As a BEd graduate from Queen’s University, Liz has been teaching for 26 years. She is currently Head of Education Assessment at the NI Juvenile Justice Centre.
In 1989 Liz became involved with a group of parents and professionals who came together because of their interest in Autism, from that group PAPA (now Autism NI) was formed. Liz has been Chair of Autism NI for the past 13 years. During this time the need and scope of the work within the world of Autism and the organisation has expanded enormously. Liz has very much contributed to PAPA’s development and its transition to Northern Ireland’s main Autism charity as Autism NI.
Liz says “My motivation for being involved in Autism NI (PAPA)? Well, that is easy! Unfortunately there is much to be done…for new and older families”.
Liz has been married for 25 years and has 2 children; Lauren (22) and Ryan (24) who has Autism and a severe learning difficulty. Ryan recently moved to live in the Croft Community and comes home regularly for family time and events. In the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Liz was awarded an MBE for services to Autism in Northern Ireland.
