Our Team

Lisa has been CEO of the charity since 2003. She is a passionate and committed leader who has a genuine desire to make a difference to families affected by childhood acquired brain injury. Lisa has led the charity with drive and compassion and has overseen it grow from a small charity to a nationally recognised one, supporting many hundreds of families every year. Lisa was a finalist in 2007 as a social entrepreneur of the year, she is a qualified Charity Accounts Examiner, has an Institute of Fundraising Diploma and has studied to a post graduate level in Charity Resource Management at Sheffield University. Outside of work Lisa finds time to keep fit and to be ‘mum’ to Zoe, Tash and her dog Poppy

Steph started with us in January 2011 as our Finance Officer and has since joined our Leadership Team as Chief Operating Officer. All her efforts are engaged in supporting the organisation in the provision of essential financial management information for Lisa and the team. In the current economic climate, Steph has a strong focus on cash flow. She works closely with the fundraising team on new funding opportunities in order to sustain our current level of service and in the hope of extending into new areas. Steph originally trained and worked as an accountant, having previously had a successful career implementing database systems for large companies.

Hi, I’m Sharon, a chartered psychologist with a strong foundation in childcare and education. As Head of Brain Injury Services, I lead our incredible team and oversee the delivery of our services across early intervention, community support, legal assistance and education. With experience in both acquired brain injury service management and early years education, I’m proud to be part of an organisation that allows me to combine my commitment to progressive, sustainable services for children, young people, and families. I’m constantly inspired by the dedication and compassion of our team. We work relentlessly to help families navigate the complexities of post-injury life, and I feel privileged to contribute to this important work. The Child Brain Injury Trust’s commitment to upholding its values in everything we do inspires my own personal growth and motivation. I am an avid gym goer and love getting out in the hills for a long hike with my dog whenever I can. I value quality family time and always enjoy those precious moments together when I’m not at work. I once took on a 15- kilometre ‘mud run’ for charity which included 35 obstacles - one of which involved jumping off a 30-foot scaffold into a lake. It was an unforgettable experience, but I can safely say, never again!

Amelia Joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in September 2016 as the Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator. In her current role, Amelia now works as Head of Marketing and Fundraising, and is responsible for the delivery of Marketing outputs at the charity, as well as managing the fundraising team. Before starting at CBIT, Amelia graduated in 2014 with a degree in Criminology and Sociology, then went on to work at a marketing agency. Amelia also volunteered for various different charities including Serenity Harm Reduction Programme Zambia and mental health charity, Rethink Mental Illness. In her spare time Amelia attends football matches to support her team Wolverhampton Wanderers and enjoys going out for food with her partner (probably too much!!!).

Emma Joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in September 2023 as Corporate Fundraising Manager. She works within our Marketing & Fundraising team and is responsible for creating and maintaining partnerships with our Corporate Supporters. Emma has a BA Joint Hons Degree in English Language and Modern European Studies. She spent fifteen years working within the Social Housing sector as a Neighbourhood Officer and was a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, where she supported residents, families and professionals. She enjoyed having a positive impact in the areas in which she worked and developed strong partnerships with external agencies such as social care and the police. In 2018 Emma’s son developed hydrocephalus and an acquired brain injury at seven months old. After this she was passionate about raising awareness. She developed social media content to share information and offer support to others. Emma has volunteered with several charities, writing content, acting as keynote speaker at a Parliamentary reception and supporting campaigns. It was through this work and her work supporting other families that she felt compelled to move to the charity sector. She is happiest when she is spending time with her husband Matthew and son Charlie, going on adventures and making memories.

Laura joined CBIT in August 2023 to focus on fundraising. Prior to this, Laura has been involved in both the fundraising and operational side of different health and international development charities. In her previous role she worked with refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. She has a degree in Environmental Geography and International Development, as well as having studied Global Health, Conflict, Security and Development. Outside of work, Laura is often being persuaded to play football in the park with her two young sons or is persuading them to come on a family walk. She also enjoys running (when she doesn’t have some sports injury!) and going for brunch with her partner.

