Coaching and mentoring
Our autism and neurodiversity coaching and mentoring is delivered by our team which includes both neurodivergent and non-neurodivergent coaches and mentors. It is suitable for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals as well as their families and colleagues.
Our coaching/mentoring sessions are either online or by telephone. Face-to-face sessions are delivered only in exceptional circumstances if agreed with the coach/mentor.
You can find costs at the bottom of this page.
To enquire please complete the form at the bottom of the page or email info@manarmatusiak.com
Coaches and Mentors
Manar Matusiak
Lead Coach
Manar has over 25 years’ experience at director level in the specialist health, care and education sectors. She was Managing Director for Living Autism for 15 years leading a team helping autistic people find support and services. Since the beginning of her career in the neurodiversity field, Manar has been coaching autistic individuals and those with other neuro-diverse conditions in the workplace. In addition, she mentors managers of neurodivergent employees. Through the coaching and mentoring Manar facilitates an understanding of how neurodiversity impacts on each individual differently and offers suggestions on how best to navigate the workplace.
Donna-Lee Ida-Rogers
Coach
Donna-Lee has enjoyed working in collaborative and supportive roles with autistic people for over a decade as a holistic therapist, educational support assistant and specialist mentor for autistic university students as well as supporting autistic individuals into the workplace. She has extensive experience and understanding around neurodiversity issues, ableism, and the impact of stigma and trauma experiences related to living with autism.
Donna-Lee is training as a counsellor with a specialism in somatic experiencing and trauma-informed practice. This highlights the care Donna-Lee takes in ensuring an individualised coaching method that acknowledges how trauma can arise from experiences of stigma, sensory processing, and executive functioning difficulties. She works in a greatly compassionate way to develop strategies for improved wellbeing.
Dr Jonathan Vincent
Coach
Jonathan is a lecturer in Higher Education at Lancaster University. He has an international profile and has published several papers. Jonathan is an experienced trainer and has delivered interactive workshops on inclusive recruitment to professionals from health, education, banking, and government departments. For the best part of the last decade he has worked with autistic university students and graduates, with a particular focus on transitions and employment.
Kathryn Lewis
Coach
I’m a PhD student working within the School of Psychology at York St John University, researching pupils with SEN’s experiences of school transitions. I previously worked for The Retreat York, providing pre- and post-diagnostic support for adults with Autism and ADHD, as well as supporting with diagnosis for children, young people and adults. I have particular experience in supporting with learning more about the impact of autism and discussing specific individualised adjustments. This includes supporting with work or education, working on strategies to support with planning and prioritizing, organisation, and memory, and accessing social opportunities. I am passionate about building strong relationships with clients and focusing on individual preferences and goals.
Elaine Hatfield-White
Coach/Mentor
“I have Autism (diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2016) which gives me an autistic inside-out perspective of how to navigate the demands of education, the workplace and social environments. Being autistic also affords me a deep understanding, empathy and rapport with many other autistic people.”
Elaine has worked as a Disability/AccessAbility Officer and Specialist Autism Mentor for Universities in London, Kent and Western Australia for the last 20 years, providing support, adjustments and recommendations for support for neurodiverse students as well as those with long term and lifelong conditions. From 2018- 2021, Elaine also Co-Coordinated a Specialist Mentoring Program for autistic students at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. As well as holding a BSc in Autism, Elaine’s most recent study experience as an autistic student was undertaking a distance PGCert in Autism and Asperger Syndrome with Sheffield Hallam University/National Autistic Society where she was awarded a distinction.
Florian Hansen
Coach/Mentor
“As a (diagnosed) Neurodivergent (ND) person active in Kings College London’s ND community, I have a broad insight into and empathy for the struggles ND students face whether it be in response to College/University as a new environment and the often rigid systems, or a commonly overstimulating socialising culture. “
Florian started an access campaign in response to severe problems they faced during their PhD. As part of the campaign, they have been offering peer-support mentoring to other affected students since 2021. They regularly achieve change through listening to people’s struggles, providing recommendations, and helping students receive adjustments. Moreover, they worked for ND students as a transition or practical support assistant, while also working as an access ambassador for the College. Florian is currently doing a PhD in Virtual Reality and Psychosis at King’s College London, while holding an MSc in Research Methods and a BSc in Psychology.
Ian McRae
Coach/Mentor
I was very pleased to be diagnosed Autistic and ADHD in 2023, at the age of 49. This diagnosis helped me to reframe the struggles that I have had throughout my life, and to understand how to best make use of my strengths.
A fully qualified teacher with over 10 years’ experience in schools, I have worked with many neurodivergent people, helping them to understand their own, unique place in the world. Using skills developed through a background based in counselling, I am passionate in the goal of assisting other neurodivergent people to navigate some of the complexities of living in a predominantly neurotypical world. I am also a father to two amazing children.
Nicci Lou
Coach/Mentor
Ever feel like you’re acting out a part? With only one short life ahead of you, can you really afford to show up as anyone, but you? Trained at Great Ormond Street, I worked as a Senior Nurse in PICU for 15 years until an amalgamation of mysterious illnesses had me leave nursing for self employment.
I became NHS diagnosed Autistic at age 44 and at the same time I was told I am probably ADHD too, (like my sister and probably my daughter). My son too is awaiting assessment for autism. An out and proud gay woman, having jumped back in the closet the first time around aged 18, when I got my diagnosis I was determined to help other neurodivergent women and queer people live the life they deserved. I have psychology AS level and an Understanding Autism level two alongside my nursing diploma. I’m also a certified neurodivergent specialist coach trained through the ICF Associate Coach certification as a Neurodivergent Family Coach. When not working you’ll find me life-learning alongside my kids, in the ocean, or waiting to jump on a no obligation free call with you, to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
Costs
Autism and neurodiversity coaching and mentoring sessions are –
Online or telephone
£72 per 45-minutes session
£96 per 60-minute session
Face-to-face (if mutually agreed with the coach/mentor)
£72 per 45-minutes session (venue hire is extra)
£96 per 60-minute sessions (venue hire is extra)
