Robert Shanahan, Chief Executive Officer 

Robert (known as Robbie) began supporting people with learning disabilities at 16, later qualifying as a Learning Disability Nurse. Over the next four decades he worked across the NHS, local authorities, national and local charities, and private providers, gaining more than 40 years of experience in both frontline delivery and commissioning.

He joined Aspens in early 2019 as Operations Director and became CEO eight months later. He guided the charity through the Covid period, stabilising and expanding services to deliver 1.2 million hours of support in 2024/25 and positively impacting more than 3,000 families. He is especially proud of the staff who help people live the lives they choose.

Robert met his wife, Lynn, when they were both student nurses. They are parents to Alice and Emily. Emily, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, is a cheerleading coach and competes in Cheer Team across the UK and Europe, while Alice works as a sister at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, following her parents into nursing.

“I’m passionate about the difference that good people can make professionally. Great staff can make a huge difference to a person’s life, and I believe we all have a responsibility to try to do this each day.”

Lynne Mackintosh, Chief Finance Officer

Lynne joined Aspens in April 2023 and has overall responsibility for Finance, IT and Contracts. She has worked nationally and internationally in the voluntary sector for 16 years, for causes including learning disabilities, hospice, sexual health, wish-granting for children and conservation. Prior to this she has a wealth of experience across the private sector.

In her spare time, Lynne loves going for long walks and travelling to new places.

“I am excited to be part of Aspens and being a part of a great team in supporting people to achieve equality and a happy and fulfilling life.”

Stevie Rice, Chief Operating Officer

Joining Aspens in January 2026, Stevie brings over 27 years’ experience at senior management, Chief Executive and board level across the charity sector. She has worked locally and nationally to strengthen mental health services and leadership across the Mind network and also chaired the national Mind Network Sustainability Group, sat on Mind’s Network Committee, Stevie was named Mental Health Leader of the Year at the 2021 Kent Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards.

A well-known and trusted voice across the Kent & Medway charity landscape, Stevie sits on the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Provider Collaborative Board and the Kent VCSE Steering Group. Earlier in her career, she was Director of Engagement at Kent Wildlife Trust, spent nine years as CEO of a disability arts charity, and has held several non-executive and trustee roles.