The Team

After 10 years as a consultant and project manager, Karen switched to the Education sector.  She worked and volunteered with schools in a variety of leadership roles for almost 20 years.  Karen’s most recent role was Chief Financial Officer for a large multi-academy trust with schools in Bristol, Swindon, Wiltshire and Berkshire.  She brings to YCDT a passion for the power of education to open up opportunities and give Young Carers control over their futures.

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.

Mel has worked with young carers for more than ten years and is passionate about supporting them to reach their full potential in life. Mel has volunteered on several occasions, once in Vietnam for VSO as well as UK based charities and Earthwatch when she was involved in monitoring climate change. She also organises events including several activities a year for YCDT as well as an independent Young Carer Festival for 350 young carers from Wales every summer which is now in its third year.

Hannah was formerly a volunteer Development Mentor with YCDT before becoming the Lead Mentor on our National Lottery funded 1 year Mentoring Programme. Hannah has been voluntarily mentoring young people in outdoor education and with sail training charities since 2017. She switched from an academic career as an Anthropologist in Death Studies to join YCDT, as she loves nurturing others to achieve their academic and personal development aspirations. Hannah is a keen sailor, long distance walker and closer to home, is often found tending to her allotment plot and small herd of goats.

Originally from Devon, Sarah has worked in the charity sector for over 15 years having previously trained as a primary school teacher. As well as having had roles working with young and adult carers and young people in care she has worked for many years in the mental health field. She is passionate about supporting others to achieve their potential and is really excited to have joined the YCDT team on the 1 year lottery funded mentoring project.

Dekeisha was supported by YCDT as a young carer and is now a YCDT ambassador. Having had first hand experience being a young carer and being supported by YCDT, Dekeisha is very passionate about the work YCDT does and is very excited to support the growth of the charity through marketing and admin assistance.

Robert worked as a Vicar in the Church of England for the last 40 years.  Recently retired, he has come to live in Bristol to be close to his first grandchild. Robert has had a long and varied engagement with children and young people through leading Youth Clubs, helping youth choirs to flourish and as a school governor.  He has also supported a school in South Africa for many years, based in a township just outside Johannesburg.

Amy was one of the first beneficiaries of the YCDT as she was a carer for her mum, she has been a mentor and an ambassador for the YCDT. She is now a trustee with the trust. She has studied at Cheltenham and Exeter university and works in the NHS talking therapies as a CBT therapist. 

Bernardo serves as an Associate Professor and oversees Undergraduate Admissions in Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath. His journey in higher education spans across the United States, Ireland, Japan, and the UK, where he has been a guiding force for university applicants, undergraduates, and postgraduate scholars. Beyond academia, Bernardo finds joy in running, creating music, and exploring the wonders of science.

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. 

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.

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.