NICK FOSTER – CEO
I grew up in Todmorden and now call Stockport home. As the newly appointed CEO of I AM, I am honoured to build upon the remarkable legacy created by Helen Boden and the dedicated team. My professional journey spans diverse sectors, including the international charity sector where I’ve focused on values-based leadership, peacebuilding, sustainability, equity, and belonging. I also bring extensive experience in higher education, consulting, counselling, and psychology. At home, I stay busy with my three children, who hold both Australian and British heritage, and enjoy family life with my Australian wife and partner in the vibrant Manchester area. I am a passionate musician and avid lover of the arts, I firmly believe that music and the arts have the power to foster social healing and strengthen community bonds. My commitment to I AM is deeply personal; I am dedicated to upholding and enhancing the crucial support and development that have defined I AM for over half a century. I am eager to infuse the organisation with my curiosity, energy, and passion as we embark on the next chapter—Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester.
Likes: Family, food, the moors, music, rugby, helping people flourish.
Dislikes: I’m intolerant of intolerance (and a hypocrite – which I don’t like much either). Heights. Small spaces.
Favourite colour: Blue
Interesting fact: I have played the trumpet in the customs hall at Odessa International Airport in the Ukraine at 8 in the morning for drunk officials
I AM…. Creative, passionate, energetic, playfully sarcastic, and faithful
JUDITH SANDGROUND – FUNDRAISING
Accountant with a degree in mediaeval history! Worked for many years in both non-profits and commercial (advertising) business before coming to I AM. Can turn my hand to many things not related to accountancy – e.g. unjamming photocopiers and programming central heating.
Likes: Gardening, gentle cycling, walking, choral singing
Dislikes: Chilli peppers, large spiders
Favourite colour:Blue
Interesting fact: Been on TV as a competition judge and also in an Open University training course for start-up businesses.
I AM…. Detail orientated and generally keeping systems going, in between trying to amuse people.
WENDY GRIFFIN – TEAM LEADER
I started work with ASGMA as a casual support worker doing youth clubs
and 1-2-1 and then became a keyworker working with the 18+, after a few years I became the team leader, but I still get to do some fun stuff with the members like DVD night, and some great activities.
Likes: Shopping, eating out
Dislikes: The countdown to Christmas
Favourite colour: Blue
Interesting fact: I was on a children’s television show when I was 10 years old singing, this may be a surprise as most of you know.
I AM…. Tone deaf !!
SAMANTHA COATES – AUTISM KEYWORKER
Since leaving school, I have had a varied career. Ranging from Support Worker with various client groups, Residential Social Worker, Fashion Shop Manager, Hearing Aid Technician, I also qualified as a hairdresser.
Likes: Socialising, DIY projects, sewing, gardening, fashion, music, travelling.
Dislikes: Tea… I am a coffee lover
Favourite colour: The rainbow! I love many different colours, so I do not have a favourite
Interesting fact: My friend and I opened a ladies fashion boutique in 1996 based in Stockport called “Ellle Diablo”
I AM…. Caring, kind, compassionate, fun, creative and committed.
MEET THE BOARD
DR DEBRA SUSAN BRADLEY – CHAIR
I am married with 3 grown-up children. I qualified as a doctor in 1984 and trained as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. I worked as a consultant in Oldham for 17 years. Much of my work was with autistic children and young people – being involved in carrying out diagnostic assessments and providing ongoing treatment.
I retired in 2020 and since then have become a grandma. I now have 3 lovely granddaughters who keep me entertained!
Likes: Walking – especially in the hills, cooking, and eating.
Dislikes: Unfairness. IT – when it goes wrong!
Favourite colour:Red.
Interesting fact: I was an extra in a film with Richard Gere.
I AM…. an optimist
CLAIRE LOUISE SMITH – TRUSTEE
Born in Stockport, I graduated with a 2.1 in Business Administration from De Montfort University. In my earlier career I began working as a Trainee Manager for McDonalds, but after the IRA Bomb blew up my store in the Arndale Shopping Centre, (I wasn’t injured thankfully) I decided that was not the job for me! I worked for Hays Personnel Services for many years, working my way up from Recruitment Consultant to Director, and since then have become more involved with HR and Outplacement services. I have two daughters one of which has an Autism diagnosis and is one of the most caring, creative, and funny individuals I know.
Likes: Paris, horse riding, growing my own vegetables, camping and the beach
Dislikes: Mushrooms – they feel like slugs in my mouth yuk!
Favourite colour: Blue
Interesting fact: I used to be a life model for artists – I can stand perfectly still for hours!
I AM…. Fun-loving, spontaneous, caring, and creative
ROBERT FIRTH JOHNSON – TRUSTEE
Born in Stockport, I studied Classics and Philosophy at Nottingham University and stayed in Nottingham and Derby for a few years before moving back to Stockport for a job opportunity. I’ve worked in multiple sectors and industries including professional services, sport, housing and healthcare – with a focus on business leadership and operational management – and gained an MSc in Management from Salford Business School. In my current role I support business owners to maximise their success. I still live in Stockport with my wife and two teenage children.
Likes: Trail running, food and films – and dark chocolate!
Dislikes: Getting older!
Favourite colour: Red
Interesting fact: I have a pet snake – actually he belongs to my son, but guess who does all the feeding and cleaning!
I AM…. Thoughtful, analytical, still on a learning curve
Email rob.johnson@gmx.co.uk
TOBY SMITH – TRUSTEE
Born in Cambridge I graduated with a degree from the University of Staffordshire in Politics and International Relations. I travelled extensively in my 20’s-early 30’s and moved from Brighton to Manchester in 2004. I have worked for property companies since moving to Manchester in Facilities Management. I am married with one son who had an autism diagnosis when he was at primary school. I live in a beautiful part of Stockport with my fantastic family and we are lucky to have amazing walks in every direction.
Likes: Man Utd, cooking, Star Wars, music and festivals
Dislikes: Unfairness, greed and baked beans!
Favourite colour: Green
Interesting fact: I have an allotment at the end of my garden with chickens, lots of fruit and veg and I make a mean annual batch of rhubarb schnapps.
I AM…. a red, happy with what I have and training to do my first marathon to support IAM.
Email toby.smith2@cbre.com
DAVE SMITH – TRUSTEE
Born and bred in Stretford, I’ve always been rooted in the community I care about most. I studied at Bolton University, Manchester University and Naval School, picking up a mix of discipline, curiosity and a habit of aiming higher than seems sensible at the time.
Likes: Sports of almost any kind, mountain air, a good challenge.
Dislikes: When time runs out before the adventure does.
Favourite colour: N/A
Interesting fact: I’ve trained across universities and Naval school – not many people can say their education ranged from lecture halls to disciplined drills
I AM…. Resilient, community-driven, always ready for the next climb.
