Meet our staff and trustees
The team behind Stepping Stones DS.
With a shared commitment to inclusivity, breaking down barriers and empowerment, we are a small team of staff and trustees who are dedicated to providing the support and resources that our families need to enable our children and young people to fulfil their potential.
Meet the Team Behind Stepping Stones DS
With a shared commitment to inclusivity, breaking down barriers and empowerment, we are a small team of staff and trustees who are dedicated to providing the support and resources that our families need to enable our children and young people to fulfil their potential.
Meet the staff
Our Staff Team
Our staff are the people who make Stepping Stones DS run smoothly. From operations and services to fundraising and administration, they work together to support children, young people, and their families. Their care and dedication help everyone feel included, supported, and confident.
Kirsten Williams
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO since 2024 and having previously served as a trustee of the Charity, my focus is on strengthening our support for families and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our services.
Transitioning from a legal career as a solicitor advising companies and banks, I have come to deeply appreciate the dedication of our staff, service providers, and volunteers. Together, we are committed to breaking barriers and fostering opportunities so that every child and young person within our Stepping Stones DS community can achieve their full potential.
Michelle Slater
Operations & Finance Manager
Since 2017, I have worked with Stepping Stones DS as Operations & Finance Manager, overseeing the charity’s day-to-day running and coordinating key services. I’m also involved in grant fundraising, helping to ensure our wide range of activities and support continue to benefit our families.
I am very proud to be part of a dedicated team that makes Stepping Stones DS such a special place – a true family of families. Seeing the impact of our work, and the confidence, skills, and joy it brings to children, young people, and their families, is so rewarding and inspiring.
Laura Chavez
Operations and Marketing Officer
As the Operations and Marketing Officer, I manage the creation of marketing content for social media and support the team in operational tasks, including the planning of events and fundraisers. Since starting in a part-time role in February 2024, I have balanced my work with family life while contributing to the organisation’s mission. I value the opportunity to work in a role that supports meaningful change within the community and helps children and young people with Down syndrome realise their potential.
Becca Feeney
Fundraising and Events Officer
As Fundraising and Events Officer, I support the planning and delivery of events, while nurturing relationships with our volunteers, donors, and community fundraisers. I’m passionate about creating meaningful experiences that celebrate the Stepping Stones DS community and help raise vital funds to support our work. Whether coordinating logistics or crafting communications, I aim to bring clarity, kindness, and creativity to everything I do, ensuring our supporters feel valued and inspired to make a difference.
Sarah Sutton
Community and Projects Officer
Since receiving a copy of SSDS Our Stories after the birth of my daughter Zoe, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome in March 2010, I have been involved with Stepping Stones DS in various roles. In my current position as Community and Projects Officer, I work to build partnerships with schools and local businesses to raise awareness and funds. I also volunteer by coordinating the monthly SSDS Connect sessions. Over the years, Stepping Stones DS has become an integral part of my life, and I enjoy contributing through public speaking engagements about Down syndrome and SSDS, running assemblies that prompt engaging discussions, and supporting parents during SSDS Connect sessions. Seeing the positive impact on families and children is deeply rewarding.
Meet the Trustees
Our Trustee Team
Our trustees provide the governance, guidance, and strategic oversight that keep SSDS strong and focussed. They bring a wealth of experience from a variety of backgrounds and are committed to the charity’s mission. By supporting our staff and helping shape our long-term plans, they make sure we continue to make a real difference in the lives of our families.
Diane Walters
Chair of Trustees
As a grandparent of Arabella, I joined Stepping Stones DS as a Trustee in January 2023.
Supporting this incredible organisation allows me to contribute, even in a small way, to the wonderful work it does to improve the lives of children and families.
Being part of this journey has been deeply fulfilling, and I feel honoured to give back to such an amazing community.
Liz Phillipou
Vice-Chair of Trustees
After 11 years as a school Governor, I decided to take a change of direction in my volunteering and became a Trustee for Stepping Stones DS 8 years ago.
My career as a pharmacist, combined with governance experience, has given me strong skills in policy review and safeguarding, which I believe are vital to this role.
I really enjoy seeing the amazing achievements of our members and catching up with families. I look forward to being at more events in the future – so if you see me, please do come and say “hi!”
Tara Dibble
Secretary
As Secretary to the Board of Stepping Stones DS, I joined the charity to contribute the skills I developed during my corporate career to support children and families in the community. With over 20 years of experience in commercial roles for global organisations, I’ve focused on fostering collaboration and helping teams reach their full potential.
Working alongside my fellow Trustees has been a rewarding experience, showcasing the impact of teamwork in advancing the charity’s goals. I am looking forward to becoming more involved in fundraising and gaining a deeper understanding of the work SSDS does to improve the lives of young people.
Bex Hitch
Treasurer
As Treasurer of Stepping Stones DS, my role involves using my expertise to support a local charity dedicated to helping young people.
With over 18 years of experience as a Finance Director, I contribute skills in budget management and financial insights to the board. Over the past five years with Stepping Stones DS, hearing about the positive impact that SSDS has on the young peoples lives has been so rewarding.
Rob Barton
Trustee
I’m Rob, dad to Sam, and I’ve been part of Stepping Stones DS since 2009. I became a trustee in 2011, served as Vice Chair in 2015, and returned to the role in 2024 after stepping away for a few years.
Over the years, Stepping Stones DS has been a significant part of my life and my son’s. I’m committed to giving back by sharing my knowledge and supporting the charity through events like the Christmas and Summer Parties, which I’ve continued to organise even during my time off the board.
I’ve enjoyed seeing members benefit from the charity’s activities and watching friendships develop among families. It’s rewarding to be part of such a positive and supportive community.
Rebecca Daly
Trustee
As a trustee for Stepping Stones DS, I contribute to developing and implementing the charity’s strategic vision. My role involves approving key decisions on policy and funding, as well as assessing risks and impacts of proposed changes.
I joined Stepping Stones DS in 2024, having been a member since my son was 5 months old. Over the years, the charity has grown significantly in size and reputation.
With a background in finance operations and experience running a small business, I bring skills in financial controls, governance, strategic planning, and community engagement to support the charity’s objectives
Every step matters
Help us create brighter futures for children and young people with Down syndrome
Whether you’re here to learn, give, or grow — there’s a place for you at Stepping Stones DS.