Meet The Team
Executive Director Alison Cooper
Alison began working for the charity as a care worker in early 1993 and, after leaving to complete a teaching qualification, took on the role of Centre Manager of its sole service at the time. Alison became Services Manager with the opening of Parity’s second day service in Farnborough in 1998, which then expanded into adjacent premises in 1999. Alison developed the holiday Activity Scheme, for teens with multiple disabilities, which also expanded from one day a week to five days.
Alison has been key in embedding the principles and philosophy behind Parity’s approach, structuring the students’ Individual Programme Plans and building staff training packages to reflect the increasing complexity of student needs and new approaches to support. She is determined to ensure that the individual is never forgotten within service provision.
Services Manager Miranda Gray
Formerly a classroom assistant working with children with profound and multiple disabilities at Portesbery School, Mandy came to the Camberley service as a Keyworker in 2011 becoming Manager in 2016.
Mandy implemented Parity’s eye controlled technology programme and developed tailored training programmes for staff. She assisted with the implementation of a range of new learning programmes and sensory tools.
In 2014 Mandy introduced a week-long programme at Runways End Activity Centre in Farnborough that has become a successful annual event for Parity students, staff and families.
In 2019 Mandy became Services Manager and is now dedicated to overseeing the smooth delivery of Parity’s day services to all students.
Mytchett Day Service Manager Amy Gooderham
Amy joined Parity in 2018 as a Keyworker at the Farnborough Day Service, then became Senior Keyworker at Mytchett Day Service in 2019. Amy took over the service as Manager in November 2021.
Amy began her career volunteering and then working at Henry Tyndale School, supporting students with complex, profound and multiple learning disabilities. She then spent time as a support worker for adults with a wide range of needs and in a mental health setting at a low-secure psychiatric hospital.
Amy says she wants to continue to bring fresh opportunities to the students, such as wheelchair yoga, as well as further developing interactive technology such as switches and eye gazes.
Farnborough Day Service Manager Kelly Jarman
Kelly came to Parity in 2001 as a Keyworker at the Camberley day service, becoming Senior Keyworker and later moving to Farnborough in 2011, where she has built up extensive knowledge of all programmes and activities.
After stepping in as Manager on several occasions, Kelly became permanent Manager of the service in 2019. Kelly is committed to developing the possibilities within all Parity’s programmes as well as ensuring the high and low tech resources at the Service are used to their full potential.
Kelly is also Parity’s Health and Wellbeing Officer, a Lottery-funded role to improve access to health and wellbeing services for our students.
Camberley Day Service Manager Darren Shergold
Darren joined Parity as a keyworker in 2008, becoming a senior member of staff in 2012. Previously, as a support worker for people with learning and physical disabilities, Darren had gained extensive experience supporting people with a range of disabilities. Students and staff say he has created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere to be in and work in.
Darren has most recently developed key themed groups within the service, to engage the students in a variety of targeted sensory integration activities. Darren is focused on promoting each student’s independence as far as possible during their time spent with Parity.
Head Office Team
Helene Abbiss
Community Support Lead
Andy Fox
Business Operations Manager
Jo Titcomb
Finance Manager
Punam Gurung
Grants & Support Officer
Jack Horton
Charity Administrator
Debbie Martin
Finance Administrator
Fleur Powell
PR & Engagement Officer