Meet our team
We ‘get it’. We use our lived experience and members’ feedback to shape the services we offer. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about:
Our team
Esther Whitaker
Chief Executive Officer
Esther leads the charity, and is responsible for making sure we’re working towards our vision of a more inclusive world for people with Down’s syndrome. She’s a mum to two girls, and is passionate about celebrating the unique value each person brings to our communities.
Amy Town
Head of Fundraising & Communications
Amy leads on our fundraising and external communications – ensuring that members’ voices shape our public messaging and fundraising approach. Amy is passionate about equity and inclusion, and creating a world where everyone can thrive.
Susan Macdonald
Programme Manager
Susan leads our programme planning and volunteer management. With vast experience in live events and a personal connection as a mum to a child with Down’s syndrome, she aims to create an ambitious and inclusive programme that brings joy and connection to all our members.
Emma Goswell
Programme Manager
Emma leads our programme planning and volunteer management. As a parent to Niamh and long-time member of the DSM community, she’s seen first-hand the power of connection, which is why she’s so passionate about creating inclusive, joyful events and supporting our amazing volunteers.
Suzi Lindsay
Family Support Worker
As a parent to Jasper, who has Down’s syndrome, Suzi knows how important it is to feel understood and supported — and she’s proud to help other families find the guidance and connection they deserve. With a background in education and SEND, Suzi is here to listen, empower, and walk alongside families.
Kayleigh Howarth
Finance & Admin Assistant
With over 15 years’ experience in finance, Kayleigh brings her skills to a charity that means so much to her personally as a mum to two boys, one of whom has Down’s syndrome. She’s passionate about helping the charity run smoothly behind the scenes, so it can continue to offer a warm, inclusive space for every family.
Current Vacancies
Down’s Syndrome Manchester is a great place to work. We’re growing steadily and any vacancies will be shown below.
We’re also always looking for volunteers. Check out our volunteers page to find out more.
Our volunteers
We couldn’t do what we do in support of members without a team of volunteers. By giving your time, you help create a more inclusive world for people with Down’s syndrome.
Our trustees
Martin
Chair of Trustees
Martin has worked with people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for over forty years in roles including teaching assistant, domiciliary carer, teacher, headteacher and chief executive. He retired as CEO of the Chatsworth Multi Academy Trust in August 2024 and now works as an educational consultant and speaker. He is a trustee of The Tutor Trust, a member of the Coalition of Senior Professionals in Autism, and was recognised as a Senior Fellow of the International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners in 2026.
His career has focused on supporting pupils with SEND in schools and colleges, alongside guest lecturing and advisory work.
Outside work, Martin enjoys football, cricket and running, has coached local teams, and loves music and reading. He is learning Spanish and enjoys time with family and friends, often after a long walk with his dog, Eric.
Sakib
Treasurer
He serves as Treasurer for Down’s Syndrome Manchester, where he applies his financial expertise to support responsible budgeting, transparent governance, and the long-term sustainability of the charity. He is passionate about ensuring resources are managed effectively so the organisation can continue delivering meaningful impact for children and families in the community.
Steve
Secretary
Steve is a devoted dad to James, who has Down’s syndrome, and his family has been part of this supportive and welcoming community since 2017. As a project engineer, Steve is excited to contribute his experience behind the scenes to help the charity grow and thrive.
Catherine
Trustee
Catherine is proud to support this incredible charity by sharing her knowledge of social media and online relationship-building, helping to spread awareness of the inspiring work being done. With a strong focus on supporting individuals with Down’s syndrome and their families, this charity embodies compassion and inclusion—and Catherine feels truly honoured to contribute.
Lydia
Trustee
Lydia is an experienced arts project manager with a decade of success delivering inclusive programmes across a wide range of artforms, with a strong focus on working alongside people with learning disabilities. As Projects Officer at Venture Arts, she leads work with schools and young people, supports learning disabled artists, and was recognised as a Manchester Culture Award finalist in 2021.
Emma
Trustee
She is passionate about helping the charity grow its reach, support more families across Greater Manchester, and ensure it continues to provide opportunities, advocacy and support for its members.
Tina
Trustee
Tina has been involved with the group for over 15 years. As a Teacher of the Deaf and Assistant Head for Manchester’s Sensory Support Service, Tina is passionate about inclusive communication and actively supports local and national communities through her work and volunteering.
Sean
Trustee
Sean is a financial journalist, dad to two, and became part of the charity after his youngest – who has Down’s syndrome – was born during lockdown. Sean has loved being part of this warm, caring community and is using his skills to help make our support more accessible to even more families.
Support us
Down’s Syndrome Manchester is a charity, and we rely on the support of our community. Here are some ways you can show your support:
