Michelle bolton

Co-Founder / Head of Operations

Michelle is married to John and they have three children: Charlotte, born 2011, Tom, born 2013 (who has Down Syndrome), and Max, born 2016.

When Tom was born, the paediatrician said he was ‘sorry’ that Tom had Down Syndrome (DS), which made John & Michelle feel devastated at what life might be like in the future. If only they knew then what they know now! They have found that Tom’s diagnosis has changed them and their life for the better.

Michelle is passionate about working with parents and professionals to help children with DS develop and learn, to ensure children and young people have an opportunity equal to their peers to take part in all aspects of life.

Michelle spent 10 years as an HR professional at Motability Operations, before leaving to focus on her children in March 2015. She is CIPD qualified with an MA in Personnel and Development.

Michelle is Co-Founder and Head of Operations of DS Achieve.

FIONA FORSTER

Operations Manager

Fiona is responsible for the management of DS Achieve's day-to-day operations, including leading our team and delivery of our services.

Fiona’s background is in office and project management and she worked in the software industry for many years before more recently working at a startup coaching business.

Fiona is a mum of two boys and when she’s not busy ferrying them both to activities and clubs, she is often found out cycling, at the gym or hiding away somewhere with a book. Her family’s favourite place is the Isles of Scilly, just off the coast of Cornwall, where the beaches look like photos of the Caribbean but the sea feels like the Arctic!