The Team

Karina has worked in the charity sector for many years, including health, educational and arts charities, with previous management roles varying from managing outreach education projects to fundraising and marketing - Karina is also a qualified violin teacher! She is delighted to be part of the Young Carers Development Trust family, and working with a charity that makes such a difference to the lives of young carers.

Leah has worked in the third and charitable sectors, supporting young people for many years. She has first hand experience of supporting young carers from her work at Bristol and South Glos. Young Carers' service. She has volunteer and personnel management experience and has run and managed numerous projects, each looking to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in the South West. She is really excited to be part of a growing charity that supports young carers so successfully.

Amy was a young carer, looking after her mother from a young age. She was one of the first people to receive support from the YCDT. She went on to complete a degree in psychology at the University of Gloucestershire, and currently works in Bristol within the mental health services.

Bryan joined YCDT in September 2019. Previously Bryan had spent 7 years volunteering at The Carers Support Centre. Initially as a fundraiser and in the last 3 years as a Trustee.  Alongside his work as a Development Manager with us, he is a Local Volunteer with The Crohns and Colitis Charity. During his volunteer fundraising role at The Carers Support Centre Bryan had a passion for giving the Young Carers opportunities to have time away from their caring roles. This passion to help Young Carers is now being utilised to help our youngsters progress through post-school education into Young Adult life. In his spare time Bryan enjoys Running, Cycling, Walking, Golf and gardening. 

David Jordan joined the Young Carers Development Trust in 2018. David has taught in a variety of secondary schools and most recently was involved in setting up vocational courses for 14-19-year-old students across schools and colleges in Wales. Now retired, his interests include walking, youth and church work and, together with his wife, caring for their loyal Tibetan terrier, Holly. He is also building a model railway in his garage.

David completed a short course at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, and then spent time in Australia and New Zealand. Returning to the UK, he ran his own business, installing machinery worldwide, before retiring in 2011. He has been a Development Manager for the Trust since 2014.

Emily is a Centre Leader for IntoUniversity managing a local education centre in Bristol which works with young people from backgrounds underrepresented in Higher Education. Previously, while completing a PhD at the University of Aberdeen she also worked at the Brilliant Club. Emily has lots of experience of the university sector and widening access work, and of supporting young people to achieve their goals. Outside of work, she is a photographer and plays several musical instruments.

Also known as Dr Diana Evelyn Miller, Eve is an experienced clinician with a detailed knowledge of provision and regulation of healthcare related services and the professionals who work within them. She has worked in hospitals and educational establishments, and recently has been an adviser to Medicine Sans Frontiers, the General Medical Counsel and Westonbirt School.

Richard Garforth joined the Young Carers Development Trust as a mentor in the summer of 2014. He has been employed as a Chemistry teacher at Kingswood School in Bath for around forty years, with other responsibilities including Housemaster and Head of Careers Education & Guidance. His interests include fell-walking, cycling and photography, and he is a trustee of a charity that supports marginalised communities in southern India. Richard is married with three daughters.

Having started her business career in the Bath Careers Service for County of Avon,  Jenny Bower progressed to Marketing Manager at London Life Insurance and then on to forming one of Bath's largest and most respected property businesses and is currently Managing Director of Bath Estate Management.  Jenny is enjoying her role on the board of Trustees at YCDT, bringing many years of charity fund raising work experience with her and most importantly her own experience as a young carer.

Katy is a registered social worker who has worked with children in care, with refugees, and in child protection. She worked with young carers for a number of years, supporting them to improve their wellbeing and remain in education. Katy has first-hand experience of being a young carer herself and currently works as an Academic Mentor at a sixth form college. 

Linda is a solicitor ( non-practising), Sloan Fellow of The London Business School and business owner. She is involved in the local community as both a Wiltshire councillor and a Chippenham Town Councillor and is chair of the Chippenham Area Board. Linda has worked on a voluntary basis with both young carers and people with learning disabilities.

Pamela is a commissioning manager delivering high-quality services to children and families through local authorities across the South region. Having been a young carer and a young carer service manager, she has a particular interest in supporting young carers to fulfil their dreams and achieve their potential. Pamela's areas of expertise include equality and diversity, SEND and community safety. In her spare time, Pamela enjoys her allotment, cooking and spending time with her family. 

Sonia supported the Trust in the early stages supporting to grow and develop as a Development Manager and Executive Director. She has continued to stay committed the Trust after handing over to employed Charity Managers and is now a trustee. Sonia has 15 years of experience working with young carers and led Bath and North East Somerset Carers' Centre for 9 years. She is now freelance supporting charities.

Tim worked as a teacher between 1975 and 2007, in the UK, California and New Zealand; this included serving as housemaster at Eton College [1988-92] and as headmaster of the Royal Grammar School, Guildford [1992-2007]. Since 2007, he has been Director of Education for the Rank Foundation.

William is a Senior Financial Professional with extensive international experience in line and corporate functions in major media Corporations. He has direct experience in media and intellectual property, legal services, mergers and acquisitions and in start up businesses.