Our Team
Maree Thorn
Maree is an experienced teacher and SENCo who has worked in a wide variety of educational settings, including early years, primary, secondary, mainstream and special schools, and with Local Authorities as a SEND Teaching and Learning Advisor.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in primary education, Qualified Teacher Status, a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination, gaining the National Award for SEN Co-ordination.
Maree works with senior leaders to review SEND processes and identify areas in need of improvement within settings; mentors and coaches staff to improve individual practice; supports governors and trustees to understand school requirements and their responsibilities, and delivers CPD to whole settings on SEND best practice.
She supports parents and carers to navigate various SEND processes, and NHS assessment pathways and provides EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) case management. She provides specialist teaching for children who cannot attend school for a variety of reasons, such as medical needs or school based anxiety, and works directly with neurodiverse young people so they better understand themselves and how to advocate for what they need.
Maree has previous experience of being a school staff governor, and is currently a trustee for a local charity foundation, sitting on their board of school governors and fostering committee as chair of both. As part of this, she offers strategic guidance to executive team and hands-on support to staff to improve practice.
Maree is autistic and has a diagnosis of ADHD, so fully understands the challenges that people who are neurodivergent can experience. With a family history of neurodiversity, she has long had an interest in ensuring children with SEND are able to achieve their own individual outcomes and giving them the best opportunities for a full and rich life.
Val Burnage
Val is ELSA-trained and holds Advanced Drawing and Talking certification, bringing a warm, person-centred approach to her work with children and young people.
She has extensive experience supporting CYP — particularly those with SEND — across both primary and secondary settings. Her background spans mainstream and specialist provision, alongside many decades of youth work in the voluntary sector with The Girls’ Brigade England and Wales.
Val is passionate about working closely with young people and their families, building trusting relationships and supporting positive, meaningful change in their lives.
Hannah Desmond
Hannah has experience working in adult social care, supporting people with learning disabilities to live rich and fulfilling lives. Alongside her work at SEND Success, she is a senior care worker, leading a small team, and key person for a number of residents.
She has a passion for helping people to enjoy life and be as independent as possible, bringing genuine care and a lot of fun into her work.