Meet the Team
Anita Coppola MBE - Head of Small Steps
Trained both as a special needs teacher and in conductive education, Anita worked first as a teacher in Greenmead School before joining Small Steps in 1998. She has driven the Service forward from those early days when just 3 children a week attended sessions. Anita was awarded an MBE in 2012 for Services to Special Education particularly her work for Small Steps. Anita’s mantra is this – human interaction, less is more, the kettle is always on, stay orange!
Sam Cook - Assistant Head
Sam is a chartered physiotherapist with over 20 years experience in a wide variety of clinical areas. In 2002 she specialised in children’s physiotherapy, working in a central London teaching hospital until 2006. Since then she has been a self employed paediatric physiotherapist and in 2015 joined the Small Steps Team.
Ruth Adlington - Marketing and Communications Manager
Ruth's background is in Music and Arts Administration, with many years experience developing free life-changing music performance and progression opportunities for young people across the UK.
Ruth is a graduate parent of Small Steps, having originally attended sessions with her son Joseph. She joined the staff team in 2002 and has played an integral role in the development of Small Steps ever since. Ruth is now responsible for Marketing and Communications within the charity.
Flóra Baki - Conductor/ Teacher
Flóra trained at the Peto Institute in Hungary and became a qualified Conductor – Early Years Teacher in 2017.
She joined Small Steps in 2019, bringing experience from her previous role with a UK-based private company, where she supported children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions. Her work focused on one-to-one and small group sessions in both school and home environments.
Flóra is a valuable member of the Small Steps team leading and supporting sessions and building strong relationships with the children and their families. She is passionate about empowering parents to actively support their child’s development in a holistic way through the principles of Conductive Education.
Alongside her main role, Flóra is a trained DMI therapist, conducts assessments for new children, and she is a Conductor Assistant Tutor, sharing her skills and enthusiasm with others in the field.
Bella Csonka - Conductor/Teacher
Bella joined Small Steps in September 2021 as a qualified conductor teacher, having completed her training at the Peto Institute in Hungary. Following her graduation, she spent two years working with a private company, delivering personalised one-to-one and small group sessions.
At Small Steps, Bella plays a key role in leading and supporting sessions, working closely with children and their families. She is also actively involved in the referral and assessment process, helping to ensure that every child and family receives the support they need from the very beginning.
Rayanne Piercy - Conductor Assistant
Rayanne is a Conductor Assistant who joined Small Steps in September 2022. She has studied level 3 Childcare and Education and has come to us from Bedelsford School, where she worked within their early years department for several years and also has worked within their primary and secondary departments. In 2024 Rayanne completed a course with the National Institute of Conductive Education at Small Steps, and qualified as a Conductor Assistant.
Indila Simandi - Conductor/Teacher
Indila is a caring, enthusiastic Conductor-Teacher. She has over thirty years of experience working as a conductor with children with various special needs, enabling them to lead fuller, more active lives.
Indila gained her Conductor degree from Hungary and holds a postgraduate diploma in Conductive Education from the University of Birmingham and she is a qualified practice tutor for conductor students.
She has first-hand experience with a brother with Cerebral Palsy, Gabor. Indila found her enthusiasm for CE through attending Conductive Education sessions at the Peto Institute with him as a young child.
Indila is very grateful to have become part of the Small Steps family in January 2025, a thriving and expanding Conductive Education community that puts children and families first.
Geneva Kearns - Early Intervention Specialist
Geneva is an Early Intervention Specialist from the United States with over 25 years of experience in working with young children and their families. She completed her undergraduate studies in human development and her graduate studies in health and behaviour science, with a focus on intellectual, sensory, and communication disorders.
Through her work in schools, homes, and therapeutic centres across the United States and Hong Kong, Geneva has developed the skills required to work with a wide range of children with special needs. Geneva is passionate about supporting families and helping children to reach their full potential and is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue this work as part of the Small Steps team.
Nicola Thackeray - Business Manager
Nicola has been involved in Small Steps since it's inception in 1998. After working in a primary school for children with disabilities for 10 years, Nicola joined the Small Steps team in 2007. As Business Manager she is responsible for the Charity's finances and HR and is also a member of the Fundraising and Premises committees.
