Embark was founded by three friends, who collectively have over 40 years experience and wanted to make a difference for young adults

We have worked together as a team for over 6 years and after many conversations with concerned parents about the lack of adequate support and living environments for their children as they 'move on' in their adult lives, we decided to set up our own supported living service - Embark. We believe we fulfil a unique niche in the special needs sector, providing exceptionally high standards of supported living that cannot be found elsewhere. We believe the best support comes from highly qualified, motivated and experienced staff. Embark provides training and development to all staff to ensure the highest quality of support.

Vicky Ellison
Director

Hi, I'm Vicky, I grew up with an older brother, Christian, who has special needs. He's always been a big part of my life and it was because of Christian I decided to take up a career in Special education. I qualified as a teacher in 1996 and ever since I have worked in schools that specialize in the teaching of pupils with severe learning difficulties. I have also gained a PGCE in autism. I have more recently (since 2008) worked as a support worker in a supported living setting, supporting young adults with special needs in their own home. My life experiences have shaped my career choices and I am determined to make a difference for young people with learning difficulties through doing a job I love.

Siobhan Winters
Director

Hello, I'm Siobhan. I have worked with people who have special needs and mental health problems in a variety of settings for over 20 years. My family's been dedicated to offering respite and family support. I have also been fundamental in setting up and running a new project, offering activities and social opportunities for young adults with special needs in Mid Sussex. I have often questioned why I've stayed in this type of work, but the answer is I love it and couldn't imagine doing anything else. I'm also Mum to Ruari and Kitty. Kitty is getting to that age where she's thinking of leaving home and looking for a new place to live with friends. It's made me even more aware that young adults with learning disabilities should have the same opportunities.

Tracy Collett
Director

Hi there, I'm Tracy. My enthusiasm for working with young people comes from having a younger sister who has special needs, I have always been so greatly inspired by the impact which her carers have had on her life, so much so that both my mum and I chose to work in the special needs sector. My career experiences come from working in a special school for 5 years and more recently taking on a new venture setting up a charity project. With the help of lottery funding the charity offers activities and social opportunities to young adults with special needs. I live with my partner Matt and my 2 daughters Amber and Louisa.