Meet The Directors
Lizeta Fellows
Founder & Director
I am a parent of two autsitic young men. For many years my husband and I were confused and frustrated by our boys behaviours and 'quirks' and could not find any support, help or guidance. Our eldest child was diagnosed with ASD in 2014 at the age of 12, and our youngest son was diagnosed at age 11.
We feel that we have battled through this alone and at times we really needed support. So after an immense amount of research and studying, we managed to find ways to support our children and guide them through life.
This took many different attempts at interventions - some that were successful and some not so much. Many hours of meetings, writing letters, documenting behaviours and fighting - to get to a point where our children could function and navigate everyday life (with support).
I decided, with the knowledge and experience that I had gained, to set something up for other parents and carers in similar situations to ourselves, and provide the support that we never had to our local community. We didn't want other parents/carers to feel alone and unsupported in this often quite difficult journey.
Trevor Picton
Director
My name is Trevor Picton. I have had various occupations - RN for 23 years and Heavy Goods Driver. I started working with youngsters with Autism at Chelfam Senior School in 2006 and after 6 years I moved to working with people of all ages. When I retired aged 75, I found that I needed an interest within the community and Beat4Autism ticked all the boxes. Last year I was asked if I was interested in being a Director - I jumped at the opportunity hoping some of my experiences will help us go forward.
Lesley Higgs
Director
I am Lesley.
I love creating art, (especially painting)
Listening to music and audio books, challenging myself and helping others. I have co-written “Neurodivergent Me” with Lizeta, with art work and editing by Wroxy Meredith.
Lizeta and Beat4autism has helped me and my family so much, whilst navigating our way through the neurodivergent maze.
At times it has been so hard and exhausting that it would have been easy to give up. Knowing there is support available in Torpoint has made such a difference.
It is for this reason I decided to become a director. I wanted to help other families in this area and beyond to not go through the same struggles as my own family.
I am dyslexic and creative, like supporting the community and sharing information with others and trying to make a difference.
My lived experience with 2 Neurodivergent children has allowed me to look at life in a unique way. I like helping and promoting events and inclusivity
Kayleigh Clarke
Director
I was truly honoured to be invited to serve as a Director with Beat4Autism over a year ago following a challenging personal year, and the support and trust from such an encouraging team have made this experience immensely rewarding.
You will often find me volunteering in the shop (organising is my happy place), supporting at our wonderful events, creating magic as a Christmas Elf, or spamming you all on social media.
I have been a volunteer leader with Rainbows for 16 years and Beavers for 6.5 years and have always been passionate about inclusive education and activity access for all within the community.
With Beat4Autism, this is truer still, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, and I'm finally using my education and experience in a meaningful way to promote outreach and understanding.
In engaging with our community, I have been able to gain a greater appreciation of wider perspectives, develop positive outcomes from negative experiences, and, of course, ask all of the questions! I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity to further serve and support my community!
Through my involvement with Beat4Autism, I have discovered a renewed sense of purpose and am regaining my self-confidence, which has inspired me to move forward with greater determination.
And I’ve realised that the experiences I’ve had the privilege of being a part of have given me far more than the time I've invested.
As someone who identifies as a part of the Neurodiverse Community, and has a habit of selling themselves short, it has been incredibly empowering to be embraced for my individuality and the contributions I can make, rather than being defined by the obstacles I encounter.
Laura Jenks
Director
I joined as a director for Beat 4 Autism in January 2024, after portraying Jingles the elf at their sensory grotto the year prior as well as last year.
The overall experience was very rewarding and meant so much to me as it did to every single child, parent, and carer. I chose to become a director to channel the energy I felt in that moment in so many events throughout the year.
Within my career path within the music industry, I have had a range of experience within several different roles, including music therapy sessions with disabled children. With the knowledge from these sessions, I wanted to enhance my knowledge in these areas and give back to my hometown of Torpoint, as I mostly work from home US bound.
As a director within Beat 4 Autism I hope to spread awareness, achieve support from others within the local community as well as raise as much money as possible for a cause that holds a special place within my heart.
Leah Fellows
Director
My name is Leah Fellows, and I am 23 years old. I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 7, which presented certain challenges; however, I have successfully achieved several significant milestones. These include earning a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, passing my driving test, and excelling in my role as a Customer Service Advisor. Additionally, I recently got married in August 2024.
During my time volunteering at the Beat4Autism shop, I witnessed a couple expressing their gratitude to Lizeta for her assistance in helping them understand autism. They shared how, with her support, they finally received the necessary help and guidance for their child through the school system, and they were moved to tears with joy. This experience inspired me to pursue a role as a director at Beat4Autism, as I am eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of parents and autistic children and adults .
Beat4Autism organizes wonderful events for autistic individuals and their families, providing a space where they can enjoy themselves without feeling overwhelmed. I support Beat4Autism by volunteering on my days off from work at the Beat4Autism shop . I also participate in the Beat4Autism Big Picnic. One year, I participated in a community Secret Santa, delivering gifts to homes in Torpoint. Additionally, I assist at the Play4Autism events by helping with setup, engaging with parents, and preparing tea, coffee, and biscuits.
