Fay Hicks

Fay Hicks — Chief Executive

is the driving force behind CANDI as our Chief Executive, bringing years of experience and heartfelt commitment to the autistic and neurodiverse community. Both personally and professionally, Fay has dedicated her life to creating spaces where everyone feels valued, included, and able to shine.

Her background spans teaching, psychology, clinical hypnotherapy, and life coaching, with specialist roles as an EBSA and Autism Mentor and an Autism Support Officer for a local charity. This wide skillset is matched by her deep understanding as a parent to two wonderful daughters: Jade, a teacher in a local SEND school, and Rhiannon, who is proudly neurodivergent and works as a barista in our very own community café, The Hub.

Fay’s vision for CANDI is simple but powerful — to celebrate diversity, support wellbeing, and provide opportunities for people of all abilities to connect, grow, and thrive together.

Louisa Hodge

Director - Louisa Hodge brings a creative heartbeat to CANDI as our Café Supervisor and Events Organiser. An amazing artist, musician, and all-around creative force, Louisa joined us last year and has already made a huge impact on the community.

When she’s not welcoming guests at Rhiannon’s Café, you’ll find Louisa front and centre with her band FVOXY — lighting up stages across Kent with her vocals, lyrics, and electric energy  She’s also a go‑to source for music‑scene updates, effortlessly connecting CANDI with local events thanks to her involvement in  other bands and her wide network 

Louisa is a loving mother of two talented neurodiverse children — their names are her personal joy, so she prefers to keep that part of her life just for her family.

With Louisa at the helm, CANDI’s café feels like home, and our events are never short of soul, warmth, and creativity.

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Sharon Morgan

Director - Sharon Morgan

is the  Community Expert at CANDI, bringing years of experience in supporting individuals on their journey to meaningful employment and enjoyable experiences. Her dedication to the community and passion for CANDI shine through in everything she does. As a mother of a daughter with additional needs, Sharon possesses a deep empathy and understanding of diversity, which fuels her commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all. Sharon has years of working for a local charity and manages their adult and childrens services.  This experience means she has many contacts and friends within the community that can benefit from our services.    With Sharon as part of our crew you can rely on her to make you feel welcome and support you in any way that she can. 

Simon Watts 

Rhiannon's Cafe Manager

is the happy face that greets you when you visit our Hub - Rhiannon's Cafe.  Simon has years of work experience in the Public Domain and enjoys creating and serving our amazing menu to you.  An amazing Manager who always has time for you as well as our staff, volunteers and trainees.   Simon has lived experience of Neurodiversity and is well known within the Community for his sense of humour and kindness.  

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