Our Team
Our team drives Kids Inspire forward, working alongside one another and towards the one constant in our work ‘the child at the centre’.
Together with our staff, our volunteers are an integral part of Kids Inspire, gifting time and knowledge to enable our charity to aspire to even greater things. We could not exist without them all.
Senior Leadership Team
Sue Bell OBE DL – Chief Executive & Clinical Director
Sue founded Kids Inspire in 2007 as a qualified Teacher and Counsellor specialising in helping individuals with emotional, behavioural and developmental issues. Sue has thirty years experience of working therapeutically with children and young people. A qualified and experienced Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and NeuroAffective Touch Practitioner, Sue runs a unique organisation, directing the team based on experience and evidence.
Vicky Haylock – Chief Operating Officer (COO)
A teacher by profession, Vicky joined Kids Inspire in 2018 after heading up a primary school in West Essex. As Headteacher, the school community experienced a number of devastating incidents, and she became increasingly frustrated with the lack of funded services available to support pupils and families. Kids Inspire’s mission resonated with this experience so she joined the team.
Kamila De Nadai - Deputy Clinical Director for Service Development
Kami brings with her a wealth of experience to our Senior Management Team. She is a UKCP Gestalt Psychotherapist, DBT and EMDR Therapist, Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society and Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Brazil. Kami has worked for many years in private practice, and also within HR. After moving to the UK from Brazil, she spent three years working as a Senior Practitioner for CAMHS.
Emma Ritchie - Deputy Clinical Director for Teams
Emma first heard about Kids Inspire in 2007 and was inspired by our vision. Joining as a student in 2010, ad moving into the clinical admin team in 2013. After qualifying as an integrative counsellor, she transitioned into clinical practice, working with parents, families, and adolescents. Emma has over a decade of experience in various therapies. Previously a case manager, she became Deputy Clinical Director in September 2024 and is proud to be part of the dedicated Kids Inspire team.
Paula Ashfield- Head of Fundraising
One of the longest-serving team members, Paula has been a part of the team since 2009. Before joining, she had a lengthy career in international banking before retraining as an Interior Designer and freelancing Project Management. Volunteering for a number of good causes along the way, Paula’s earlier career in banking led her to the Fundraising Team at Kids Inspire where she instantly saw the amazing potential for doing great work in the community.
Winston Wong - Head of Finance
Winston began his accounting career in Ernst and Young. After ten years, he went on to work as Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer for various companies across different industries. Originally from Hong Kong, Winston moved to the UK IN 2020, joining Kids Inspire in February 2022, stating that “the idea of working with so many passionate individuals and for such a meaningful charity gave me all the motivation I needed to join the team.”
Our Patron and Ambassadors
We're proud to have high-profile supporters who help us spread the word and raise awareness about children's mental health. Learn more about our amazing supporters.
Patron: Ruthie Henshall, actress, singer and dancer
Since 2015, our wonderful ‘Leading Lady’ Patron has helped us to spread the word about our work and to reach more children and their families.
Ruthie Henshall's multi-award winning career has seen her star in the most popular musicals of the past thirty years including Cats, Miss Saigon, Crazy For You, She Loves Me, Marguerite, Oliver!, A Chorus Line, Les Misérables, Billy Elliot and Chicago. She has also enjoyed tremendous success in plays, in concert and on television.
Ruthie recently starred in the Toronto transfer of 42nd Street. Its London run marked her return to the West End after playing ‘Mama Morton’ in Chicago, which made her the only British actress to have played all three leading female roles in the show.
Ambassador: Sophie Griffiths, singer-songwriter
Sophie Griffiths is a rising UK soul/pop artist known for her sharp storytelling, infectious melodies, and Gen Z relatability.
With over 2.2M+ streams, support from BBC Radio 1 (Mollie King, Maia Beth, and Gemma Bradley), BBC 6 Music, and playlisting on New Music Friday UK, New Pop UK, Fresh Finds, and more, Sophie’s fast becoming a standout name in UK pop.
Her music has featured on Love Island UK & US, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, and Netflix AU/NZ’s Take My Hand, with 22K+ Shazams and strong sync momentum. A BBC Introducing Spotlight Artist, she’s also been championed by Hunger Magazine and All on the Board.
On TikTok, she’s built a community of 410K+ followers, with over 19.5M video views in 2024 alone. Live, Sophie has played at Latitude, 110 Above, and sold-out London shows, proving she’s just as compelling on stage as she is online.
Beyond her success in music, Sophie is a passionate advocate for mental health. Having experienced high-functioning anxiety, she understands the importance of early intervention and emotional support. Her journey inspired her to support Kids Inspire, recognising the charity’s vital role in equipping young people with tools to navigate their mental health challenges.
