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 Education

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 Centre

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

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 – Job Coach

Nat Eiamsataporn – Job Coach

Oui Termnuwong – Job Coach and Safeguarding Lead

Oui’s qualifications: BSc Occupational Therapy