Who Inspired Us

Our Founder, Sara, had a passion for learning from a very young age, and it was no surprise that creating learning opportunities for others became part of her career. She always felt a little different. She often wondered if her work standards were too high, her goals too big, her expectations too unrealistic.

In 2007, Sara met Lois Maccullagh, and they began working together in learning design and curriculum development. Lois also had high standards, big goals and solid expectations. A beautiful working relationship was born, that traversed different organisations, and a friendship was formed. It wasn't a surprise when years later, both Lois and Sara found out they were Autistic. 

When they worked together, with lots of projects on-the-go at once, Sara offered Lois some excellent advice (according to Lois) on how not to get overwhelmed. "Just do the next right thing". Lois says that advice has stayed with her throughout her career, and more recently as she faced complex health challenges. When feeling stuck, Lois says she still hears Sara's voice encouraging her to do the next right thing. 

When Sara began developing this academy, her greatest desire was to work with Lois again. Sadly, Lois's very serious health challenges, meant she was unable to work. Lois can't bring her joyful passion for learning design to Unique Mind Co Academy, but Sara can hold the Academy up to the high standards Lois would set for it.