Team - LDN London

Meet our leadership team

Our leadership team has personal experience of providing direct support to adults and children with learning disabilities, and their families. This means the day-to-day delivery of services is very real to the leadership team and we work hard to understand the developmental needs of our workforce to ensure the delivery of the best possible care and support to the people using our services.

Gabby Machell

Chief Executive Officer

Gabby Machell is Chief Executive of Learning Disability Network London, with over 30 years of leadership and management experience across health and the voluntary sector.

She began her career as a nurse before moving into the voluntary sector in 1987. Starting as a support worker, she progressed through a range of operational and strategic leadership roles, including Operations Manager and Director, before becoming Chief Executive in 2007.

Since then, Gabby has led the organisation through sustained growth and development, with a strong focus on quality, inclusion, and long term sustainability. Her leadership is underpinned by a commitment to LDN London’s values of inclusion, respect and choice, and to ensuring that people with learning disabilities can achieve their dreams and aspirations, and take an active role in their communities.

Gabby is a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

Andrew Bown

Director of Finance and ACEO

Andrew became a support worker in 1988 after leaving university. He has held roles across fundraising, marketing, facilities, and finance at LDN London. Now, he focuses on developing resources and ensuring the organisation has strong infrastructure to support growth. Andrew is committed to helping people lead full, independent lives.
Mandy Crowford

Assistant Chief Executive Officer – Growth, Innovation and Transformation

Mandy began her career as a chef before becoming a support worker. Formerly Director of Services (2018–2025), she now leads growth, innovation, and transformation at LDN London. She supports expanding services and champions LDN Eats, helping people with learning disabilities build careers in food. Mandy is driven to help people live dignified lives and achieve their goals.
Helen Eyers

Director for Services, Quality & Practice

Helen joined LDN London in 2022 to lead Quality and Compliance. With over 25 years’ experience, she is passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives. She holds an MA in the psychology of learning disabilities and is committed to amplifying people’s voices and delivering high-quality, person-centred services.
Brian Watts

Director for People

Brian joined LDN London in 2019 after working as a vice principal in adult education. With experience in HR, education, and hospitality since 1991, he leads on workforce development. Brian ensures staff have the values, skills, and flexibility to deliver high-quality support now and in the future. He enjoys cycling, hiking, and photography.
Tim MacIntyre

Assistant Director for Service Development

Tim joined LDN London in 2005 and has managed a range of services. He is passionate about creativity, leadership, and supporting people with learning disabilities and staff to grow. Tim develops innovative training programmes and has a strong interest in safeguarding, CQC standards, and business continuity. He believes everyone can thrive with the right support.
Ania Noworyta

Assistant Director of Services

Ania joined LDN London in 2008 and has worked across outreach, support, and management roles. With a background in sociology and social care, she is passionate about delivering high-quality support. Ania aims to ensure people have opportunities to reach their full potential. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, hiking, travelling, and learning new skills.
Catalina Ignat

Assistant Director of Health

Catalina joined LDN London in 2021 as Assistant Director of Health. She brings experience as a nurse, teacher, senior support worker, and registered manager. Catalina is committed to high-quality care that helps people achieve their goals. She values collaboration and believes the best outcomes come from understanding each person’s unique needs.
Ilias Kostalas

Assistant Director Children, Families and Community

Ilias has worked at LDN London for over a decade, supporting children, young people, and families. Originally from Greece, he began his career in care through a school health project. He now plays a key role in family and community services. Ilias is passionate about kindness, choice, and ambition, aiming to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.