Our Team
Here at Skylarks we have a small, passionate team that supports a growing community of children and families. Staff are always approachable and willing to help any parent, carer, sibling or child with an additional need who comes through our doors.
To find out more about our team's experience, and how they can help, we have put together these short biographies:
Aaron Guiver, Managing Director
I was appointed as Skylarks' Managing Director in 2021, having originally joined the organisation in 2018 as Development Manager. I now focus my time on the overall management of the Charity including operations, marketing & communications, development including restricted and unrestricted fundraising and finance.
I have worked within the charity sector for the past eight years including at other Richmond upon Thames organisations such as Richmond Borough Mind and Richmond Carers Centre. Working at Skylarks is incredibly rewarding; being able to see the difference made to children's lives as a result of the work my colleagues, the volunteers, and our trustees do, is a great privilege.
I can be contacted at aaron@skylarks.charity
Fiona Morgan, Head of Operations
I am the mother of young adult twin boys, one of whom is profoundly deaf and has bilateral cochlear implants. I really appreciated the services of Skylarks when my children were small and found it a wonderful source of support. As a family we have experienced the frustrations and difficulties of the SEND system and battling for the needs of your child, both in education and the NHS. I have been involved with Me too & Co/Skylarks for some time and relish leading such a strong team dedicated to supporting families with a wide range of needs.
I worked previously in management and marketing in the education sector. After having a child with a disability I moved into the voluntary sector, working for a heritage charity and now a children’s charity. My experience includes being involved in CICS (the Cochlear Implanted Children’s Support Group), Mary Hare School for Deaf Children; and Twickenham Twins Club. I am churchwarden in Richmond Team Ministry. I enjoy releasing both my creativity and tensions on clay in my ceramics class and using my languages (French, Italian, basic Spanish and BSL) in travel abroad whenever the opportunity allows!
I am proud of our team at Skylarks who work hard to support other families along their journey as parents walking a path different from the one they were expecting to take and as collaborating with a range of other organisations to provide the best support possible for families.
I can be contacted at info@skylarks.charity
Mia Patterson, Programme Co-ordinator
I am responsible for all programming at Skylarks. My role involves planning and booking all our activities, both for children and parents. I have a background in the charity sector, having worked for cancer charities and other voluntary sector organisations. I can usually be found at our sessions on Tuesday afternoons.
I can be contacted at mia@skylarks.charity or phone 07398 46 557
Barbara Beczko, Senior Activities Leader
I have experience as a special needs teacher and am a qualified Reading Recovery teacher and art therapist.
I can be found at our sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as our Pedal Project sessions. I am responsible
for making sure slots for activities are filled as best as possible, so I am the person to contact for any last-minute cancellations or changes to bookings and activities.
I am a Polish speaker.
My email address is barbara@skylarks.charity and my phone number 7930993150
Rachael Chidgey
My role at Skylarks is leading the Spread Your Wings programmes, which support young people with additional needs to build an aspirational future in employment.
I have 20 years of experience in the education sector, with specialisms in SEND, and vocational learning. I have experience of designing inclusive curricula, and employment projects leading to positive employment outcomes for young people. I am passionate about creating inspiring and engaging learning experiences and the use of technology to enhance these experiences.
When not being a mum or at work I teach yoga/pilates classes, which is always a reminder that we are on a journey and every day is different!!
Please contact rachael@skylarks.charity or 07960 222988.
Jonathan Rourke
I am the Senior SEND Education Adviser at Skylarks. I manage the service, deliver talks and workshops and also give advice and information around education, schools and EHCP's.
I can be contacted via the SEND Education Advice page here:
Gemma Smith
I am a SEND Education Adviser at Skylarks. I can be contacted via the SEND Education Advice page here:
Sona Sharma , Partnership and Fundraising Manager
I am the mother of a lovely young man who has used Skylarks' services for many years. I have also been volunteering massage therapy and yoga skills for the last six years to parents and carers. I joined the staff team in October 2018 and spend my time liaising with local companies, schools and other potential partners. I love representing Skylarks in a variety of ways, from using songs with Makaton signing at school assemblies to delivering after-dinner speeches. So if you know any school, company or organisation that might be interested in fundraising for us, please get in touch.
I can be contacted at sona@skylarks.charity
Sarah Whyte, Play Session Leader
I have just joined the team in July 2024 as Play Session Leader, having moved to the area from Kent. I have many years experience working with children and young adults with SEND in special schools. I enjoy spending time with my family and seeing my grandchildren grow. I am looking forward to being part of the Skylarks team and being involved with leading our volunteers.
Siobhan Burn, Activities Leader
I've been involved with Skylarks every Tuesday (& occasional Fridays) for over 14 years now, initially as a volunteer and then as part of the staff team. During that time I have just LOVED journeying with the families, sharing in great joys of hard-fought milestones and supporting them through some of the challenges. I come home quite exhausted most weeks but with a smile on my face because I LOVE my job and all the people that I've spent the afternoon with.
I KNOW that Rice cakes are a healthy option, but no one can deny that they would be better off on the Art Table, decorated with glitter & hung from the ceiling as a Sunshine!!! Chocolate Digestives are SO much nicer!!
I can often be found on my bicycle, including cycling to Amsterdam and Paris to raise funds for Skylarks!
Deirdre Carswell, Head of Fundraising
I joined Skylarks as Head of Fundraising in 2024 to help ensure we have the resources needed to support our Skylarks community. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate, medical, educational and charity sectors, I develop and implement our fundraising strategy. My focus includes working with various partners and trusts to create sustainable funding streams through grants, corporate partnerships and fundraising initiatives.
As a parent and carer of two wonderful young people with additional needs, I have first-hand experience of the support families need and what Skylarks gives. This makes me especially delighted to be part of such an amazing charity.
At Skylarks, my role involves engaging with donors, partners, volunteers and organising fundraising events. By collaborating with our passionate team we secure the necessary funds to continue and expand our vital services. I am inspired every day by the positive impact Skylarks has on so many children and families, and I am dedicated to contributing this incredible work.
You can reach me at deirdre@skylarks.charity
Sylvie Harding, Book-keeper
I am the parent of a young adult with complex needs. I am responsible for payments, salaries and invoices, as well as overseeing the budget. I can be contacted at accounts@skylarks.charity