Our Team

"My name is Emily Knights, and I am a Deputy Director and Registered Manager here at Able2Achieve, where I have proudly worked since 2020. I started my journey in able2achieve as an Operations Manager, and have progressed into the role of Registered Manager and now Deputy Director. In my role, I am dedicated to making a positive difference and supporting the Learners and Staff Teams I work with everyday. I really enjoy seeing our learners achieve their goals and the little and big wins we see everyday.

I studied Health and Social Care Management at University, and have worked in the Learning Disability industry for over 10 years. Prior to working for able2achieve, I worked in both the Day Provision and Supported Employment sectors and like using my knowledge in these sectors to support the growth of able2achieve.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family and dog, we particularly like going to the coast and on walks. I enjoy the performing arts and this has always been a passion of mine, especially involving vulnerable individuals in society in the arts and seeing the difference this can make."

"I started working for able2achieve in 2019 as a support worker after leaving school and fell in love with the company and the work that a2a does! I found my sense of purpose and I knew I wanted to continue in this line of work as a career and have since progressed to Deputy Director and Registered Manager completing my Care Certificate, through to my Level 5 in Leadership and Management. I love helping people to be happy and giving every opportunity and experience to enhance someone's life. My favourite memory at a2a is taking someone to the beach for fish and chips, this was the first time this learner had been able to leave their house in over 9 years! I feel an overwhelming sense of fulfilment and joy for the work we do, and I am very proud of everyone at a2a. At work and at home I am known for being a bit unconventional and a little bit quirky, I usually have my crazy dog Freddie in tow beside me. I recently took up running after Amelia organised our Race4Life 10k in memory of Rupert. I have just completed my first half marathon which was a real achievement for someone who doesn't like sport! You will usually find me outside, I grew up on a farm and hope to have my own one day, growing vegetables and raising all kinds of animals. If it's raining however, you will find me next to a log burner with a book - I run a book club where a few of my colleagues join me! "

"Hello, I'm Amelia, and I have worked for able2achieve since 2019. I started as a support worker before taking time to travel across Asia and study at university in Nottingham. While studying, I worked as both a support worker and training administrator.

After moving back to the South West, I rejoined able2achieve full-time as an Assistant Operations Manager and have since progressed to Operations Manager. Before becoming a learning supporter, I spent my school holidays volunteering for the able2achieve Trust. I am passionate about bringing new opportunities and fresh ideas to able2achieve, ensuring our learners can enjoy the same activities as their peers and have fun wherever possible.

I studied Politics and International Relations at university and currently volunteer for FearFree Charity in Exeter, supporting survivors of domestic abuse. My aspiration is to build a career in the charity sector, continuing to support vulnerable adults and survivors of abuse. I also love traveling and exploring different countries and cultures.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking, running, and wild swimming with friends and family. I love being outdoors and really enjoy learning creative hobbies like painting and knitting—skills, I hope to incorporate these into my role. One of my proudest a2a moments was seeing staff and learners come together for the Race for Life in Bath."

"My name is Laura and I'm an Operations Manager here at able2achieve. With over 12 years of dedicated experience in the health and social care sector, I began my journey as a volunteer with able2achieve, driven by a passion for helping others. I transitioned into a core learner support worker role, where I spent 8 years developing, my skills and making a positive impact on those I supported. After taking time off to raise my children, I returned to the field and embraced the opportunity of furthering my professional development completing my Level 2 and 3 diplomas in health and social care, I'm also now working toward my Level 4. My commitment and Knowledge led to my promotion to Assistant Operations Manager, and 1.5 years ago, I proudly stepped into the role of Operations Manager. I now oversee six accommodations, ensuring the highest standards of care and support. I am deeply passionate about empowering our learners and supporting our staff to best support them to achieve their goals and aspirations. I have recently taken on the role of lead trainer for the Oliver McGowan training which focuses on improving understanding and support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. This role allows me to share my knowledge and experience with others, ensuring that our team is well-equipped to provide compassionate and effective care.

As a mother of two I thrive on the excitement of family adventures, whether we're exploring new destinations or embarking on spontaneous weekend getaways. In my downtime, I dive into captivating books that transport me to far-off lands and thrilling escapades."

"My name is Amilcar Costa, also known as Mike, working as assistant operations manager at able2achieve. My job is ensuring compliance and good levels of support for learners and staff, while supporting management team vision. But secretly, I keep searching for better ways to change the world and be a better version of myself on everything that I do while working.

A few years back I felt the need be happy and more fulfilled with myself and my work, so I left my previous job ( in good terms) and started to look around for possibilities. I crossed paths with able2achive, had a positive job interview, meeting really interesting people, but was unsuccessful on the position applied. As you can imagine, it was not the end of my history with a2a, it was the beginning, as the door remained wide open and other opportunities were kindly given to me. I'm grateful to Rupert and Marika for truly investing in people as I was able to find my life mojo, share really positive work and life values, and meet more amazing people along the way.

On my free time I either chill, go on crazy adventures, invest in microcredit, travel to a new place every year, make myself available for mentoring and feedback. Anything is of interest to me when up and about, a door handle detail, quirky characters, colour of the trees while walking up a hill, sound of new languages, street art. I'm absolutely mad about marketing postcards, avidly collecting them on my life journeys, fascinating by the original ways to convene a message, share an event. My guilty pleasure is watching Match of the Day, the way that you dissect team movements and strategies, while sprinkling some dry humour strangely gives me comfort."

