Our Team
Faria Arsh
Faria is a multi-award-winning CEO, entrepreneur, and best-selling author with a significant focus on autism, communication, and behavioural analysis. As an ADOS-2-trained assessor, she has extensive experience working with individuals with Autism and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Faria is also the mother of a teenage daughter who has severe autism, ADHD, severe learning difficulties, and epilepsy.
Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Faria has developed training programs for parents, caregivers, and professionals. She has been delivering seminars at special schools for several years and is now expanding her outreach through her social enterprise, the Autism Foundation.
Her new project is to provide high-quality care facilities for people with Autism and other Disabilities.
Faiza Qureshi
Faiza Qureshi is one of the Directors of Autism Foundation C.I.C. and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology, driven by a genuine curiosity about the human mind and a passion for understanding how people think, feel and develop.
As the sibling of a young adult with severe autism, Faiza brings invaluable lived experience alongside a compassionate and thoughtful approach to supporting autistic individuals and their families. Having grown up alongside her sister, she has developed a deep understanding of the realities, challenges and strengths that come with autism, giving her a unique perspective that complements the Foundation’s work.
Known for her excellent interpersonal skills, humility and kindness, Faiza has a natural ability to build meaningful relationships with people from all backgrounds. She is passionate about promoting inclusion, understanding and positive change within the community.
As part of the next generation of leaders, Faiza represents the importance of young people using their knowledge, compassion and lived experience to make a lasting difference. Her dedication, empathy and fresh perspective make her a valued asset to Autism Foundation C.I.C. and its future vision.
Dr Christopher Khoury
We are proud and honoured to welcome Dr Christopher Khoury as an Honorary Director of the Autism Foundation C.I.C.
With more than two decades of dedication to advancing inclusive education, special education advocacy, and youth empowerment, Dr Khoury brings a wealth of expertise, lived understanding, and heartfelt commitment to our mission.
Dr Khoury’s journey is deeply rooted in the power of mentorship and belief. While studying at North Carolina State University, he experienced, for the first time, what it meant to have people truly believe in his potential—an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to ensuring that young people, particularly those with disabilities and from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are supported to thrive. A pivotal moment during his postgraduate studies, inspired by the work of special education pioneer Richard Lavoie, helped him understand his own learning challenges and further reinforced his passion for advocacy and empowerment.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from North Carolina State University
- A Master’s degree in Special Education and Teaching
- A PhD in Special Education, both from the University of North Texas
Through his company Endeavour Education, Dr Khoury works closely with students, families, educators, and schools—supporting disability identification, overseeing academic programming, and championing a strengths-based approach that focuses on potential rather than limitations.
Beyond education, Dr Khoury is a passionate advocate for inclusive sport. He is the co-founder of NextGen United Champions Sports Foundation, which provides opportunities for economically disadvantaged and underrepresented youth, with a particular focus on expanding access to flag football for girls.
His impact has been recognised globally, including:
- Champion of Inclusive Education and Youth Empowerment Award – Global Icons of Impact 2025 (Dubai)
- Top 25 Elite Professionals (International) – 2025
- Marquis Who’s Who Honouree – 2025
- Walden University Faculty Excellence Award – 2022
- Prosper ISD Special Education Educator of the Year – 2021
Dr Khoury is also a featured voice in national media, a two-time guest on Close Up Radio, has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, and is the author of the upcoming book “Keep Pushing Forward”, due for publication in early 2026.
At the heart of Dr Khoury’s work is a simple but powerful belief:
“Everyone has value.”
We are delighted to welcome Dr Christopher Khoury to the Autism Foundation family and look forward to the insight, leadership, and passion he brings as we continue to champion autistic and disabled individuals, families, and professionals worldwide.
Huma Aziz
We are honoured to welcome Huma to The Autism Foundation C.I.C. as our new Partnership & Fundraising Manager.
Huma brings a wealth of experience across resourcing, learning and development, equality, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement. With an extensive background in recruitment and selection across public, private, and third-sector organisations, she has worked at all levels—from apprenticeships and graduate schemes to senior leadership and governance roles.
Her career is underpinned by a deep commitment to equity and social justice. Huma has designed and delivered Equality Impact Assessments, led high-volume and bespoke recruitment projects, and worked closely with diverse ethnic and gender communities, as well as individuals with protected characteristics. She is highly experienced in stakeholder engagement, securing buy-in, and navigating complex and sensitive issues across law enforcement, governance, and community-based environments.
Originally qualifying as a lecturer, Huma’s passion for education and learning has remained central to her work. Her early career with Local Education Authorities focused on securing special educational needs provision for children and families—experience that strongly aligns with the Foundation’s values and mission. She continues to work closely within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion space, advocating for inclusive and accessible systems.
Huma has also led and contributed to outreach and development projects with organisations including the UK Border Force, Sky Media, and in her role as a BME Development Officer. Her work has involved close collaboration with legal representatives, tribunals, and police forces, supporting at-risk individuals and underrepresented communities.
Known for her compassionate, supportive mindset, Huma thrives on developing others, building meaningful partnerships, and creating impact through collaboration. She is an active participant in forums, awareness campaigns, and business development initiatives.
We are thrilled to welcome Huma to the Autism Foundation C.I.C. and look forward to the partnerships, opportunities, and positive change she will help us build as we continue to expand our global impact.
Mr Thanveer Ummer
We are honoured to welcome Thanveer Ummer to the Autism Foundation as our Senior Advisor.
With a distinguished track record in global business leadership, strategic growth, and cross-sector collaboration, Mr Thanveer Ummer brings a wealth of experience, vision, and influence to our mission.
As CEO of MARIA GROUP INTERNATIONAL (MGI), Mr Ummer has steered diverse international ventures and forged strategic partnerships across industries and geographies. Mr Ummer is also a Director, Board Member, and Senior Advisor to several internationally renowned organisations, including Monaco Diamond Exchange and Geneva Diamond Exchange.
His leadership is marked by innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. In this advisory role, he will support the Autism Foundation in expanding our impact, forging new alliances, and guiding our strategic direction at a global level.
- Advising on international growth and partnership opportunities.
- Supporting high-level stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
- Contributing strategic insights to further our mission of empowering autistic individuals and their families.
Dr Sameer Siddiqui
Dr Sameer Siddiqui is a seasoned legal and contracts professional with a PhD in Law and over 18 years of experience advising organisations across the Middle East on complex, high-value transactions and strategic partnerships.
Specialising in contract management, governance, and regulatory compliance, Dr Sameer has supported large-scale initiatives in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and social development, guiding them from concept to execution with a focus on sustainability and long-term impact.
As Senior Advisor to the Foundation, he brings a strong legal and strategic perspective to the mission of creating inclusive care homes for children and adults with autism and special needs. His role focuses on ensuring that every project is built on sound governance, transparent contracting, and compliant partnerships that uphold the highest ethical and operational standards.
With a PhD in Legal Administration, an LLM in International Commercial Law, and an MBA in Project Management, Dr Sameer combines deep academic insight with practical experience. His approach integrates legal rigour, strategic foresight, and compassion — helping the Foundation realise its vision of providing safe, sustainable, and empowering environments for individuals with special needs.
