Learn and Thrive is purpose-driven by a team of trustees and employees working tirelessly to make a difference.

Our core values are: Empowering, Improving, and Building Trust

Meet the team

Click on each photo to learn more about our incredible team.

Nikki Walker

Chair of Trustees

Clair Smith

Trustee

Kate Taylor

Trustee

Laura Powell

Digital Marketing Officer

Hannah Nickalls

Charity Administrative Coordinator

Johanna Aiyathurai

CEO & Co-Founder

Maja Trninic

Trustee

Andrea Wilson

Trustee

Empowering, Improving, and Building Trust

Our Core Values in Action

At Learn & Thrive, our values are more than words—they are the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work. As a purpose-driven, values-led charity, we are committed to empowering those we serve, continuously improving our impact, and building trust through openness. Here’s how we live these values every day.

  • Empowering Everyone We Work With

    Empowering individuals to realise their potential, shape their experiences, and thrive together
    At Learn and Thrive, we believe in the power of empowerment. Every person we work with is unique, and we are dedicated to helping them discover and develop their potential. Whether it's fostering individual strengths, encouraging meaningful contributions, or creating a collaborative environment, we empower everyone—those with and without Down’s syndrome—to drive change and make a lasting impact. We work alongside our community, sharing knowledge and opportunities freely, ensuring that no one is left behind.

  • Making Things Better

    Striving for excellence through continuous improvement, problem-solving, and prioritising positive impact
    We are passionate about making things better. Our approach is rooted in a commitment to continuous improvement, where we actively seek opportunities to learn, adapt, and innovate. Challenges are met with a proactive mindset as we work to find solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. Our success is measured by the positive impact we have on individuals, families, and communities, and we hold ourselves accountable for making that impact tangible and meaningful.

  • Building Trust through Openness

    Fostering trust through honest communication, embracing vulnerability, and consistently doing the right thing
    Trust is the foundation of our relationships, and we build it through openness. We communicate directly and candidly, ensuring clarity in all interactions. By embracing vulnerability—acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, sharing our mistakes, and seeking help when needed—we create strong, trusting relationships. We are committed to doing the right thing, aligning our actions with our words, and holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of integrity.