How it started
“So, I’ve been away with the family and you know how that goes! Every time something happens….a fire alarm disregulates the whole family or the weather isn’t as expected or they just haven’t thought about the needs of families like us.”
- Jake
“OK, but what’s changed?”
- Alison
“Well I had a vision for an organisation that could help families like us rise and overcome the hurdles and barriers of everyday life. Look I’ve even sketched a rubbish logo! Shall we do it? With your skills and experience with families and my background as a psychotherapist and psychologist I think we could genuinely make a difference…”
- Jake
And Rise & Overcome was born…….
Alison grew up, and still lives, in the UK. Inspired by meeting John Taylor Gatto at a conference in London in 1999, along with meeting the wonderful home educated children who attended the conference, Alison embarked on home educating her own children the same year.
Realising quickly that her own family had various neuro divergent traits, she adapted her parenting and education style to suit. Along the way she volunteered through various organisations and independently, building her expertise in SEND and the systems surrounding SEND.
Alison is a respected and skilled advocate in the areas of SEND, Child Protection and Elective Home Education. She is also licensed NAS trainer.
Today Alison lives in Earby, Lancashire, surrounded by recipe books and sewing projects and runs Rise and Overcome with her good friend Jake.
Alison is also a local Girl Guide leader and supports families in the peer support group Sparkling Stars.
Alison’s story
Jake was born and grew up in Blackburn. He faced many challenges in childhood and even ended up having to educate himself! Jake knows how it feels to be let down by the system, but, Jake being Jake he rose above all of that and met the love of his life who luckily knows how to put up with support him.
Jake now lives in Clitheroe with his wife and two gorgeous girls. He volunteers for both Guiding and Scouting.
Jake’s story
Meet the Team
-
Alison Sauer
FOUNDER
Alison has worked in SEND and Alternative Education for about 25 years. She currently operates within the company as the main advocate for children and families and the senior trainer for families. She is a National Autistic Society Licensed Teen Life and Early Bird Plus trainer. -
Jake Damson
FOUNDER
Jake has qualifications in psychology and psychotherapy and has over a decade of experience in those field under his belt. His areas of expertise are adults, families, healthcare and organisations. -
Barbara Thomas
ASSOCIATE
Barbara is mum to three fabulous children. Blessed with a vibrant demeanour and a very understanding nature, she has navigated the SEND system for her own children. Formally a Girlguiding Rainbow Leader she has fulfilled many roles including running music and dance sessions for young children. Barbara has recently qualified as a National Autistic Society Licensed Teen Life and Early Bird Plus trainer and works with Rise and Overcome in that capacity. -
Michelle Zaher
ASSOCIATE
Michelle has worked within SEN field for over 15 years, has a teenager who has SEN and has navigated higher education with her own SEN labels. Knowledgeable in SEND and Education law and passionate about fairness and access to support for young people with SEND, Michelle writes and delivers courses for parents along with Alison.