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At the heart of our charity is a dedicated group of people committed to making a difference. From our Trustees who provide strategic guidance, to our Coordinator who ensure everything runs smoothly, to our incredible Club Staff and Volunteers who bring our mission to life, each member plays a vital role in supporting our community.
Together, we share a passion for creating positive change and fostering an environment of care, inclusion, and growth. Get to know the inspiring individuals who make it all possible.
Martin Smith is the founder of Ohana and a proud parent to an autistic son. With a heartfelt dedication to creating inclusive, person-centred communities, Martin is passionate about empowering families who have children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to connect, engage, and thrive within their local areas. Outside of his work with Ohana, Martin is an avid Leeds United supporter and an enthusiastic golfer, finding balance between his personal interests and his commitment to the organisation’s mission. Supported by an exceptional team of Trustees and staff, Martin continues to lead Ohana in building a network that champions accessibility, participation, and a true sense of belonging for all.
Maryjane joined Ohana in 2022 as a Trustee and Treasurer, bringing over 30 years of experience in accounting, administration, and management as an AAT-qualified bookkeeper. As a parent of children with diverse needs, including Autism and ADHD, Maryjane has navigated the challenges of education, healthcare, and advocacy first-hand. This journey has deepened her passion for supporting families facing similar experiences and for ensuring Ohana provides meaningful help and connection to those in need. Ohana has been a lifeline for many parents, offering resources, advice, and a supportive community. Together, we’re building a network that empowers families to overcome challenges and create brighter futures.
Helen has been part of Ohana since moving to Ripon in 2014 and became a Trustee in 2022. As a parent of a young adult with learning disabilities and autism, Helen brings personal experience and a deep understanding of the challenges families face. Her background includes serving as a school parent governor in both mainstream and special schools, volunteering as an adviser at Citizens Advice, and supporting parents of children with additional needs through her work at Carers Resource. Helen is passionate about helping families navigate their journeys with confidence and support.
Shelley joined Ohana in 2025 as a Trustee, leading the Home Education Club and the charity’s Facebook Group. A parent of two children with complex disabilities, including ASD, PDA and ADHD, Shelley has extensive experience navigating the SEND system. Her own children’s challenges have fueled her passion for home education and creating supportive, positive environments where children can thrive. Shelley is an advocate for children with SEND and home-educating families, using her knowledge to challenge SEND provisions in schools and champion the rights of home educators. With a background in science and laboratory work, she brings a thoughtful and informed perspective to Ohana, helping shape inclusive educational environments where children can succeed and build bright futures.
Danielle joined Ohana in June 2024 as a Project Co-ordinator. A proud parent of two, she brings extensive experience in the charity sector, having previously managed a food bank and volunteer team for a Ripon-based organisation. Promoted to Project Manager in December 2025, Danielle now oversees the day-to-day running of all Ohana Clubs and their teams, acts as the charity’s Safeguarding Lead, and is responsible for maintaining and updating all policies and procedures. She also manages grant and funding applications, supports the growth and development of the charity, oversees Ohana’s social media and website, organises fundraising events, and serves as the first point of contact for families seeking support or guidance. Born and raised in Ripon, she is deeply passionate about helping local families access the support, connection, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Lucy joined Ohana in 2024 after moving to Ripon to create a nurturing environment for her son. Born in Harrogate, she has always cherished the beauty of North Yorkshire and is proud to call Ripon home. With over six years of experience working with children, Lucy’s career has spanned roles in early years settings and young adult programs, including her current role as Play and Mini Club Leader. Her passion lies in supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), helping them engage with the local community and overcome barriers. Married in 2022 and deeply devoted to her family, Lucy brings warmth, kindness, and dedication to everything she does. She is committed to fostering inclusive spaces where every child feels valued, empowered, and capable of thriving.
Molly is the Play Club Assistant at Ohana and has lived in Ripon her entire life. Currently a second-year BSc Psychology in Education student at the University of York, Molly brings valuable experience from working in various educational settings, including with children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Passionate about creating inclusive and supportive environments, Molly is excited to help grow and develop Play Club into a space where children and parents can connect and thrive. With aspirations to become an Educational Psychologist, she is eager to continue building her skills and making a positive impact in her community.
Paul joined Ohana in 2025 as a Teen Club Leader. He is a passionate and experienced art educator with over 20 years of teaching and creative practice, and holds both a degree and an MA in Fine Art. Paul specialises in delivering inclusive, engaging art sessions for young people of all ages and abilities, including those with special educational needs. With a strong focus on building confidence and nurturing creativity, he is proud to support and inspire teenagers at Ohana as they explore their own artistic and creative journeys.
Kat is a parent carer who brings both lived experience and professional knowledge to her work with families. Having home-educated her two children through to higher education, she understands first-hand how overwhelming, exhausting and isolating the SEND journey can sometimes feel, and how much difference it can make to have someone alongside you who truly understands. Alongside her own experience, Kat has a background in special educational needs, including working in schools and completing Postgraduate SEN study. She is also trained in SEN law to IPSEA Level 3 and has supported families through local community work, including running social groups for neurodivergent girls and facilitating parent networks. Kat is passionate about making sure families feel listened to, supported and less alone. Whether it’s a friendly chat over a cup of tea, help understanding EHCP paperwork, finding the right school or simply working out what the next step might be, Kat is here to walk alongside families and offer practical, understanding support.
