OUR TEAM
At RANi, we are passionate group of individuals with lived experience, professional knowledge, and a shared commitment to supporting families of neurodivergent children. Each member of our team brings unique strengths, insight, and compassion to the work we do.
Yasmeen brings a wealth of professional experience working with children with SEND across a variety of schools and organisations. Her background includes hands-on roles supporting children's development, advocating for inclusive practices, and working closely with families and educators. In addition to her professional expertise, Yasmeen also has personal, first-hand experience, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges families may face. Her compassionate and knowledgeable approach makes her a trusted source of support for parents and carers alike.
YASMEEN MAHMOOD - SEND Support Specialist
As a mother of two children with SEND, Shahida brings a wealth of lived experience to the team. She understands first-hand the challenges and triumphs that come with navigating the world of special educational needs and disabilities. Alongside her personal journey, Shahida also has extensive professional experience supporting families and advocating for inclusive practices. Her passion lies in empowering other parents and carers to feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way. She believes strongly in creating a safe, understanding community where no parent ever feels alone.
SHAHIDA MAHMOOD - Parent & Advocate
As a mother whose child was recently identified as having SEND, Zahida offers a unique and relatable perspective to others who may be at the beginning of their journey. She brings genuine empathy, understanding, and encouragement to families navigating new diagnoses, sharing her own experiences to help others feel less alone. Her role is all about listening, supporting, and reminding parents that it's okay to take things one step at a time.
ZAHIDA SOHAIL - Parent & Advocate
Our dedicated RANi volunteer is a passionate and empathetic advocate for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Deeply committed to supporting families and giving back to the community, he generously shares his time, skills, and heart. With a genuine desire to make a difference, he built our website with care and purpose—to create a space where parents and carers can find guidance, understanding, and hope. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he is a true champion for inclusion, awareness, and support.
ANIQUE HUSSON - IT Advisor and Championing SEND Support
At RANi, we offer more than just support — we offer real connection, understanding, and community.
Our team is made up of parents and carers with lived experience of raising neurodivergent children, so we truly understand the journey.
We proudly reflect the diverse communities we support and speak the languages of our families — including Urdu, Punjabi, and English — ensuring no one is left behind due to cultural or language barriers.
Led by experienced SEND parents and carers – With personal experience at our core, we offer authentic, compassionate support.
Deeply rooted in the community – We're from the same communities we serve, offering culturally sensitive and trusted guidance.
Multilingual support – We provide help in Urdu, Punjabi, and English to make sure families feel included and understood.
Lived experience at the heart – Our support is shaped by real stories, challenges, and successes.
Education and empowerment focused – We deliver workshops on EHC plans, mental wellbeing, hidden disabilities, and parents' rights.
Strong connections with professionals, local services and the public sector – We actively work with schools, local councils, local services such as SENDIASS, Manchester Parent Champions, Regen.me.uk, the Local Offer, Manchester Parent Carer Forum and Family Hub to make sure families are well-supported.
Representation at a strategic level – We are proud members of Manchester Working Together Network where we help influence decisions and shape services for SEND families whom we work with. We represent families from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds through our work with the BME Network, helping to improve access to inclusive and culturally sensitive SEND support.
Safe and inclusive spaces – We create judgment-free spaces where parents and carers can share, support each other, and grow together.