"Hi, I'm Linzi, Head of Administration at able2achieve, where I've been proudly working since 2012. Over the years, I've witnessed incredible growth within the organisation and continue to find immense satisfaction in watching our learners take steps towards independence, no matter how small.

Recently, I achieved my Level 5 Management qualification, a milestone I'm particularly proud of. Outside of work, I have a passion for travel, whether it's exploring in our camper or venturing to far-off destinations and running around after my Granddaughter, my favourite person in the world. I'm lucky to have a wonderful group of friends with whom I love spending countless hours. Whether we're eating, drinking, or simply laughing together, these social moments are truly special to me. Though I stand at 5'1", I've been told my attitude is 6 feet tall!"

"Hello! My name is Tiffany and I work as an Administrator at able2achieve. I have been working at able2achieve for 7 years now. I started as a Receptionist and then progressed onto being an Administrator. My job role includes payroll, recruitment and general admin for the Ops Team.

Over the many years I have been here, the company has grown massively. We have so many more learners, staff, properties and exciting opportunities. The best part of my job is seeing the learners progress and achieve their goals. From learning to administer their own medication, use public transport by themselves and go on amazing holidays, I am so proud of each and every one of our learners for their development and growth over the years. They put a smile on our faces every single day and genuinely make the office a very special place. able2achieve is a fantastic place to work, with great opportunities, benefits, management team and my colleagues are wonderful.

In my spare time, I love to read, travel, go to the gym and spend time with my family and friends, including my 4 beautiful nephews. I really enjoy going on holiday – My highlights include Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona and Croatia."

"I joined able 2 achieve in October 2024 in my position as the Accounts Administrator. I have previously attained an AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification along with over 20 years of experience in finance, building my knowledge and expertise for the role.

Outside of work I enjoy reading a variety of genres. Spring is my favourite season when I can spend more time in my garden attempting to grow my own vegetables, which I have done since I was a child with my grandparents."

"I joined able2achieve in May 2023 as the Human Resources Administrator. I have a First Class BA Honors Degree in Business Studies with Human Resources Management and a CIPD Level 3 Diploma in Human Resource Practice. In the future, I would like to study for the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management.

I enjoy working behind the scenes at a2a ensuring the team is happy, supported and growing, which in turn supports our wonderful Learners. There is a wonderfully supportive family feel at a2a and I feel very at home here. When I'm not working or running around after my three children, I enjoy baking, running, interior design and gardening."

"Hello, I'm Joe Knights. I am the Learning Manager at a2a. I started my professional career volunteering with the Princes Trust, which inspired my love for community led projects and led me to work for both national and local Learning Disability Services. I have been at a2a for 4 years and have really enjoyed the ethos and commitment of the company as well as the teams Learner focused approach to everything we do.

I have been lucky enough to have met some great groups and individuals along the way who have shared our passion for Learner progression, and we have developed a fantastic community, who help us shine a light on the Learners ability and bring communities together regardless of our differences.

In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, especially scything and walking my dog, Bilbo, with the family. I also like playing video games. I am a trustee/board member for a few other local projects, and I like going to community events that bring people together to make positive change."

"I grew up in Staffordshire, and it was there that I attained the Queen's Scout Award. My subsequent career has been spent entirely in the hospitality industry. I trained at the Gleneagles golf resort in Scotland and then worked at the Belfry in the Midlands through two Ryder Cups. I went on to work in hospitality in Buckinghamshire and Cheshire before moving down to Devon.

When I'm not working I will often be found running and have completed several marathons as well as the notorious Grizzly trail event around Seaton. Working for able2achieve over the past 6 years has undoubtedly been a highlight and has given me an opportunity to learn some valuable new people skills. Working with our learners and watching them grow their skills and self confidence is totally fulfilling."

"Hi, I'm Honor Garnett. I've worked at able2achieve for the past three years. I've been connected to the company since my dad Rupert Elliott started it in 2010. Currently, I work as a Learning Developer in Active Lives, where I support and help learners progress. I hold a PGCE and a degree in Psychology, and before joining able2achieve, I worked as an SEN Teacher.

I am passionate about creating engaging and effective learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our learners. I collaborate closely with colleagues to develop innovative educational materials and strategies that foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. My background in psychology and special education has provided me with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by our learners, and I am dedicated to helping them achieve their full potential.

Outside of work, I have a variety of interests that keep me active. I love spending time outdoors, especially walking my two dogs. Additionally, I enjoy cold-water swimming, running and climbing."

"Hi, my name is James.

I came to my current role as a learning support worker with a2a a couple of years ago almost by chance after working in Engineering from the age of 16. I saw a Facebook post from our CEO Marika, advertising for a person to support a Learner in his home near to where I live, I was looking for a fresh challenge and something completely different from the career path I'd been on.

Well, let me tell you, it's certainly different! As part of my induction and ongoing training at a2a I was given the opportunity to work with Honor (my goddaughter) and Joe Knights in Active Lives taking groups of Learners out into the community, supporting them in many diverse projects mostly environmentally based, I have learnt so much, alongside and from our Learners in the new role, every day is different, very rewarding, occasionally challenging and great fun.

I also occasionally help out with relief shifts in some of the houses supporting our learners live their lives independently.

All the staff are very friendly and supportive, giving advice and mentoring when needed. I'm really glad I took the leap and joined a2a, it's fun, rewarding, and different every day. Who says you can't teach an old dog a few new tricks."