Who's who

Sarah Slater - DWS Manager and Deputy Head of Student Wellbeing            

I have overall operational and strategic responsibility for the Disability & Wellbeing Service at LSE.            

Having been a student at Cambridge and subsequently in my role as Disability Adviser for students with Specific Learning Difficulties there, I have an insight in to the particular demands placed upon those studying at institutions of world renown, such as LSE.            

I have also spent time working within the disability departments at a number of other UK universities, including the Institute Of Education, the University of Bedfordshire and King’s College London.            

Whilst my area of primary expertise lies in Specific Learning Difficulties, having a masters’ level qualification and assessment accreditation across all age ranges in this area, I have significant experience of working with students with a wide range of disabilities, including those with sensory & physical impairment, and long-term medical & mental health conditions.            

Currently, I take the lead in working with students engaged in PhD programmes, whatever their disability, and students with sensory or physical impairments or long-term medical conditions on undergraduate and masters’ programmes.            

This is a time of change for those working in disability services in the higher education sector generally, as well as for us at the School. I am delighted to be a part of the LSE Student Wellbeing Service Team at this exciting time. 

Ade Alao - Mental Health Adviser

Jan Birley - Specialist 1:1 study support tutor

I have been working with neurodiverse students for well over ten years now and always admire the perseverance and conscientiousness they show in their work - often under pressured timescales. I have three sons, all of whom have been through university with varying degrees of success and so am fully aware that this attitude is not always the case! I  used to work at UCL and autumn 2014 is the beginning of my sixth year with LSE. I also work with sixth formers at an all girls’ school. I hope to be able to help students in many areas, for example; organisation, essay structure and time management and look forward to meeting you.

Sebastian Boo - Adviser to Neurodiverse Students

I initially studied medicine and have a degree in medical science and management. A career change led me to gain qualifications as a dyslexia tutor and assessor. In addition to my one-to-one work with students, I’m a visiting lecturer in dyslexia and deliver academic development lectures at another university. I am passionate about what I do. It is hugely rewarding to witness students make use of new skills and strategies to achieve greater success.

Sarah Davis -  Admin Assistant

I have been admin assistant in the office for nearly a year. I am the meet and greet of the office and am happy to assist in any way I can. Meeting the students is a vital part of my job and putting you in touch with the correct adviser to ensure that you meet your full potential whilst at LSE is rewarding for me. 

Steph Hackney - Mental Health Adviser

I trained as a Mental Health Nurse over 20 years ago and have worked in various inpatient and community services in East and South London. 

Prior to starting at LSE I was working with people experiencing both severe and enduring mental health conditions and problematic drug and/or alcohol use. I’m very interested in how we try and maintain our mental health whilst studying and/or working here at LSE.

 Ivan Newman - Specialist 1:1 study support tutor

Tutoring philosophy:  Understand each person’s strengths and learning style; use them to bridge gaps and release individual potential.  Associated with Specific Learning Difficulties for 40+ years as widespread in family.  Specialist Study Skills Support tutor for under/postgrads at 8 universities/colleges; subjects cover Anthropology to Zoology.  BSc, MBA, Chartered & European Engineer, Certified IT Professional.  Post Graduate Certificate: Teaching Adult Dyslexic Learners, Post Graduate Diploma Assessing Specific Learning Difficulties.  Studying own Masters - Specific Learning Difficulties.  International business career 30+ years.

Sally Reynolds - Disabilty Adviser

Adam Sandelson - Head of Student Wellbeing

As Head of Student Wellbeing I am working to develop the key services of counselling, disability and wellbeing for students. I have overall management responsibility for the Student Wellbeing Service, and together with Sarah and Paul Glynn (Counselling Service Manager) will be integrating and creating a single accessible Student Wellbeing Service. I have a strong commitment to disability, and take seriously the need to engage in the wider institutional structure; I wish to improve the experience of disabled students through every part of their journey at LSE.             

I have always been passionate about equality and now spend much of my time working with staff to develop services and improve practice. As an example, I am proud of the work that has been done by many talented colleagues within the Equality and Diversity series of events for staff over the past four years,where we have hosted a large number of innovative sessions covering many aspects of disability.             

I’ve been at LSE for some 15 years now, and have a good understanding of how the institution works and how to get things done. I’m always interested in innovative ideas and ways in which the School can improve, and welcome feedback and recommendations from students, whatever your views.