Karen Stepanova - North West Trainer and Family Support 

I have been working in adult and further education for over 15 years, initially at my local College of further education within the holistic therapy department. I then went on to work in the health and wellbeing industry developing and delivering courses for private companies 

First and foremost, I am a mother of two wonderful children who are autistic the younger of which has a PDA profile. The highs, lows and challenges we experienced led me to discover and attend one of PAST’s parenting courses and the positive impact this had on my family life have brought me to wanting to do the same for other parents and professionals. I'm passionate that children are cared for, supported, understood and included but never excluded.  Having spent several years navigating and fighting my way through the minefield of diagnosis or no diagnosis, EHCP applications, appeals and meetings I have discovered a wonderful and enlightening support network with other parents and hope to share this support with those who need it.  

My role as Send Link governor at my local secondary mainstream has expanded my knowledge about the challenges schools face and given me insight into how best to bridge the gap between parent’s, schools and the Local Authority. I help run a local PDA parent support page on facebook and volunteer on the tribunal helpline for a national charity.

I have run PDA parenting courses and workshops for parents and professionals in the North West and worked in schools with sendcos and head teachers helping to highlight the challenges children with PDA face. I offer online or telephone consultations to support parents and professionals.  I regularly write letters of support for parents wishing to access a more suitable education placement for their child and offer help in the process of an ehcp application. 

Please contact me via email at karens4past@gmail.com