. I have a BA in Applied Psychology from University College Cork and graduated with an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis from the National University of Ireland, Galway in 2019. I became a BCBA in December 2021. I have worked in the field of ABA for 4.5 years, in many roles spanning from Trainee Behaviour Analyst in both children and adult services, to ABA Tutor, to my most recent role as a supervisor in a specialised ABA school for adolescents.
When I am not at work, you will more than likely find me curled up on the couch watching reality TV or some Netflix documentaries. I also love spending time outdoors and am never happier than I am when I am sitting out in the sun visiting my home in Ireland, with a good book and one of my cats or dogs sitting in my lap!
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Samantha Martin
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hi, my name is Sam Martin. I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and have worked in the field for the past 10 years. I received my masters in ABA at the University of Ulster, Coleraine in 2015 and became board certified in 2017. During my time working in ABA, I have worked with children and adults across schools, homes and residential placements. I am very passionate about ABA and the field I work in, especially when the individual exceeds their expectations and increases their quality of life, along with having a positive impact on the family unit. In my spare time, I love to cook (especially potatoes), go to concerts, run spartan races and chill with my cats.
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Dhiraj Jadeja
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hi, I’m Dhi. I’ve been working in the field of behaviour analysis since 2012. I have worked across several different environments, including homes, in the community and in schools. My experience prior to this includes working in mental health services supporting people to remain well at home as an alternative to hospital admission.
I received my board certification as a behaviour analyst in 2020. I love working in a field where I am always learning and have opportunities to make a positive impact on those I work with and their wider network.
I enjoy being around animals and spending time in nature, so much so that I have a mini jungle of plants at home! I love cooking for people, going to the theatre and live music.
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Sharon Lock
She/Her
Service Lead and LeDeR Reviewer / Clinical Reviewer
I have worked with people who have learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs for many years. First as a support worker and then later as a qualified learning disability nurse. These roles have been in lots of different settings; day services, secure services, respite care and residential care. I have also taught NVQs in Health & Social Care and registered managers awards. I am now using my years of experience to support people and the services they need to help them live their best lives through CTRs and ILP processes.
If I’m not working my favourite place to be is either in water, on water or near water. I love all things relating to the sea, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools.
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Sarah Hellawell
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a behaviour analyst, I’ve been working in health and social care for over 12 years. I started working as a support worker in adult social care and was introduced to Positive Behaviour Support in the service I was working in. I decided that I had to know more about it and went back to University at the Tizard Centre to do my masters in ABA.
I’ve had lots of experience managing care schemes, being a CQC registered manager and PBS Lead for a provider organisation. I’m passionate about supporting individuals to improve their quality of life and achieve their own personal goals.
Outside of work, I enjoy seeing friends and family, walking, reading, swimming, camping and baking - my specialities are a Victoria sponge and brownies.
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Lauren Beadle
She/Her
Service Lead and Behaviour Analyst
Hello, I’m Lauren, a Behaviour Analyst and BICS Service Lead at Positive Support Group. My studies include Psychology (BSc) and Applied Behaviour Analysis & Intellectual Disabilities (MSc). My clinical experience includes working across multiple settings including schools, and residential settings; working within multi-disciplinary teams, supporting autistic individuals. I am incredibly motivated to upskill and increase the quality of life for the individuals I support.