Pia joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in November 2024 as Marketing Coordinator. Her role includes looking after all things Marketing and the charity's social media. Come and say hi over on the socials @cbituk! Pia's background lays in marketing and project management at a high level in the private sector; with a proven track record. Turning her attention to causes she cares about deeply, she moved into the charity sector over a decade ago dedicating her knowledge and experience to social causes. She has a history of leading initiatives that make a tangible difference, including founding her very own non-profit food bank during the COVID pandemic. Working with disadvantaged families during a difficult economy for everyone. Pia has a passion for cooking, community, her family, and volunteering wherever she can.

Laura joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in August 2018 as the Impact Evaluation & Monitoring Officer. Laura has a background is recruitment having worked within the Construction industry for over 10 years. She is based at Head Office working within Stephanie Bremner’s team. Outside of work Laura’s two children, Charlie and Martha keep her very busy. She enjoys spending time as a family, holidays and watching a good film.

Patti joined the Chid Brain Injury Trust in 2023 as a Data Assistant. She is based at Head Office in Team Support, working closely with Laura Marshall. Patti has a background in Science and Education which includes QTS status and 20 years experience teaching at Secondary School level. She is a biology specialist and a member of the Royal Society of Biology and has been a Chartered Biologist for 40 years. This, along with her own personal family experience of neurosurgery, gives her a particular empathy and understanding for supporting the work of the Trust. Patti also has experience of collaborating to implement EDI initiatives within a Premier League football club and its fan base. Outside of work, Patti is a keen artist, photographer, swimmer, and loves a game of walking netball. She also volunteers to support literacy at a local Primary school, does practical conservation work with a Wildlife Trust and is an Assistant Cub Scout Leader.

Annabel joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in January 2018 as a part-time administrator. Annabel studied Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, graduating in 1999. Having spent 10 years working as a Project Manager for a company within the leisure industry she brings a wealth of commercial and administrative experience and is used to working in a busy office environment. A mother to two young children, Annabel is an active member of the school PTA and regularly helps organise fundraising events. She is a keen golfer, and is currently training for her first triathlon!

Claudia joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in June 2021 as Office Administrator. Having worked for 11 years in Early Years Education and as a Special Educational Need Coordinator Claudia has lots of experience supporting children with speech and language difficulties and Autism. She understands the benefits of early intervention and is passionate about helping children and their families. Claudia likes to keep fit at the gym and enjoys trips to see musicals at the theatre with her two daughters.

Julie joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in March 2021 as Finance Officer. Julie has a background in finance and brings a wealth of experience having worked for over 15 years in farm accounting and more recently for over 7 years at an Oxford college. In her free time Julie enjoys caring for and riding her horse, she often takes part in dressage events. She also likes walking her dog and entering local golf tournaments. Julie’s favourite places to travel to are Manchester to see her daughter and the USA so she can spend time with her son and grandson.

Donna joined Child Brain Injury Trust in June 2024, as a Finance Officer working part time at our Head Office. Donna is AAT qualified and brings over 30 years of accounting experience with her. The last 10 years she has spent working in the charity sector, but she has previously worked in financial services and the corporate world. Outside of work Donna enjoys spending time with her family and walking her 2 dogs. Sheis also heavily involved with her local cricket club.

Amy joined Child Brain Injury Trust in June 2024 as Trusts and Foundations Officer. Amy has worked in the charity sector since 2010 in animal welfare and medical charities. With experience across community and events fundraising, and philanthropy and partnership fundraising, the majority of Amy’s experience - and her passion - lies in raising funds from charitable trusts and foundations. Outside of work Amy lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and teenage son, two dogs and a cat. Amy loves all things nature, wildlife and animals in general. Amy is also a qualified martial arts instructor, and in her free time loves getting to as many live music events as possible.

