Our team

Max Simpson – CEO/Founder

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 coffee shops 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.

Yim Minchainant

Yim’s qualifications: MSc Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Psychological Practice

Yim says:

I found my interest in developmental psychology when three of my middle school classmates were children with special needs.

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

What I love about Steps: I believe in the vision of being an inclusive community, starting within a small coffee shop. With hands-on experience in a real-life working environment and collaborative support from staff, I can actually see the positive changes happening among all Steps trainees, which is the most rewarding part of my job.

Pear Chainares

Working with individuals with special needs has continuously been my passion since I was inspired by an amazing boy with learning differences 6 years ago in a piano class.

Having received M.Sc. in Mental Health and certification in applied behavior analysis, I have provided behavioral therapy and special education to children and young people at a special learning center and in a school environment.

Now at Steps , I continue to work with my favourite people, facilitating and coaching them in all the functional skills they need for living, 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.

Kik – Junior Job Coach

Nat Eiamsataporn – Job Coach

Pop Ngernnuruk

Pop’s qualifications: BSc Psychology

Chaituss Termnuwong

Dipika Ratnaphat Mangal

Dipika qualifications: BSc/MA in Occupational Therapy

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