Championing Lived Experience. Empowering Wellbeing. Accrediting Excellence
Meet the Management Team
Marcia Fernandes
Marcia Fernandes
Marcia Fernandes
Managing Director
AAL was set up in 2017 to support those with lived experience access accredited training and qualifications, which they may not otherwise have had access to. We are proud that we have supported more than 1,500 learners achieve certification.
"I specialise in accreditation and workplace culture, with an emphasis on lived ex
Managing Director
AAL was set up in 2017 to support those with lived experience access accredited training and qualifications, which they may not otherwise have had access to. We are proud that we have supported more than 1,500 learners achieve certification.
"I specialise in accreditation and workplace culture, with an emphasis on lived experience. With 21 years working across the education sector, I am an advocate for ensuring workplace psychological safety and recognising diversity. I believe in encouraging people to use their ‘lived experience’ voices to make a difference in workplaces and communities.
I have a background in quality assurance and am an active consultant for awarding and professional bodies. My practice is supported by postgraduate mental health & wellbeing, coaching & mentoring, teaching and legal qualifications.
I take a hands-on approach within the business, connecting with new and existing members."
Sarah Greenway
Marcia Fernandes
Marcia Fernandes
Quality and Sustainability Director
Sarah joined AAL in 2018, after a number of roles in Quality Assurance for the public, private and charitable sectors, ensuring organisations met a range of regulatory and accreditation standards.
"I take great pride in supporting others to review their own practices – being able to fully recognise the a
Quality and Sustainability Director
Sarah joined AAL in 2018, after a number of roles in Quality Assurance for the public, private and charitable sectors, ensuring organisations met a range of regulatory and accreditation standards.
"I take great pride in supporting others to review their own practices – being able to fully recognise the amazing things they do but also supporting them to understand where improvements could be made, focusing on continuous improvements and developments for the future.
I am passionate about sustainability and how this is an integral part of the workplace. I enjoy encouraging others to see the benefits of sustainable practice to their business, culture, and employee wellbeing, as well as on a personal level. My practice is supported by sustainability, quality assurance and business qualifications."
Stephanie Porter
Marcia Fernandes
Stephanie Porter
Lived Experience Programme Lead
Stephanie joined AAL in 2025 bringing a wealth of lived experience.
"Hi, my name is Stephanie and I am the Lived Experience Programme Lead at AAL, bringing over 20 years of lived experience alongside professional expertise in training, facilitation, and recovery-focused practice.
My lived experience includes
Lived Experience Programme Lead
Stephanie joined AAL in 2025 bringing a wealth of lived experience.
"Hi, my name is Stephanie and I am the Lived Experience Programme Lead at AAL, bringing over 20 years of lived experience alongside professional expertise in training, facilitation, and recovery-focused practice.
My lived experience includes being an affected other to family members impacted by alcohol and substance use, mental health challenges, family foster care as well as my own lived experience of gambling addiction.
Before completing the LEAFS course, I did not know how to keep myself safe when sharing my story. This learning underpins my commitment to supporting charities and organisations to develop safe, ethical, and sustainable lived experience practice for their staff and volunteers.
I believe everyone has a story, and everyone deserves the safety, choice, and support to share it well. Our courses are designed to help organisations build confident, supported teams and to ensure lived experience is shared with care and purpose."
Tamzie Hollands
Marcia Fernandes
Stephanie Porter
Lead Assessor