Beth joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in February 2008 as an ABI Coordinator supporting families in the East of Scotland. In 2021 Beth became the Service Manager of Brain Injury Services, a role that allows Beth to contribute to the reshaping of the service as well as supporting the management of day-to-day operations. Beth also manages a team of Lead ABI Coordinators providing emotional and practical support to families and professionals affected by childhood ABI throughout the UK. Beth holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Health Psychology. Whilst studying her MSc, Beth spent a year working with adults affected by acquired brain injury in Edinburgh and it was then that Beth first discovered her interest and passion for working within the field of ABI. Prior to this , Beth worked with families affected by domestic abuse and was instrumental in the creation of therapeutic support groups for children experiencing this type of abuse. Beth holds strong beliefs in the importance of the rights of the child and believes that all children should experience the same opportunities irrespective of the child’s race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion. Outside of work, Beth enjoys spending time with her family including long walks in the hills with her rescue dog.

Sharon joined the team in November 2016 as the ABI Coordinator for the Midlands and in March 2025 she has taken on a new role as our Community Inclusion and Virtual Support Service Manager. She provides emotional and practical support to families working alongside many professionals and other agencies involved with children and young people with acquired brain injuries. More latterly Sharon has been leading on our work supporting families longer-term in the community including co-production work designing and trialling new community services. Prior to joining the charity, Sharon has held roles in Early Years Education, deputising an early years setting. She has a passion for supporting the care, education and development of children with particular interests in Special Educational Needs and Child protection. On a personal note, Sharon has four children that keep her very busy, enjoys reading travelling and learning and socialising with family and friends.

In 2022, Dalia joined us as Service Manager to lead on the development of our Education Support Service as well as leading on Community Inclusion for the families we support. Dalia has been involved with local charities and community organisations since 2004 through play groups, youth activities, and local community cohesion initiatives. She developed a natural ability to relate with and support children, young people, and families and so trained as a Primary School teacher, achieving First Class Honours in BA Primary Education (Early Years) with ITE. After teaching in schools and nurseries for several years, Dalia moved into project management supporting educational institutions and charities with their training and fundraising needs. Most recently, she delivered EDEI training to organisations helping them become more inclusive and accessible for their staff and service users. She also chairs an advisory group voluntarily for her local police force, acting as a critical friend to the organisation. Dalia recently moved house and spends most of her free time attempting DIY with her partner. For fun, Dalia loves to sing her heart out at choir (regardless of talent), boogying at Zumba, and gets pure joy from all things sweet and sugary!

Emma joined Child Brain Injury Trust in September 2022 as our Legal Support Partnership Manager within the Brain Injury Team. Emma is a solicitor with 20 years’ experience in dealing with the highest value personal injury and clinical negligence cases, involving catastrophic injuries including brain injury. She will bring her experience of helping those with life changing acquired brain injuries into her new role for the charity and will reinforce and support the relationships between our ABI Coordinators across the country and their local legal partners. Emma will also be responsible for the relationship with the Child Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (CBIRS). Emma works closely with Gerard Anderson, Head of Brain Injury Services to facilitate the provision of information and availability of resources to our legal partnerships UK wide, helping them provide expert legal support to children and young people with acquired brain injury and their families.

Lauren joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in May 2014 having previously worked within the private sector as a Solicitor, and the voluntary sector as an Advice and Information professional. Lauren is the Contracts and Communication Officer for Northern Ireland and responsible for the maintenance and development of the organisation’s contractual relationships within Northern Ireland, monitoring and evaluating the service we provide, as well as assisting with the preparation of events held for families affected by Childhood Brain injury. Outside work Lauren is a Mum to two young sons and enjoys playing football in the garden, reading and cooking.

Catherine joined the charity in June 2018 as the ABI Coordinator for the North East, she has since worked as a Lead Coordinator in the London region and is now covering the Thames Valley area. Her background is in SEN and she is a qualified teacher and has worked in mainstream secondary, special schools and FE. She is also an accredited trainer. Catherine has lived in many parts of the country and likes to travel and visit new places. In her spare time she likes to read, she also enjoys gardening (as long as it is dry and there is no evidence of slugs or snails), cooking and researching her family tree. She has 3 grown up sons and 2 gorgeous granddaughters.