Ambassador: Holly Haslam, golf professional and coach
Holly Haslam is a passionate golf professional and dedicated coach, committed to helping others unlock their full potential on the course.
A Junior European Champion at just 18, Holly has gone on to claim the WPGA Assistant Championship title and secure multiple top-5 finishes in the Rose Ladies Series.
Away from the golf course, to keep her focused and grounded, Holly enjoys outdoor adventures with her fiancée and long walks with their dog.
“I’m proud to be an ambassador for Kids Inspire because I believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, no matter what they’ve been through. I’m really looking forward to raising awareness, championing their work, and helping to make a real difference for children and families.”
Our Trustees
The Trustees of Kids Inspire are legally responsible for the charity. We value our board of trustees and the skills, experience, passion and engagement they bring to Kids Inspire.
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Specialism: Governance and Finance
Nick joined the board as Chair in September 2024. He spent most of his career in international development finance before switching to work in education as the COO of Christ's Hospital. He is a non-executive director of banks in Moldova and Bosnia, trustee of two educational charities and an independent visitor for a care experienced young person.
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Specialism: Strategic, people centred and educational leadership
Ashni joined the board in March 2026. She holds an MBA from London Business School and previously served as Investment Director at Impetus, a strategic funder of Kids Inspire. She is now VP of People and Performance at Zen Educate, a global company transforming education recruitment through technology. With experience as Chair of Governors at a secondary school in Enfield, London, she brings expertise in people strategy, risk management, organisational performance and mission‑aligned governance for children and young people.
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Specialism: Physical and Mental Health
Caroline joined the board in early 2020 as the pandemic set in. As Clinical Mental Health Lead and former Chair of Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, as well as a practicing GP, her experience and wealth of knowledge on mental health is welcomed among the board.
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Specialism: Growth Strategy, Execution & Finance
Danielle joined the Kids Inspire board in November 2024. She is the CFO of a fast-growing global Enterprise Software organisation, overseeing Legal and Operations and driving Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives with a passion for supporting young people. Danielle has extensive senior leadership experience, primarily in financial services, leading financial strategies, major transformations, and mergers and acquisitions.
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Specialism: Media, strategic analysis and leadership
Deborah joined the board in 2026. She is an experienced board member and Vice Chair with a strong governance background in the independent education sector. A former BBC journalist with over 20 years’ broadcasting experience, she brings exceptional research and analytical skills. She has led brand, reputation and growth oversight as Chair of Marketing and is recognised for championing local organisations. Deborah wants every young person to feel supported with their mental health, wherever they are. She contributes strategic and creative thinking, strong leadership and a commitment to effective, mission‑driven governance
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Specialism: Leadership and Development
Gillian joined the board of trustees in December 2023, having worked closely with them as a trustee of Inspire Wellbeing Services. Gillian has worked within school governance for over 20 years and is passionate about children, adults and organisations reaching their potential.
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Specialism: Inclusion‑led strategy, governance and lived experience
Gwen joined the board in March 2026. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience that align closely with our mission. She runs a design and manufacturing business focused on inclusive, accessible products, working with neurodivergent, disabled and underserved communities. Her work involves safeguarding, ethical decision making and creating safe environments. As a neurodivergent person, she has first‑hand insight into the challenges young people face. She brings strategic thinking, accountability and a perspective grounded in inclusion and emotional wellbeing.
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Specialism: Community Engagement and Governance
Louise joined the board in December 2024. She has been Engagement Lead for a national charity since 2018 and has 20+ years in the charity sector. She focuses on reducing health inequalities and fostering co-production through partnerships with NHS England, public health bodies, charities, and local government. She has expertise in charity governance and leadership in family mediation, finance, and volunteering with community initiatives.
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Specialism: Business Development
Stuart joined the board of Trustees in 2023. A Chartered Building Surveyor he is the Managing Partner of Barker Associates. Alongside accountability for strategy, operations, finance, and staff development he also leads on new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions at the property consultancy.
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Specialism: People strategy, transformation and organisational leadership
Melanie joined the Board of Trustees in June 2026. She brings extensive experience in people strategy and transformation, gained through senior roles at HSBC, Accenture and Aviva.
Her expertise spans workforce transformation, employee experience, organisation design, digital innovation, and talent and skills development.
Known for her inclusive and energetic leadership style, Melanie has worked across global, multicultural teams and brings valuable external insight through partnerships with organisations such as the World Economic Forum.
Page updated: 3 July 2026