About Us

"Stefan... our beautiful, kind and funny boy"

“In March 2022, we lost a remarkable son and brother, Stefan. At just 15 years old, he reported relentless bullying at his Saturday job for being autistic. Tragically, he died by suicide feeling the weight of societal judgment, compounded by failures from the very statutory services meant to protect him.

“Stefan, a beautiful, kind, funny, and thoughtful young man, consistently brightened the lives of those around him with humour and his acts of kindness to others who were lost, lonely or isolated due to their difference.

“In February 2024, STefans’ Acts of Kindness – STAK.life was started to honour his memory by continuing his work, extending compassion to those marginalised by society due to differences.

“Let us strive to educate and advocate for neurodivergent individuals, ensuring that Stefan’s spirit lives on in a world that embraces neuro-affirming diversity and kindness.”

Tristan, Emma & Ellie x

Tristan Kluibenschadl

Director and Co-founder

Tristan, neurodivergent himself, holds a significant role as a core national trainer for the Anna Freud Centre’s National Autistic Training Program in London. This train the trainer program, commissioned by NHS England, focuses on training mental health and youth justice professionals. Additionally, Tristan conducts training sessions for NHS staff, specifically addressing learning disabilities and autism on behalf of MENCAP. A National Autistic Society trained facilitator, his expertise extends to collaborations with the University of Kent & Medway Medical School, and the Kent Autistic Trust. Tristan, an active member of the National Police Autism Association and various neurodiversity panels, has spearheaded initiatives within policing. His unwavering commitment lies in fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals within educational and law enforcement settings, extending to various organizations and businesses.

Emma Kluibenschadl

Director and Co-founder

Emma, a qualified teacher with over two decades of experience, has dedicated her career to supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and their families through training, consultancy, and one-on-one assistance. In 2018, she founded The SEND Trainer Limited, providing support and services nationally. Emma’s qualifications also include being a certified play and creative art therapist, offering valuable clinical support to children and young people in the local community.

Evie Stickler

Director

Eve Stickler joins the board of STAK with over 30 years senior strategic leadership experience in Local Authorities Children’s Services, Education departments and voluntary sector organisations. She has an outstanding track record of improving outcomes for children and young people and their families. Her work has spanned the development of preventative services for children from their earliest beginnings, through to their key transition points within the education system: early years, SEND services, youth provision, family support and adult learning. Her passion for the creative arts and support for children and families with SEND and mental health challenges draw on her personal experiences and she is delighted to take up the role of Director on the STAK board.

Donna Sherred

Director and Safeguard Lead

With over 30 years of experience as a Nursery Nurse, Donna has honed their expertise in child development, effective communication, and fostering positive learning environments. Her specialist skills as a SENDco have equipped her to understand and support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). As an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead, she prioritises the safety and protection of all young people under her care by implementing comprehensive safeguarding policies, conducting thorough risk assessments, and providing staff training. Additionally, Donna’s counselling training enables her to offer emotional support during challenging times. She is dedicated to creating inclusive affirming environments and ensuring the safety of all children and young people.

Stephen Askew

Fellow Chartered Accountant

Stephen joins Staklife from a background of more than 35 years’ experience in running and growing an accountancy practice before selling it to a large UK practice, acting largely for owner-managed businesses, Charities and other not for profit organisations as well as some large international companies. He mentors organisations’ owners and leaders and has supported hundreds of businesses of all sizes and from many different sectors. Having retired from the accountancy firm he continues to mentor business owners, develops property and volunteers for various local organisations. He is a committed member of the Rotary Club of Margate, has been their president twice and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Over more than Twenty-Five years Stephen was a Trustee of three Family Support and Early Years Charites in East Kent, having helped them start and acted both as a Treasurer and a Chair during his involvement. Stephen’s support for Staklife is derived from neurodivergence within his own family unit. He is committed to ensuring that STAK continues to represent the interests of all individuals who are neurodivergent. He believes that the strength of STAK stems from the passion of all the Directors and other volunteers and supporters to make a real difference.

Sara Horne

Admin & Project Support Officer

We are delighted to welcome Sara to the Staklife team.

Sara brings a wealth of lived and professional experience to her work supporting families and individuals. As a parent of an autistic child, she has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families navigating additional needs, particularly around anxiety, shutdowns, sensory processing, school-induced anxiety/refusal, and meltdowns. Sara has undertaken specialist training in Non-Violent Resistance, anxiety management, autism and shutdowns, as well as sensory regulation.

Alongside her own journey, Sara has dedicated her time to helping other parents and carers. She has provided one-to-one support, attended school meetings, reviewed Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and assisted with completing disability and carer forms.