Sam joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in August 2017 as the ABI Coordinator for Greater Manchester. Sam graduated with a Masters in Social work from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2012. Prior to joining the Child Brain Injury Trust Sam managed a family centre for children with learning disabilities and their families. Within this role she facilitated; workshops, training and information events, created support groups for parents and siblings, as well as accessible play sessions for the whole family. Outside of work Sam enjoys spending time with her family, country walks and meals out.

Tracey joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in January 2023 and is one of two ABI Coordinators in the South West of England. Tracey has worked for many years within the educational sector as part of the pastoral team supporting children and families by creating a safe space to discuss issues or concerns, providing solutions and positive outcomes by early intervention. Tracey has a good knowledge of the EHCP process, SEND and anxieties around schooling and understands some of the ongoing difficulties this can raise for children within the school environment. Tracey has supported children affected by an ABI and strives to raise awareness and understanding to create a happy, safe, productive environment for each child to achieve their full potential. Prior to working within the Educational Sector Tracey worked within the Police service as a Police Dispatcher supporting the general public, more often in their time of need and under extreme circumstances. In her spare time Tracey can be found supporting one of her boys on the side of a football or rugby pitch or alternatively enjoying family walks with their dog.

Stacy joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in January 2022, she lives in Glasgow and will be supporting families based all over Scotland. She has over 10 years experience working with children and young adults with various complex needs including Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Asperger’s and Cerebral palsy. She has also worked with Adults with schizophrenia, personality disorders, Bipolar, psychosis, alcohol dependency, drug dependency, addictions, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Loss, suicide, LQBTQI, comorbidity, self-harm and trauma. Recently Stacy worked in forensic mental health in a medium secure psychiatric hospital, supporting individuals detained under the mental health act. Working within the clinical team allowed Stacy to gain experience and knowledge of the legal system which allowed her to further train within this field. In 2020 Stacy was instrumental in setting up an all-male counselling service, supporting men all over Scotland with there on going mental health. Within her role as clinical lead she worked alongside Police Scotland, social work, occupational health, and Lord Provost of Glasgow. She is also a registered therapist with the British association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and a Trained person-centred therapist. Stacy will be using all of her background experience and knowledge in her role to help support children, young people and their families affected by an ABI and hopes to develop more skills within this role to support each individual family. In her spare time Stacy enjoys spending time with her family and the outdoors.

Molly joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in September 2023 as the ABI Coordinator for Edinburgh and East Scotland. Molly became particularly interested in brain development when she was studying for her MA Hons Degree in Psychology. After graduating, Molly went on to complete a PGDE in Primary Education and worked as a teacher in a primary school. She is passionate about the importance of play for supporting children’s social and emotional development. Molly also has experience of supporting children with additional support needs at a summer holiday club. She loves building relationships with the young people she is supporting and being there for families if they are experiencing challenges. Molly has also spent time volunteering with both the Stroke Association and Nightline (a student listening service), where she provided emotional support over the phone. In her spare time, Molly loves being creative and enjoys sewing, singing in a choir, and playing the harp. She also loves being outdoors and spending time in nature.

Pamela has recently joined the Northern Ireland Team as one of the ABI Coordinators responsible for providing practical support to both children affected by/with an ABI and their families. In addition to this, Pamela also works in collaboration with several statutory and voluntary agencies across the sector. This includes working closely with the Multi-Disciplinary Team within the Royal Victoria Hospital. Pamela graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a BA Hons Degree in Drama in 2015. Within her final year, Pamela participated in and facilitated several Community Based Projects within the Community and Voluntary Sector. Following her degree, Pamela has worked within a voluntary capacity and as an employee for Headway UK (the brain injury association). Within her role of ABI Coordinator, she has gained extensive knowledge and understanding of brain injury and its impact on those individuals affected by brain injury and their families within Adult Brain Injury Services. Outside work, Pamela is Mum to one grown up son and a daughter. In her spare time, Pamela enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She also enjoys travelling. Her favourite country to visit is Iceland!

