The staff team
For any general enquiries please contact [email protected]
About Aaron
Aaron is the Communications Officer for Student Minds working on our communication campaigns as well as writing and creating all sorts of content for our platforms. He is passionate about empowering the voices of students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Before starting at Student Minds, Aaron completed a bachelors in Computing and Graphic Design as well as being a sabbatical officer (Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer at UEA). They also were the co-founder of Eradicate Hate and Black Students representative for the NUS Liberations Committee. Aaron keeps busy in their spare time with a combination of musical theatre, basketball, vlogging and supporting his local Church. About Andrea
Andrea has overall responsibility for administration, financial management, HR, policy development and compliance for Student Minds, alongside Eleri as a job share. Andrea has worked for over 30 years in the charity sector, mainly in the arts, in a range of project and senior management roles. Outside of work, Andrea can often be found in a corner of an art gallery or standing at the back at live music events. About Chastyn
Chastyn works as one of the Programme Managers for Sector Improvement focussing on programme activities and supporting the University Mental Health Charter programme and the wider Sector Improvement team. Chastyn earned her Masters in Public Health from the University of Glasgow in 2021 and has diverse experience in roles aimed at gender based violence prevention and mental health improvement across the UK and the US. In her free time, Chastyn finds joy by exploring the great outdoors, adventure-seeking, attending gigs around Glasgow, meeting new people and travelling. About Emily
Emily is our Sector Improvement Lead. She leads the team delivering the University Mental Health Charter Programme and Award, bringing together universities committed to embedding better mental health, sharing good practice and creating cultural change. Emily has worked for over 18 years in the non-profit, public health and education sector in a variety of leadership roles including Fundraising, Relationship and Project Management and Managing Youth Services. She is passionate about using a systems change approach to embedding positive change for people's health and wellbeing. When she's not at work, Emily can be found in rock climbing, biking, surfing and exploring the outdoors with her partner and children. About Grace
Grace leads on our communications activities, from overseeing our social media accounts to working creatively with the staff team to communicate new exciting projects and research. She is passionate about giving people a platform to share their mental health stories to ensure student's experiences are at the heart of our work. Grace is happiest when drinking tea, reading a good book or watching a documentary. About James
James works with our extensive and amazing network of corporate partners. Managing their needs and making sure we’re constantly spreading the word and supporting the work of Student Minds. James graduated from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Politics and Business. During this time, he worked on the advisory board for Pearson PLC and assisted in the managing of the University’s accommodation services. Since then, he has climbed the ranks working for a handful of international corporations and has recently made the move in the charity sector. In his spare time James can be found at an electronic music event, out on a hike or wandering around a National Trust Property on a wholesome Sunday. About Kate
Kate leads the development of our income generation strategy. She supports a diverse range of initiatives to generate income for the charity, working alongside our grant funders, community fundraisers and donors, and is passionate about ethical fundraising. She also plays a role in capturing our impact and communicating this to funders. In her free time, she enjoys reading contemporary fiction, painting and hiking. About Naima
Naima is a dedicated Programme Support Officer on the Sector Improvement Team, specialising in logistics and finances for the University Mental Health Charter. She also plays a crucial role in managing the contract procedures to ensure seamless operations behind the scenes. Naima's journey includes graduating with a Law Degree from the University of Leicester and channeling her passion for student mental health through charity work and extensive volunteering efforts. Beyond her professional life, Naima enjoys a well-rounded lifestyle. She stays active by working out, contributes to her community through her church activities, enjoys moments with her family (often spent exploring different cuisines) and indulges in reading novels whenever she finds a moment to unwind. About Shonét
Shonét works in partnership with universities, students, and assessors to deliver and develop the University Mental Health Charter Award assessments. She also supports the Charter programme activities and wider Sector Improvement team to enhance approaches to mental health across the sector. Prior to StudentMinds, Shonét has worked in community projects, campaigns and education. Outside of work Shonét loves to be in nature and moving - especially by the sea or in the mountains - and enjoys creative activities, like cooking, writing, and singing. |
About Alice
Alice is our part-time Clinical Supervisor, working within the Student Minds team on a consultative basis to provide supervision and support to our staff and team of peer-supervisors. Alice completed a Psychology degree at the University of Birmingham back in 2003 and trained as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist within the NHS in Oxford becoming fully accredited by the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies) in 2012. She now works at Birmingham City University as a Mental Health Adviser and CBT Therapist within Student Services. As part of her role she also sits on the University Mental Health Adviser Network (UMHAN) committee as Development Worker Supervisor. Alice has a particular interest in Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy and tries to attend workshops and training on these regularly. About Aphrael
Aphrael is the Content Manager for Student Minds’, having strategic oversight of content development and management across all Student Minds’ websites. This involves evaluating current content, and working with colleagues and external suppliers to ensure that all assets benefit university communities, empowering students through university life and beyond. Before joining Student Minds, Aphrael worked in both the charity sector and edtech industry, focusing primarily on how technology can be used in universities to support student mental health. Outside of work you will find Aphrael reading fictional novels, drinking copious amounts of tea and spending time with her fur babies; hamsters Taco and Sushi. About Dominic
