Meet our experts

Every episode of Raising Potential features experienced Aspris colleagues who have dedicated their careers to supporting children and young people with additional needs.

Together, they bring decades of expertise across SEND, specialist education, autism and school leadership. Many of our contributors also bring personal experience as parents and carers themselves, providing a unique blend of professional knowledge and lived experience.

Meet the experts sharing their insights throughout series one.

Host - Tora Millward

Tora Millward is Head of Communications at Aspris and host of series one of the Raising Potential Podcast. Having studied journalism at university, she’s spent her career working in communications and storytelling, helping organisations share meaningful stories that inform, inspire and connect people.

In her role at Aspris, Tora leads colleague and organisational communications, helping to showcase the expertise of colleagues across education and care, celebrate the achievements of children and young people, and share stories that make a positive difference.

On Raising Potential, Tora brings together experts from across Aspris to share practical advice, professional insight and lived experience, helping parents and carers better understand SEND, specialist education and family life.

Tora Millward, host of Raising Potential Podcast

Dr Wendy Sparling

Dr Wendy Sparling has dedicated more than 30 years to supporting children and young people with autism and their families. Previously a headteacher within an Aspris school, she now works as a Regional Director, overseeing a number of Aspris locations across the UK.

Widely recognised for her expertise in autism and specialist education, Wendy is passionate about helping children and young people access the support they need to thrive. Alongside her professional experience, she brings valuable personal insight as the mother of three sons with autism, giving her a unique understanding of the journey many families experience.

On Raising Potential, Wendy discusses the signs that a child may benefit from specialist education, sharing expert insight into autism, ADHD and the importance of finding the right support at the right time.

Dr Wendy Sparling, Aspris Regional Director, on Raising Potential Podcast

Nicola Craig

Nicola Craig is an experienced headteacher with more than 20 years in education, including 12 years in school leadership. Throughout her career, she has specialised in inclusion and has supported many families through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.

Nicola is passionate about ensuring children and young people receive the right support to achieve their potential. Alongside her professional expertise, she is also a parent to three daughters, including one with autism and another with ADHD, providing first-hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities families may encounter.

On Raising Potential, Nicola explains the EHCP process, helping parents and carers understand what an EHCP is, how it can support their child and what to expect along the way.

Nicola Craig, Headteacher, on Raising Potential Podcast

Lisa Price

Lisa Price has worked in specialist education for more than 34 years, helping children and young people with special educational needs develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for positive futures. As an Aspris headteacher, she provides strategic leadership focused on high-quality education, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Lisa is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every young person and helping families navigate important educational decisions. Her dedication to specialist education was recognised when she was named Headteacher of the Year at the Aspris Awards 2025.

On Raising Potential, Lisa discusses the next steps after receiving an EHCP, sharing guidance on finding the right school and helping families feel more confident about making educational choices.

Lisa Price, Headteacher, on Raising Potential Podcast

Lisa Sharrock

Lisa Sharrock is an Aspris headteacher with 25 years of experience in education, much of which has been dedicated to supporting children and young people with autism and complex needs. She has completed specialist qualifications in autism and is passionate about delivering ambitious, personalised education that enables every young person to reach their full potential.

Throughout her career, Lisa has led specialist provision, strengthened curriculum and teaching practice, and supported the development of new schools through periods of growth and change. She is a dedicated advocate for ensuring every young person feels understood, included and empowered to succeed.

On Raising Potential, Lisa shares what makes specialist schools different, exploring how personalised approaches can help children and young people flourish both academically and personally.

Lisa Sharrock, Headteacher, on Raising Potential Podcast

Natalie Woods

Natalie Woods has spent more than 17 years supporting children and young people with special educational needs, with a particular focus on autism. Currently serving as a headteacher, she is passionate about creating inclusive environments where every child can flourish and achieve their potential.

Natalie values the perspective gained from both her professional and personal experiences. Living in the countryside with her husband, four children and a variety of animals, she understands the importance of family life and the role it plays in helping children develop confidence, resilience and independence.

On Raising Potential, Natalie takes listeners inside life at a specialist school, discussing how tailored support, understanding and strong relationships help children achieve their goals.

Natalie Woods on Raising Potential Podcast

Rebecca McArthur

Rebecca McArthur has more than 20 years of teaching experience, including over 15 years specialising in special educational needs. Following a successful career as an Aspris headteacher, she now provides strategic leadership across seven Aspris schools.

Rebecca combines extensive professional expertise with personal experience as a parent of a son with autism and complex needs. This dual perspective gives her a deep understanding of the realities families face and the importance of working together to support children and young people. Alongside her work in education, Rebecca has spent more than 26 years volunteering with young people in Romania, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping young people achieve their potential.

On Raising Potential, Rebecca shares practical advice for supporting autistic children at home, drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience to help families navigate everyday life with confidence.

Raising Potential Podcast

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