Jayne joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in October 2023. She has a degree in Psychology, with focus on childhood development and abnormal brain development, from University of Dundee, where she lived and worked for over 10 years. Jayne has worked with children from birth to 18 in multiple settings including schools, charity family support and hospitals. All her work experience has included support of those with varying forms and severity of additional needs. She is trained in Makaton sign language, as well as Infant Massage and is currently completing her Counselling course. She has always been passionate about family support and is a champion for better relationships with schools making sure we get it right for every child. Jayne recently moved back to Northern Ireland with her Husband and 2-year-old son, in her spare time she enjoys going on walks with her family, cooking and reading.

Amanda joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in October 2024 as an ABI Coordinator, supporting families in Sheffield. Prior to joining the Child Brain Injury Trust, Amanda spent twelve years working in British international schools in China, Malaysia, and U.S.A. as a Primary educator (U.K. qualified). As well as classroom experience, having worked with Reception to Year 6, Amanda also has education leadership experience focusing on pastoral and curriculum development. To conclude her time overseas, Amanda completed her Education and International Development MA with UCL in September 2024. The area of charity, development and supporting vulnerable people has always been a passion for Amanda. Prior to focusing on education, Amanda worked with Nacro and Hestia (U.K. based charities) supporting vulnerable people, in particular those with mental health needs. Her time as a Deputy Team Manager of a housing project led to gaining vast experience of working with various stakeholders including those accessing the support, families, medical professionals, community mental health teams, police, and local councils. In her spare time Amanda enjoys reading, especially books focused on different cultures, Pilates, spending time with family and friends, and going out for long walks in the Peaks with her husband and two dogs, Dexie and Walter.

Liz joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in December 2024 as the ABI Coordinator for the North East region. Liz holds a degree in Modern Languages and Linguistics, and this is where her interest in brain development began, particularly in terms of early language acquisition. She later went on to complete her PGCE in Primary Education specialising in Early Years. Liz has taught as a qualified primary school teacher in a number of schools across the country for over 12 years, supporting students with a variety of needs. She has also more recently worked as an Attendance Manager at a large secondary school for 5 years helping to engage young people back in to education. Outside of work, Liz is a mum to 2 boys who keep her very busy! She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, eating out and exploring new places. She loves taking her dog for long walks on the beach and reading a good book.

Emma Joined the child brain injury trust in November 2020 as an ABI Coordinator for Yorkshire and Humberside. Emma provides emotional and practical support to families, young people and professionals following childhood acquired brain injury, with Leeds General Infirmary, supporting families across Yorkshire & Humberside. Emma has over 18 years’ experience of working with children and families in education with multiple complex learning needs. Emma has worked in education as a behaviour and pastoral leader and has worked with families who have social, emotional & mental health support needs and children with various behaviour support needs. In Emma’s spare time she likes to spend quality time with her family, and she enjoys watching her daughter horse ride and her son playing football.

Hello, I’m Natasha and I joined Child Brain Injury Trust in March 2025. I am an ABI Coordinator, I support the families of children with an acquired brain injury. My role involves meeting the support needs of the families, which may include emotional, practical, educational and financial, and if there is something that I can’t help with, then I will help families to access the correct support from other agencies. My career has predominantly been focussed on working with children and families with complex medical needs, Special Educational Needs , Mental Health and Neurodiversity, in a range of different settings from early years to social care and more recently in education. I have a Degree in Early Childhood Studies and studied disability studies alongside this during my first year of study. I also have a very creative side which I have incorporated into my work over the years, delivering therapeutic art and craft sessions to a variety of groups including children, adolescents and adults, and last year I gained an Art Therapy Diploma. I was drawn to working with Child Brain Injury Trust because I feel so passionately about what they do and how they provide much needed support to families during very difficult times in their lives. As a Mum of children with SEN and medical needs, I know all too well of the challenges and complex processes we must go through to enable our children to achieve and access the world around them just as equally as their peers. Facing challenges has always inspired me to not give up, to expand my knowledge and use it to help others. Outside of work I love spending time with my family, holidays, reading, the gym and anything arty and crafty! I used to be a wedding stationer and wedding planner and even won an award which I still have on display on my living room windowsill!