Dom joined Student Minds in 2017 after working as the Community and Wellbeing Sabbatical Officer at the University of York’s Students’ Union. Dom leads on our campaigning & influencing work as well as our co-production & volunteering activities. Dom also has strategic oversight of our student voice, policy, insights and communications functions. Outside of work Dom enjoys gaming, watching anime and picking things up and putting them down again in the gym. About Emmy
Emmy is the Communications Assistant who focuses on all of the Students Minds' social media accounts. She creates social media content and helps arrange for other students to make content about their own experiences and more! Before joining Student Minds, Emmy completed a Master's in Digital Marketing Communications and has always been passionate about helping with mental health. Outside work, you can find her drawing, buying more plants to support her plant addiction or cuddling her pets. About Gareth
Gareth is the content development lead for the University Mental Health Charter and the Psychoeducation Lead for Student Space. Gareth works with our project teams to ensure that what we do is evidence informed and supports positive change for students and universities. Alongside his part-time work with Student Minds, Gareth is a psychotherapist and the Research Lead for Student Wellbeing at the University of Derby. About James
James leads our financial activities. The role includes the production of internal and external management information, including liaising with external partners and agencies. James has over 30 years in the charitable and Not for Profit sector.Outside of work James likes to attend concerts and can be often found with a camera in his hand. About Katie
Katie works across Student Minds' diverse teams to develop creative ways of engaging students, ensuring they have meaningful opportunities to get involved in our work. Currently a Harding PhD Scholar at the University of Cambridge in the Clinical Neurosciences Department, Katie has also collaborated with organizations like The Royal Institution, The London Transport Museum, and Cambridge Children's Hospital to amplify young people's voices and support outreach and engagement initiatives. When she's not working, Katie finds herself immersed within a good book, writing fiction, running, experimenting with new recipes, or roaming around art galleries. About Niamh
Niamh manages the Student Minds training function, focusing on leading the delivery and continuous improvement of the training offer whilst managing key relationships in the training network. Niamh joins after nearly 5 years working at Anxiety UK and has a background in biotech. Outside of work, Niamh enjoys the best of both worlds exploring the city life of Manchester, and taking regular escapes to the country in her campervan with husband and dog, Forest. At home you can find her in her favourite chair reading a book, attempting embroidery or painting her nails. About Yeme
As Interim CEO Yeme will lead the organisation for the next year, working closely with the staff team, trustees, student advisors, clinicians, professionals and our cross-sector partners to continue developing the charity’s direction, strategy and future opportunities. Prior to joining Student Minds Yeme worked in a range of education and charity sector roles involving events management, volunteer management and anti-racism & LGBTQ+ inclusion strategy work. Most recently, they were a trustee for the LGBTQ+ mental health service MindOut and worked at King’s College London leading on their Student Minds Charter submission, as well as supporting university services to embed a whole university approach at King’s. Outside of work Yeme enjoys learning languages and going for long walks with her cavapoo Nala. |
About Amanda
Amanda works in partnership with students, staff and organisations across the sector to deliver programmes which aim to enhance approaches to university mental health. Amanda loves binge-watching tv-series accompanied by a big mug of tea, experimenting with healthy-ish baking as well as campaigning for human rights issues. About Charlie
Charlie is the Programme Coordinator in our Student Spaces team. She oversees our University directory and provides ongoing support to the development of our student spaces. Prior to joining student minds Charlie worked in a number of Higher Education roles surrounding volunteer management, equity and inclusion, and student advocacy and representation. Outside of work Charlie enjoys baking and creative activities such as crochet, as well as creating educational resources and advocating about autism and ADHD. About Eleri
Eleri is responsible for the performance and delivery of the charity’s work. Eleri heads up our infrastructure functions, and has overall responsibility for and leads on organisational policies; risk management and compliance; and finance and funding, alongside Andrea as a job-share. Outside of work Eleri enjoys spending time with her two children, walking in nature, and playing netball. About Flora
Flora is Student Minds' People & Culture Officer, working closely with the Head of People and Culture to support the team’s growth and development. Flora's primary responsibilities include overseeing the recruitment and onboarding processes, ensuring that new hires have a seamless transition into the organisation and managing manage employee-related queries, providing guidance and support to foster a positive workplace environment. Outside of work, Flora is passionate about health and wellness, spending her free time at the gym, practicing yoga, swimming, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. About Hannah
Hannah supports the fundraising team in developing community fundraising, corporate partnerships, and individual giving, playing an active role in generating income and expanding the charity’s supporter base. She contributes to a range of fundraising activities and events by providing dedicated supporter care through regular communication, assisting fundraisers in reaching their targets, and helping to strengthen relationships with corporate partners. In her free time, Hannah enjoys hiking, reading, and caring for her many houseplants. About Jenny
Jenny is our resident policy specialist, delivering research, briefings and analysis to empower the whole Student Minds team. She keeps a finger on the pulse of the higher education and mental health sectors, and is passionate about grassroots activism, co-production and student leadership. She previously worked as the Welfare Coordinator for Sheffield Students’ Union, where her love for all things policy flourished. Outside of work she is a dubious ice hockey player and all-round outdoorsy type. |