Our Team
Our team is currently made up of four dedicated professionals – Debi, Rachel, Karen and Lisa. You can find out more about each of them below.
Debi Richardson
Hi, I’m Debi and along with Rachel, I oversee Bracknell Forest’s IASS. I have been working at Bracknell Forest IASS since January 2015. I enjoy the case work and love to see people be empowered to be involved in decisions about their or their child’s education, through relevant information, advice and support. I also enjoy the strategic side of the role, hearing service users views and making service improvements. I have also completed the Advance Level IPSEA SEN Adviser’s legal training.
I enjoy spending time with my family and three children, foreign travel, reading and swimming.
Rachel Simpson
Hello, I’m Rachel and I work alongside Debi overseeing Bracknell Forest’s IASS. I started working in the service in February 2017. I really enjoy working with families with special educational needs and I find the work very worthwhile. We aim to empower service users and it’s a privilege to work with them. I also work with Debi to constantly strive to improve the service we provide.
I have completed the Advance Level Ipsea SEN adviser’s legal training (levels one to three) and have attended other relevant training courses.
I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, walking, singing in a choir and travelling.
Karen Shore
Hello. My name is Karen and I am the Child and Young Person’s Case Worker. I have worked with children and young people in the education sector for over 20 years. I have worked at Bracknell Forest IASS since August 2019 and am passionate about the voices of children and young people being heard and hope to empower those who I work with to participate fully in decisions about their education.
I have a BA (Hons) degree in History, a PGCE in Primary Teaching and am currently working towards gaining my Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. I have completed Levels 1 (and 2) of the IPSEA SEN Adviser’s legal training.
I am married and have two teenage children. We are looking to get our own dog, but for now enjoy borrowing the one in the photo. I enjoy baking, swimming and reading and love chocolate!
Lisa Henwood
Hi, my name is Lisa and I have been working at Bracknell Forest IASS since January 2015. I provide information and advice over the phone/email and support the service with administration. I have completed IPSEA’s level 1 SEN adviser’s legal training and am currently working through level 2. I like helping people and providing them with information to enable them to feel empowered to get the right support for themselves/their children.
I have two children. I like baking, in particular making celebration cakes for family birthdays, cycling to keep fit, spending time with my family and socialising with friends.