Katy is the ABI Coordinator for the East Midlands region. Katy has over fourteen years of care experience working in various settings supporting various individuals and their families. Katy first started supporting young adults with severe complex disabilities and mental health needs by providing all aspects of care and promotion of independence. Katy then started a new role providing meaningful and therapeutic activities and outings and especially enjoyed the annual summer trip to the sea side! Katy has experience supporting the elderly with dementia and using useful techniques for cognitive stimulation and re-introduction to skills to promote independence. Katy worked with the local care authority and case managers to provide the best possible quality of care for children and adults with complex care needs. She has worked with Headway Nottingham day services supporting adults with ABI and TBI, delivering workshops including recognising and managing behaviours, Creative writing and cognitive workshops and understanding brain injury and life after ABI, Katy’s favourite workshop was laughter yoga! Katy also ran family support workshops and outreach support including information and support with benefits and returning to work. In Katy’s spare time she enjoys family time with her son Ollie who is four and stepson Recce who is fourteen by going on family walks, feeding the ducks and family movie night with pop-corn!

I joined the charity in August 2022. My previous working life prior to this was as a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant at a mainstream primary school, teaching and supporting children. I have lots of experience working with children with SEND and I also have qualifications in children’s mental health and behaviour. I look forward to providing support to families across the West Midlands. A little bit about me….I am a mum to two grown up children, I have a cat called Bella and I love travelling, reading autobiographies and enjoy watching a good drama !

Sarah is the ABI Coordinator for Wales at Child Brain Injury Trust. She has a clinical background and worked for 10 years in the NHS, specifically within physiotherapy across a number of specialities including cardiology, oncology and neurology. Neurology was a particular interest and she spent 3 years as part of the paediatric Neuro Rehab Team at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff, working with children and families affected by ABI. This role encompassed the delivery of all areas of rehab post injury, working with children from the most acute stage in PICU, right through to discharge home in the community. Working in this hugely complex but rewarding area led Sarah to work with the charity and she continues to strive to help families through their ABI journey. On a personal note, Sarah is an avid runner and also enjoys hiking, spending her spare time outdoors with friends, family, and her dog!

Margaret joined Child Brain Injury Trust in August 2018 as an ABI Coordinator. She has a clinical background and worked for the NHS for 13 years. Working with children and families within the maternity setting. The experience gained in this area has enabled Margaret to work effectively and holistically in supporting families during their ABI journey. She is a proud mum to three daughters and grandmother to two sons, she enjoys spending time with family and friends being outdoors, music, holidays and a good book!

Csilla, our ABI Coordinator at Kings College Hospital since October 2023, comes with a diverse background that blends teaching, psychology, and a deep commitment to care. Before joining us, Csilla was a volunteer teacher in London, where she developed a strong sense of community involvement. Her time as a teacher reflects her passion for education and nurturing young minds. She also has experience as a healthcare coordinator, which taught her the importance of compassionate care for those in need. This experience drives her dedication to providing exceptional support in her role, especially for children and young persons, who are facing acquired brain injuries. When she's not at work, Csilla spends time doing research, especially studying how parents handle sleep problems in children with brain injuries. She's also a mother of two and loves traveling to extreme places, showing her interest in exploring the world.

Mahbubun joined CBIT in March 2024, with experience working as early intervention manager, supporting families with complex needs through casework. She has worked in further education for over 11 years as lecturer, programme co-ordinator and has worked with young people from the NEET cohort, or at risk of becoming NEET and devised programmes to inspire and empower young people. With a master's degree (MSc) in Mental Health and Psychological Therapies from Queen Mary University of London, her dissertation consisted of carrying out a systematic review of client experiences of exposure therapies for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her undergraduate degree was in Education and Community studies. Mahbubun won the national award Passion in Action, from Royal National institute for Deaf (RNID) for her dedication and going the ‘extra mile’ in supporting people accessing health. Mahbubun obtained the Oxford Executive Leadership certificate from Oxford University and will use the skills learnt on the programme in her CBIT role. With over 20 years of experience as trustee in voluntary charity organisations she has also delivered programmes to encourage participation of young people in leadership roles. In her spare time, Mahbubun enjoys spending time with her daughter and family. She loves socialising with friends, attending cultural events, playing her harmonium, painting, travelling, and writing story books (unpublished).

