Meet Our Team

Who is YES?

YES is comprised of a small, dedicated team of staff and volunteers, with a wide array of backgrounds and experiences. 

You can meet the team in the page below…

Counselling and wellbeing

Confiding in a stranger can be difficult. We understand that sometimes it can help to put a face to a name.

Julie

Counselling Manager and Wellbeing Lead

Julie

Counselling Manager and Wellbeing Lead

Victoria

Wellbeing Admin

Victoria

I tied the employment knot with YES back in August of 22. In my earliest months I supported all departments in admin and general assistance. In October of 22, I joined the counselling team and now dedicate my skill set in supporting the rhythmic flow and organisation of the foundation of the department. In my personal time, I’m an avid reader and favour light-hearted fiction novels as well as powerlifting.

Emily

Counsellor

Emily

Counsellor

Sally

Counsellor

Sally

Counsellor

Lexi

Counsellor

Lexi

Counsellor

Kelly

Counsellor

Kelly

Counsellor

Maria

School Counsellor

Maria

School Counsellor

Jamie

Counsellor

Jamie

Counsellor

Russell

Counsellor

Russell

Counsellor

Natasha

Counsellor (Tendring)

Natasha

Counsellor (Tendring)

Polina

School Counsellor

Polina

School Counsellor

Tyreese

Counsellor

Tyreese

Counsellor

Lauren

Counsellor

Lauren

Counsellor

Core Team

Our core staff work hard to deliver the best quality of care.

Maeve

Chief Executive Officer

Maeve

I joined YES in August 2024 and I love my job! My main responsibilities are steering the strategic direction of Yes and making sure we are doing the best for our team, clients, and local community. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my daughters and my Shi Tzu Minnie.

Georgie

Office Administrator

Georgie

I joined YES in July 2025. I'm usually the first face you see at the door and the voice you hear if phoning up for advice. Although I assist with general front of house and administrative tasks, I support all departments in a variety of ways. One day I could be setting up the meeting room for visitors, the next I could be creating social media posts to promote an event or campaign. When I’m not at work, I’m usually found at home cuddling my dog Wilson and watching movies with my partner!

Tracy

Corporate and Finance Lead

Tracy

Corporate and Finance Lead

Chloe

Community Engagement & Life Skills Development Officer

Chloe

I joined YES in April 2026, bringing with me many years of experience working in adolescent mental health. I’m taking on the role of leading Life Skills and Community Engagement, and I’m passionate about creating supportive, practical opportunities that help young people build confidence and resilience. Outside of work, I enjoy cold water swimming, meditation, and playing football with my son.

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS

Our housing and homelessness team are here for all young people who need support with housing options, homelessness and more.

Claire

Housing and Homelessness Lead

Claire

I have worked at YES for nearly 17 years. I manage our brilliant housing and wellbeing team across Colchester and Tendring, supporting young people holistically with their housing needs. When I am not here at YES I enjoy time with my family (especially the grandkid) and keeping my young border collie entertained!

Derryn

Housing, Health and Wellbeing Officer (Tendring)

Derryn

I joined YES in September 2024 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the young people we support. My primary role involves assisting young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them achieve the best possible outcomes for their future. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my partner and our two children.

PARENTING AND PREGNANCY

Our Parenting and Pregnancy team are here for all young parents and expected parents.

Jessica

Parenting and Pregnancy Lead

Jessica

I started at YES in February 2024 and I currently manage the YPPP Team, our role is to support those on the parenting pathway both practically and emotionally. It is a role I love and feel honoured to do. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my close friends, family, and menagerie of animals.

Kirbee

Parenting and Pregnancy Link Worker (Tendring)

Kirbee

I joined YES in July 2024, my role includes supporting young families throughout pregnancy and beyond- which I absolutely love. When I am not at work, I spend my time with my husband and our two daughters.

Hannah

Parenting and Pregnancy Link Worker (Colchester)

Hannah

I started at YES in October 2024, I'm responsible for running the Colchester Bump & Beyond group, offering support to our young people through advocacy, housing, benefit support, parenting and beyond. As a former service user it’s been wonderful to see the service from a different perspective and understand the hard work the staff here put into ensuring young people are supported. When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my little sausage dog Bert and baking all the treats!

Trustees

Our trustees oversee the charity and make important decisions on behalf of YES.

Jacqui

Chair of Trustees

Jacqui

Chair of Trustees

Ann

Trustee

Ann

Alex

Trustee

Alex

Philip

Trustee

Philip

Philip Strangward is a qualified chartered accountant, formerly with Price Waterhouse in Zimbabwe where he grew up. Moved back to the UK in 1977 and after some time in commerce became a partner with Moores Rowland. More recently, a finance director (commercial property related businesses) and currently also practises as an independent accountant to local individuals and businesses.

Natasha

Trustee

Natasha

Natasha Wainaina works as a Junior Management Consultant with background in workforce transformation, cultural competence, and digital communications. She was appointed as a Trustee for YES in September 2019 and is delighted to be a part of a charity that provides services that are needed to the youth in her hometown. Natasha started volunteering for women and youth organisations in 2013 when she was at the University of Lincoln which led her to do more in her community. She is passionate about making sure children and young adults feel that they are supported and cared for.

Lucy

Trustee

Ben

Trustee

Ben

Sacha

Trustee

Sacha

Featured News and Events

Thank you Jo Bell

May 1, 2025

This week we were so happy to welcome singer/songwriter Jo Bell back to our Colchester Office. Jo wrote and performed the song ‘Absent Friends’ and

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