Staff Azeez Akala Azeez has joined the team in November 2020 as our Programme Officer. He is working alongside our Programme Managers to measure the change we are making to the lives of people with Down syndrome, ensuring that our work is effective. Azeez is studying for a Masters Degree in Applied Social Data Science. After that, he hopes to become a data scientist tackling issues surrounding educational attainment. Chris Barnes Chris joined the DSi team in September 2021 as our Inclusive Education Officer. Chris is taking the lead on a new project to increase the inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities in UK schools. Prior to joining DSi, Chris was a primary school teacher for 11 years with experience teaching children with additional needs. Andrew Boys Andrew has been the Executive Director of Down Syndrome International since the launch of the DSi secretariat in 2009 in the UK, working with DSi’s Board of Trustees to establish a global membership network in 136 countries. Andrew's brother Alex has Down syndrome. Kate Burhouse Kate joined the team in 2020 as our Data Officer. Kate is responsible for maintaining and improving our data management systems and processes, ensuring compliance and working with our operational team. Robin Gibson Robin Gibson, who previously worked with us to deliver self-advocacy training in Bangladesh, joined the team in May 2020, working with self-advocates and advising on inclusive participation. Ruth Jones Ruth joined the team in December 2020 as our Finance Officer. Ruth is working on both day-to-day transactional activity and is also responsible for helping to streamline the financial systems. There is a current focus on integrating project budgeting and reporting into the organisation and reviewing more detailed methods for cash flow analysis. Rachael Kibe Rachael joined the team in January 2022 as Programme Fellow. Rachael is an employability specialist with experience working with organisations of persons with disabilities in Kenya. She is based in Nairobi, Kenya and works on our project advocating for inclusive employment. Simon Okwii Simon Okwii joined the team in September 2020 as a Programme Fellow. He is based in Kampala, Uganda and works on our project supporting member organisations in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda to advocate for the inclusive employment of persons with Down syndrome. Helen Powell Helen has been working at DSi since 2014. As Programme Manager, she is working on various projects including the development of international guidelines in healthcare, education and inclusive participation for people with Down syndrome. Helen's daughter has an intellectual disability. Nathan Rowe Nathan Rowe has been working with DSi since January 2017. As Programme Manager he designs and manages projects, delivers training and provides support to DSi's member organisations. Nathan's younger sister has an intellectual disability. Anna Sands Anna is our Supporter Engagement Manager. She has been working for DSi since February 2018. Anna is the first point of contact for new enquiries and also keeps in regular contact with our existing supporters. She is responsible for our websites, newsletters and social media. Anna has a son with Down syndrome. Russell Watkins Russell joined the team in March 2021 as our Fundraising Officer. He is responbsible for our development projects and fundraising activities. Prior to joining the team, Russell volunteered with DSi supporting us with a transition to a new CRM and after that with our fundraising strategy. Russell has a daughter with Down syndrome.