Nicola joined the team in May 2022, as the ABI Coordinator for the East of England at Addenbrookes Hospital, after 10 years of supporting Primary school children. During this time, Nicola completed a degree in Childhood and Youth studies, qualified as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant and undertook mental health and mentoring training. She has worked with children with a range of needs including Autism, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Global Development Delay and Acquired Brain Injury and is passionate about raising awareness of hidden disabilities and supporting all children to achieve their potential, with a particular interest in children and young people’s mental health. In her teaching capacity, Nicola especially enjoyed swapping the classroom for an outdoor learning environment and adopting a more creative approach to the curriculum to improve accessibility and make learning fun! She is a mum to 3 fabulous children and enjoys running with friends, playing netball, eating out, holidays and loves a good book.

Debbie joined The Child Brain Injury Trust in September 2022 as ABI Coordinator for the South Coast, having worked in education for nearly 20 years. With a background of teaching in Primary schools, Debbie has a wealth of experience working with children with various additional needs and is passionate about ensuring all children have the support and interventions they need to reach their full potential. She also has lived experience of SEN and understands the impact of those needs on families and siblings. Outside of work, Debbie is a mum to a son and daughter. She loves spending time socialising with her family and friends; as well as trying to keep as active as she can by walking the dog and dancing.

I was originally born in Scotland and returned to the UK in 2014 after living in South Africa for 40 years where I was involved in mostly people focused industries including Human Resources at Kellogg Company to the Banqueting Manager at a Country Club. From 2014 I worked extensively with vulnerable adults, mostly the elderly living with dementia, depression, grief and anxiety, this encompassed bed bound clients and end of life situations. I moved onto working for the NHS in 2018 within the Neuro Developmental Conditions service which helps children and their families living with Autism, ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome. I joined the Child Brain Injury Trust as a maternity cover Support Coordinator and have now taken on the role of ABI Coordinator (Virtual Support Team). I am very much looking forward to this next level of personal development coupled with the opportunity of working for a much needed service. Personally, I like nothing more than to share a good meal with my two adult daughters for whom I love to cook.

Zaara joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in September 2022. She is the ABI Coordinator for our Virtual Support Team. Zaara is originally from London, where she also studied and graduated with a Law degree in 2016. After moving to Oxford, she joined the Civil Service, where she worked for HMCTS and HMPPS. Zaara became a Lead Representative in 2020 for the R.I.S.E (Racial Inclusion Striving for Equality) network. In this role she collaborated with several government departments within the Ministry of Justice, to coordinate and host national events. Zaara has always been passionate about volunteering with local and national charities from a young age. This includes working as a Diana Awarded mentor to empower young children and teens. She also led tech teaching workshops to retired individuals in the community in partnership with U3A, a UK-Wide movement of locally run interest groups. Zaara went on to work in the charity sector in 2014. She held a marketing and fundraising role with the London Legal Support Trust. She also provided face-to-face support and advice to members of the public, at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Uxbridge. Outside of work, Zaara enjoys spending time with her family and travelling to new places. She would also class herself as a ‘foodie’, but balances this together with her love for fitness.

Anna joined the Child Brain Injury Trust in March 2023 as an ABI Coordinator for the Virtual Support Team. Anna is from Belfast, Northern Ireland and graduated with a BA Hons degree in Youth and Community Work with Practical Theology from the University of Gloucestershire in 2013. Since graduating Anna has worked in a variety of roles supporting children, young people, parents and families. Anna worked in Youth and Children’s Ministry before moving onto a role supporting young people at risk of school disengagement and parental education support; most recently Anna pioneered a Family Support Service, aiming to support families during times of crisis. When not working Anna enjoys spending time with her husband and three young boys who keep her on her toes!