About Us

Dr. Tolu Aderemi, FIAP - Chair of the Board

Dr. Tolu serves as the Chair of the Board at ThriveNeuro International, guiding the organisation's strategic vision to become a global leader in accessible, culturally adapted autism and IDD services. With over 15 years as a seasoned legal practitioner and Partner at Perchstone & Graeys, he brings expertise in policy development, and regulatory frameworks, essential for navigating compliance across ThriveNeuro's UK headquarters, Africa and expansions to the Middle East.

A Visiting Professor at Afe Babalola University and John Taylor scholar from the University of Aberdeen, Tolu excels in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based solutions, aligning with ThriveNeuro's mission to empower neurodiverse individuals through tailored ABA and PBS interventions. His leadership in committees like the International Arbitration and ADR Committee (2025–2027) supports ethical governance, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive policies, fostering independence and well-being. As Chair, he drives sustainable growth, ensuring neurodiversity-affirming practices bridge global gaps.

Alison Hogan, BCBA, UKBA(cert)​ - Lead ABA/PBS Consultant

Alison is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and CEO of Creative Behavioural Solutions (CBS), a UK-based organisation specialising in evidence-based behavioural and developmental services for children and young people with autism and related needs.

Through her collaboration with ThriveNeuro, Alison and her team of BCBAs provide specialist behavioural consultancy and supervision within ThriveNeuro's multidisciplinary programmes. Their shared goal is to create cohesive, neurodiversity-affirming support that integrates behavioural science with occupational, speech, and psychological therapies to achieve meaningful, individualised outcomes for each child and family.

Alison brings over a decade of leadership, experience in clinical practice, service development, and early intervention. 

Dedicated to advancing high standards of ethical and collaborative practice, Alison is passionate about developing sustainable models of ABA provision to empower families and professionals to work together in achieving lasting change.

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Erica Okeke - Chief Operating Officer

​Erica has over seven years of leadership experience in social work and several years of experience in education, health and social care sector. Erica specialises in designing and managing programmes that empower individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and other complex needs. Her professional expertise encompasses inclusive and person-centred practice, strategic service delivery, and organisational development. Erica is recognised for her ability to build efficient systems that enhance collaboration, improve outcomes, and drive excellence across services. A committed advocate for vulnerable individuals, Erica has extensive knowledge of social care legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and intervention strategies. She is a proud member of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), upholding the highest ethical and professional standards within the sector. Through her leadership as the Chief Operations Officer , ThriveNeuro continues to deliver high-quality, compassionate, and impactful services that make a meaningful difference in neurodiverse lives.

Dr Freda McEwen LLB, LLM, MPH – Board Member & Systemic Practitioner

Dr Freda is a public health researcher, systemic family practitioner, public speaker, and author dedicated to transforming the understanding and support of neurodivergent individuals and their families. As founder of the Inside Out Programme, she has developed practical, relational, and trauma-informed approaches that bridge the gap between families, schools, and professionals. Her work focuses on creating environments that promote emotional well-being, inclusion, and dignity for autistic and neurodivergent people, complementing ThriveNeuro's assent-based interventions.

Freda’s research has been recommended and peer-reviewed, with one of her publications reviewed under the Journal of Learning Disabilities. Beyond her clinical and research work, Dr McEwen has served on several influential boards, including housing associations, the Citizens Council for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Rest of London Governors’ Board for the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, the Greenwich Safeguarding Children’s Board, and as a trustee for Care UK and Metro GAVS, informing ThriveNeuro's governance and partnerships. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, a member of the International Council of Mediators, and the Association for Family Therapy.

Folasade Opebiyi - Director of Strategic Policy

Folasade is a strategic policy and futures specialist with over a decade of experience across government, education and the non-profit sector. She is passionate about building equitable systems that enable individuals including those who are neurodivergent or from underrepresented backgrounds to access opportunities, thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Before entering government, Folasade spent six years in education, rising to the position of Head of Department. During her tenure, she transformed a “requires improvement” department into one rated “Good” by Ofsted, achieving an 18% increase in GCSE attainment within 18 months. This experience deepened her understanding of diverse learning needs and the importance of inclusive, psychologically safe environments, aligning with ThriveNeuro's school support and early intervention programs.

As someone diagnosed with ADHD, Folasade is an advocate for neurodiversity and works to increase awareness, representation and support for neurodivergent individuals within professional and educational spaces, contributing to ThriveNeuro's neurodiversity-affirming ethos.

Beyond her profession, Folasade has contributed over twelve years of voluntary service to community development initiatives in the UK and Nigeria – her work has strengthened governance and fundraising structures.

Florence Shako - Vice Chairperson (East Africa)