Our Staff

Sue Stockman - CEO

Sue joined LinkAble in October 2023 and is excited to build on the charity’s foundations to develop services and reach out to more children, young people and adults with learning disabilities, locally. 

Sue is passionate about empowering people with learning disabilities to gain new skills, have increased self-confidence and lead fulfilling lives as active members of the community.

With over 25 years of experience working for charities in Senior Leadership Team roles for organisations such as YMCA East Surrey, Active Prospects and The Grange, in Surrey and Bromley Day Services, Aspens Charities and Carers Lewisham.

Sue also has experience of day services, supported employment, supported living and residential care and is keen to draw on her experiences to expand LinkAbles services.

Sue is committed to co-producing services with people supported by the organisation and their parents and carers to build innovative services people want and need.

Michelle Hutchinson - Head of Finance and Operations

Michelle joined LinkAble in April 2025, having previously worked as Head of Finance at another Surrey-based charity. Expanding on her previous responsibilities, Michelle’s role at LinkAble also includes operations, bringing an exciting new challenge.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Michelle brings a wealth of experience from both the charity and business sectors. She holds a master’s degree in business management and administration, following her studies in accounting and corporate governance with The Chartered Institute of Company Secretaries and Administrators.

Outside of work, Michelle is a keen walker who loves to spend time outdoors. She is also very close to her extended family and values time spent with friends.

Rachel Hudspith - Adult Services Manager 

Rachel joined LinkAble back in 2013 as a Sessional Worker. Since then, she has been a Group Leader for numerous groups and a Drama Tutor for the ActAbles and ActAbles Academy. In January 2024, Rachel took on the role of Adult Services Manager and is excited to expand and grow the adult services at LinkAble. 

Rachel is a trained Applied Theatre Practitioner, and her previous work has included working in SEND schools and colleges and within the NHS supporting older adults living with Dementia. 

Rachel is a qualified Makaton Tutor. She uses her knowledge to support staff and group members in developing their communication skills within LinkAble, whilst also running training within the wider community. 

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys going to the theatre, participating in her local amateur dramatic group’s productions, and relaxing at home with her fiancé and pet hedgehog, Waldo. 

Beth Lyford - Marketing and Communications Manager 

Beth Joined the LinkAble team in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience from working in the not-for-profit sector for 15 years. Beth has worked on many exciting projects, including a partnership with BBC Radio Bristol at social care charity Alive, large-scale cyber security conferences at tech charity Jisc, and microfinance programmes at international development charity Deki.

Beth is a born storyteller and relishes bringing the work of LinkAble to life through content and marketing. Raising the organisation's profile so more people can benefit from LinkAble's services feels like a privilege.

When not at work, Beth will most likely be hiking or camping. She is currently learning to play the guitar— it turns out it's never too late to start learning an instrument! 

Gigi Izsak-Bartok - Finance Manager 

Gigi joined LinkAble in 2024, bringing with her a diverse set of skills in accountancy. Originally from Hungary, she moved to the UK in 2014, where she has continued to develop her expertise. Gigi is currently studying for a master’s degree in Business Management & Finance at a university in London.

At LinkAble, Gigi is dedicated to ensuring the charity remains in a strong financial position, using her experience to maintain best practices. Passionate about helping and supporting others, she believes that with teamwork and determination, great things can be achieved.

Family is very important to Gigi, and in her free time, she enjoys camping, cycling, and travelling with them.

Louise Dockery - Talent Acquisition and Retention Manager

Louise joined LinkAble in October 2024 to lead recruitment and retention for employees. She is passionate about finding the right staff for the charity and ensuring employee happiness and well-being.

In recent years, Louise has had a busy career in Recruitment and Learning & Development. Prior to this, she spent 15 years managing teams in Digital Advertising. She is also a qualified Resilience Coach and NLP Trainer.

In her free time, Louise enjoys having fun with her young family and catching up with friends at gigs and festivals.

Sophie Trievnor - Children and Young People Team Leader

Sophie joined LinkAble in November 2021 on a government kickstart role working with over-18 groups and supporting LinkAble's Head of Services. 

She officially joined the office team in June 2022 as the Services Support Assistant for both over and under 18s. Sophie took on the role of Services Coordinator in May 2024 and is loves getting involved across all areas of LinkAble!

In her spare time, Sophie likes watching films/tv, and spending time with friends.

Emily Lake - Services Team Leader 

Emily joined LinkAble as a sessional facilitator in 2018. Since then, she progressed to the role of Group Deputy and then to Group Leader with both over and under-18 groups. In April 2023, Emily became Services Team Leader, offering a fantastic opportunity to use her vast LinkAble experience to help ensure the charity's services are the best they can be. 

Emily's goal is to support people with a learning disability and autistic people of all ages so they can lead a happy, independent and healthy life. She strives to support LinkAble's attendees and staff alongside the service managers to create a safe and welcoming environment.

When not at work, Emily enjoys going to concerts, looking after animals and spending
time with her friends and family.