Trustees
Dr Max Lowenstein
Chair of Trustees
Dr Max Lowenstein is a law academic, who has autistic spectrum condition, generalized anxiety disorder and depression. He openly acknowledges them to all and passionately works with others to help remove mental health stigma and educate
Max is an advocate for accessible and inclusive disability services and his legal expertise assists autistic people with employment, educational and publishing enquiries. His consultancy also promotes equality & diversity rights in the UK and globally for all.
Ms Sonia Owen
Vice-Chair of Trustees
Sonia Owen is a psychology graduate (BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling). She has diagnoses of Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, depression, and generalised anxiety. She therefore has personal and academic knowledge and experience of mental health, counselling and neurodiversity.
Having been involved with AfA since the early days, and having benefitted from its autism-specialist counselling, Sonia has seen and experienced the amazing work that AfA does. She knows how vital it is and is highly invested in helping it to continue.
Mr Anthony Mathieson
Anthony ‘Tony’ Mathieson has been involved with AfA from the outset. After witnessing Elaine’s personal plight over the years, he didn’t need convincing about AfA and avowed to assist her. He fully believes in, and is behind, what AfA stands for.
Tony is a carpenter by trade and uses his carpentry skills to help with all things construction/maintenance at AfA. He has also been responsible for the Asperger men’s social group, and he completed a basic counselling skills course which has helped him with this.
Mr Anthony Hall
Anthony Hall is currently working as a Residential Property Manager. He has experience and qualifications in Electrical Installation and Maintenance, AAT Accounts and Payroll, Massage Therapy, Occupational Health and Safety, Fire Safety and Risk Management, and Building and Facilities Management.
After a late Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis, he became a trustee of Action for Asperger’s and as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is happy to offer help and advice to AfA counsellors who may be helping JW clients.
Mr Steve Watkins
Steve Watkins is passionate about promoting and supporting neurodiversity. He works as a manager within the public sector with experience of managing people, budgets and projects which he brings to his role as Trustee. He has been involved with AfA for a number of years and he strongly believes AfA provides vital support to people with ASD/ADHD and he is proud to be able to help in this important work.
Mr Michael Chard
Michael Chard is a professional scientist as well as a manager with 40 years’ experience in the development of medical devices.
Michael has first-hand experience of what AfA can offer and consequently is a huge advocate of the charity. Having seen how AfA has always sought to support their clients no matter their circumstances, he says that he feels privileged to act as one of the charity’s trustees.
Ms Louise Collinson
Louise Collinson works as an administrator. Previously she worked for 11 years as a primary school teaching assistant with Key Stage 2 children. She has particular experience in pastoral care.
Louise is mum to a son with ASD, learning difficulties and anxiety, which has provided her with considerable experience. AfA has been helping her son and has also been a lifeline helping the whole family with understanding his needs and helping him with strategies.
