Speaker profiles:

Dr Sarah Hopp

Sarah Hopp is the Student Disability and Neurodiversity Manager at City, University of London. She has 25 years of experience as a specialist SEND leader, assessor and teacher for students ranging from five years to adulthood with a wide range of complex needs including SEMH, ADHD, autism and dyslexia and has also been a mainstream subject and pastoral teacher in a range of roles.

Sarah has a Doctorate in Education (Research) from the University of Glasgow with a focus on neurodiversity and working relationships between students and teachers. Her research and practice were informed by her own experience of dyspraxia. Sarah develops SEND policy and practice across institutions and coaches SENDCos and teachers that are new to post. She provides consultancy and training across multiple sectors.

Sarah contributes to academic discussion at the International Professional Development Association, has presented at the British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society annual national conference and is an abstract reviewer for the British Educational Research Association. She has authored academic articles in journals including the Journal of Inclusive Practice in Further and Higher Education.

Ross Thomas

Ross Thomas is an experienced Progress Co-ordinator (SENDCo), teacher and training facilitator in the post-16 sector who has a specialism in ASD and ADHD. He has a PG Cert in Autism Studies from the University of Birmingham and his background includes experience in an eclectic range of roles in the fitness, customer service and retail industries. Ross is a member of the Aim Higher London Disability Working Group, which strives to ensure a smooth transition for disabled and neurodivergent students entering higher education institutions. A strong advocate for inclusion and equity, having ADHD himself, Ross is uniquely placed to facilitate professional training programmes that improve awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. He has presented at conferences and workshops for both professionals and students at various universities and colleges across London and the Surrey borders. Ross has recently taken a position at City as a Disability & Neurodiversity Adviser.