Meet the Reverse Rett Trustees
Meet the dedicated Trustees behind Reverse Rett—the passionate parents, grandparent, professionals, and advocates driving our mission forward. Each Trustee brings unique skills and personal commitment to help improve the lives of those affected by Rett syndrome. Together, they guide the charity’s work with integrity, insight, and heart.
Matthew J. Billingsley
Matthew qualified as a solicitor in 2014 and has wide experience in private client work, including trusts, tax, and wills. He specialises in supporting disabled individuals and their families, particularly with disabled person’s trusts and deputyships. Matthew joined Reverse Rett after his daughter, Edith, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome. He is known for his empathetic, open approach to clients and colleagues alike. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys performing with local orchestras and spending time in the countryside with his wife and two young daughters.
Oliver Freeman
Oliver is a physiotherapist based in Nottingham and father to Alfie, who was diagnosed with MECP2 Duplication Syndrome in 2018. Since then, he and his family have fundraised for research through Reverse Rett, and Oliver joined the Board of Trustees in 2023. With both professional expertise and personal insight, Oliver is committed to accelerating progress towards treatments for MECP2-related disorders. He believes in the power of research and collaboration to make a real difference in the lives of affected families.
Mike Jones
Mike runs Core Marketing Partners, a creative agency in London, working across branding and digital projects for major UK companies. He became involved with Reverse Rett in 2019 through friends whose daughter, Elsie, has Rett syndrome. Since then, Mike and his team have provided pro bono creative work to raise awareness and even tackled a 100km ultra challenge to fundraise for the cause. He is passionate about helping to amplify the charity’s impact through storytelling and design.
Dr. Jocelyn LeBlanc
Jocelyn joined the Reverse Rett Board of Trustees in 2023, bringing expertise in research, impact evaluation, and medical funding. After earning her PhD in neuroscience at Harvard, she worked with children with Rett syndrome at Boston Children’s Hospital. Now based in the UK, she is the Research Impact Lead at Diabetes UK. Jocelyn is passionate about translating scientific advances into real-world benefits for patients and their families, and she enjoys travel and the outdoors in her spare time.
Catherine McKinney
Catherine became involved with Reverse Rett after her daughter was diagnosed with Rett syndrome in 2014. She has since fundraised through marathons, ocean rows, and treks such as Kilimanjaro and the Sahara. Originally from Yorkshire, Catherine now lives in North Berwick with her husband, four children, and two dogs. With a background in education and publishing, she is currently retraining as a paediatric nurse, combining her professional skills and personal passion for helping families affected by Rett syndrome.
Kate McMaster
Kate has been a Trustee of Reverse Rett for several years, inspired by her daughter Kim’s diagnosis of Rett syndrome at 11 months old. Based in Glasgow, Kate left a successful pharmaceutical career to focus on Kim’s care as her needs grew. She remains deeply committed to improving future outcomes for all children with Rett syndrome. Kate has led and participated in numerous fundraising efforts and is proud to be part of a charity driving research towards life-changing treatments.
John Sharpe
John became Chair of Trustees at Reverse Rett in 2014, after serving on the Professional Advisory Board. His granddaughter, Amber, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome in 2012. With a degree in Biological Sciences from Liverpool University, John has a firm belief in the power of research to solve complex problems. He spent his career at Unilever, where he led the European Home and Personal Care division, and brings this leadership experience to the charity’s strategy and governance.
Helen Simmonds
Helen, Vice Chair of Reverse Rett, has been a Trustee since 2012. Her daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome just as the charity was forming. With a background in marketing and events, Helen has been instrumental in organising Reverse Rett’s galas, training days, and rebranding projects. She also supports families facing complex health challenges and has raised substantial funds through personal initiatives. Helen lives in Berkshire with her family and remains dedicated to improving prospects for children like Lauren.
Joanna Snyder
Joanna has been a passionate advocate for Reverse Rett since 2020, driven by her daughter Klara’s diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Born in the UK and now living in Switzerland, Jo brings international perspective, energy, and creativity to the charity. She has raised funds through bold challenges, including an 84km Sahara ultra-marathon. A mother of four, Jo loves mountain life, gardening, music, and cooking for friends. She is proud to contribute to Reverse Rett’s mission for transformative treatments.
Andy Stevenson
Andy is Co-Founder, Trustee, and Head of Fundraising at Reverse Rett. Inspired by his daughters Beth and Amber, both of whom have Rett syndrome, Andy left his career as a PGA golf professional to champion research in 2012. Since 2009, he has personally raised over £250,000 for Reverse Rett by taking on and leading gruelling physical challenges. Andy also manages the charity’s social media, using his deep understanding of the community to share hope, updates, and information. He remains a tireless advocate for a cure.
Rachael Stevenson
Rachael is Co-Founder and CEO of Reverse Rett. As mother to Amber, who was diagnosed with Rett syndrome at age four, Rachael’s personal journey has fuelled the charity’s vision since 2010. Under her leadership, Reverse Rett has funded over £10 million in research, developed the UK’s patient registry, and championed global advocacy. Rachael also writes and speaks publicly about the realities of Rett syndrome. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and has authored a memoir, Rare, detailing her family’s story.