Our team

Max Simpson – CEO/Founder

Max’s qualifications: MA Special Educational Needs & Inclusion, PG CERT Special Educational Needs Coordination

Max says:

I have been working with the neurodiverse community for the past 15 years and the longer I work alongside this community, the more evidence I have that they are value adding employees to any business.

Originally from the UK, I have worked in a variety of settings including learning support departments and with young people in care. I then went on to focus on transition to employment before moving to Bangkok and becoming deputy head of a special needs school.

After working there for 4 years, I saw the gap between education and employment and the need for transition services for people with special needs. I believe partnership is the key to creating a more inclusive society.

What I love about Steps: It is more than a training centre or coffee shop, it is a safe community space for all which promotes individuality. The community we work with have so many skills to offer and I love seeing them get the opportunity to do that in our real work environments.

Uang Hotrakitya – Director of Partnerships/Founder

Uang’s qualifications: BA and MA in International Relations, MA in Social Innovation and Sustainability, Diploma in Patisserie and Thai Cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School

Uang says:

From my work at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to opening several social enterprises and co-founding Steps, I believe workplaces and society benefit hugely from inclusion. Social enterprise is a powerful tool to help create systemic impact for the neurodiverse community.

Providing employment opportunities for young neurodiverse adults is a topic close to my heart and something that is lacking in Bangkok. I am excited to see the many positive outcomes for our trainees and help them step towards a more independent and fulfilling future.

What I love about Steps: I love seeing our coffee shop staff develop into job coaches and advocates for our mission.

Pear Chainares – Head of Employment

Pear’s qualifications: M.Sc. Mental Health, Certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy (ABA) 

Pear says:

Working with the neurodivergent community has continuously been my passion since I was inspired by an amazing boy 6 years ago in a piano class.

Since received my M.Sc. and certification in applied behaviour analysis, I have provided behavioural therapy and differentiated education to children and young people at special learning centres and in school environments.

Now at Steps , I continue to work with my favourite people, facilitating and coaching them in all the functional skills they need for living independently, and for making their dream jobs come true.

What I love about Steps: Not just friends, not just trainees and job coaches, here at Steps we are ‘family’ who are always ready to accept, understand and support each other.

Yim Minchainant – Head of Education

Yim’s qualifications: MSc Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Psychological Practice, Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – University of Edinburgh, UK

Yim says:

I found my interest in developmental psychology whilst at school as three of my middle school classmates were children with learning differences.

Within the supportive environment of an inclusive school, I saw the different ways my friends interacted with the world and their ability to go beyond expectations. I pursued my passion in young people’s psychological growth through my higher education and now my career.

What I love about Steps: I believe in the vision of being an inclusive community, which at Steps starts with our models of inclusive employment. With hands-on experience in a real-life working environment and collaborative support from staff, I can see the positive changes happening amongst our trainees, which is the most rewarding part of my job.

Kik Nernsai – Centre Supervisor

Kik’s qualifications – Bachelor of Social Work Program, M.Ed. in Special Education

Elle Takong – Centre Supervisor

Elle’s qualifications – B.Ed. in Secondary Education, M.Ed. in Learning Sciences and Educational Innovation

Nat Eiamsataporn – Project Manager, Neurodiversity at Work Research Centre (NWRC)

Nat’s qualifications: MA Special and Inclusive Education, Ph.D. candidate in Quality of Life Development for Persons with Disabilities.

Oui Termnuwong – Job Coach and Safeguarding Lead

Oui’s qualifications: MA Occupational Therapy

One of my responsibilities is to oversee our Business Service Centre, a real, on-site inclusive business which provides both training and employment opportunities for our trainees and graduates. I get to use my skills as an OT to make different types of work accessible which become models for other organisations to use.

Dipika Mangal – Occupational Therapist

Dipika qualifications: BSc/MA in Occupational Therapy

April-Joy Beresford – Job Coach

April’s qualifications: MA Disability Studies (specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis ABA), Sensory Integration Certificate

Yannina Redil – Job Coach

Yanni’s qualifications: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/MBA

My experience working with the neurodiverse community began when I volunteered at one of the Philippines’ Government schools. It was a wonderful experience, and it has become my passion since then. I have been working in international schools in Bangkok with a focus on helping neurodivergent young people and honing their skills. With my experience and skills, I am excited to give support to trainees in their transition into employment.

What I love about working at Steps:

The team is amazing; we are a family here. I like that we work together and build professional learning communities to give our trainees the best chance to do well and give them a sense of community and belonging.

Tryn Rohrer – Job Coach

Tryn’s qualifications: Bsc Psychology and Minor In Counseling and Human Development

During my time in Vancouver, Canada, I got to see the incredible effort put into building an inclusive community for neurodivergent individuals. This experience fueled my passion for working with the neurodivergent community and creating an environment where everyone’s unique abilities and viewpoints are valued. I believe in the power of inclusivity and will continue to advocate for a society that embraces and respects neurodiversity.

What I love about working at Steps:

I love working with steps because it allows me to make a positive impact in people’s lives and help them reach their full potential. It is incredibly rewarding to witness their progress and achievements as they navigate their unique paths towards a brighter future.

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