Eszter Boross - Conductive Education Lead
Eszter trained at the Peto Institute in Hungary and is a qualified Conductor/Teacher. She has previously worked at the Hornsey Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and first joined Small Steps in 2004 as maternity cover and then as a permanent member of staff from 2005. Eszter is Conductive Education Lead at Small Steps and both leads and supports Small Steps sessions.
Mylène Terret - Digital Marketing Co-ordinator
Mylène comes from France and arrived in London in October 2014. She has previously worked as an au pair with English families. She enjoyed looking after children, educating and supporting them in their everyday life. Mylène has also undertaken voluntary work for other charities and schools in her spare time. Mylène joined Small Steps in June 2017 as our Charity Support Assistant and from early 2026 is our Digital Marketing Co-ordinator, responsible for implementing a new CRM system for the organisation.
Wendy Dawson - Community & Events Fundraiser
Wendy's connection to Small Steps began in 2011 when her daughter attended sessions; giving her firsthand experience of the charity's significant impact. This personal connection strengthened her understanding of both the challenges and rewards of caring for and educating children with disabilities. She joined the team as Community and Events Fundraiser in April 2025.
Wendy brings extensive experience in business and account management, having held roles in hotel management, data services, and international market analysis.
In recent years, Wendy has actively contributed to many fundraising efforts, chaired her local school PTA, and supported various community charities, bringing both professional expertise and heartfelt commitment to her role. Wendy is passionate about sharing the incredible impact of the charity with the wider community.
Sharan Athwal - Office Assistant
Sharan became part of the Small Steps team in December 2025. She brings experience from the education sector along with a background in finance. At Small Steps, she supports the smooth day-to-day operations of the office. Outside of work, Sharan enjoys reading and spending quality time with her daughter.
Popi Mair - Physiotherapist
Popi is a state registered and chartered physiotherapist with over thirteen years of experience in paediatrics in both the NHS and the private sector. She joined Small Steps in September 2022. She currently also works in a special needs school.
Judit Molnar - Conductor/Teacher
Judit is a Hungarian, BSc (Hons) Peto-trained Conductor, Special Needs Teacher and Reflexologist working and living in the UK since 1998. She has more than 30 years experience working with children and adults who have neurological conditions (such as CP), genetic conditions or are experiencing delayed physical and cognitive development.
During her career as a practitioner, Judit has worked in many different settings, she has built an extensive teaching skillset that allows her to deliver engaging activities to improve both physical and cognitive abilities and skills. As a practice tutor she closely worked with The National Institute for Conductive Education, Birmingham, and trained undergraduate conductors.
Marsha Austin - Physiotherapist
Marsha is a registered and chartered Physiotherapist (qualified in 2002) and has worked across many different areas over the years both in the NHS and charity sector. She is highly experienced working with people with complex needs and learning disabilities. She has always had a special interest in complex postural management and function.
Marsha is a graduate mum with her daughter and was excited to join the Small Steps team in April 2025, who provided so much support when they were attending sessions. They enjoy spending time as a family exploring the world. Marsha has a love of Makaton and is a regular member of the singing hands choir.
Nina Pitulec-Sluiter - Session Supporter
Nina was born in Poland where she studied sociology. After graduating she moved to Chicago, USA where she was an Au Pair and worked with four young children. After arriving in London in April 2015 Nina spent 3 years working at a nursery with children aged under 4 years old. Then she moved to a mainstream primary school to support children with additional educational needs. This rewarding work experience inspired her to undertake a Masters’ degree in Inclusive Education and she graduated from just few days before having her son in 2023. Nina is a graduate mum, and Small Steps supported her family through the most challenging times. She is very excited to be on the other side as a part of the team and hopes to become a Conductor in the future.
Emma Clee - Occupational Therapist
Emma is an occupational therapist with over 25 years experience in paediatrics. Alongside working in the NHS, charity sector and special schools, she has undertaken various post graduate studies including sensory integration and research. Emma is also a Bobath Therapist and Certified Infant Massage Therapist.
Emma believes everyone deserves to flourish and by taking part in activities that nurture, develop us and give us satisfaction we can all lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Enabling others to participate in occupations to the best of their ability and meet their potential, by developing strengths and addressing needs remains at the core of Emma’s work.
Emma is excited to be joining the team at Small Steps.