Meet the Team

 CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

 In line with recommended best practice all our trustees, staff and volunteers undergo either an EDBS (with a barred list check) or a DBS Check depending on their role.  They also complete a range of CPD training to update their professional skills and ensure they have the appropriate levels of Safeguarding Training.

 

CASE MANAGEMENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT TEAM

 

Jan Rock – CEO & Case Manager

Jan has over 15 years lived-experience of acquired brain injury in children, young people and adults.  She regularly completes CPD courses pertaining to Paediatric Acquired  Brain Injury & Neuro-rehabilitation; Special Education Needs and Disability; and Children with SEBCMH issues.  Jan manages the charity day-to-day, oversees a range of complex cases, and delivers external training.    

 

 

Fran Hammill  – Case Management Assistant

Fran spent the first 12 years of his career working in the chemical industry as a research chemist. He is a Chemistry graduate from Teesside University. From 2012 onwards he worked in multiple roles within the charity and care sector. He has relevant experience of working alongside case managers, as part of an MDT team to support his brother, who has an ABI.

 

 

ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS TEAM  (ABI SEN) 

 

Janet Gamesby – Senior SEN Specialist Mentor

Janet has 17 years’ experience in secondary education within the SEND team and has supported young people with a range of complex disabilities. She is a qualified Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, holds qualifications in Dyslexia and is trained in  Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy.  Janet understands the negative impact an acquired brain injury can have on a child’s ongoing development and educational outcomes.  Janet now leads our innovative SEN team, which helps to transform the lives of the children and young people that we work with.

     

 

Emma Lannon Russell – Specialist SEN Mentor

Emma is a highly experienced Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant with 20 years of experience working in local schools.  Her experience includes working with children with a vast range of learning disabilities, health and neurological conditions. In 2022 Emma decided to retrain and has completed a BSc in Occupational Therapy.  During this time also worked as a Therapy Assistant and completed placements with a range of statutory providers.  Emma completed her degree this year and now combines her Occupational Therapy knowledge and skills with her SEND experience by working as one of our Specialist SEN Mentors.

 

Louise Potts – Specialist SEN Mentor 

Louise is a recent psychologist graduate. She has spent the last 3 years working and supporting children with behavioural issues, whilst also gaining a fundamental understanding of psychology and the brain. From both academic and personal experience, Louise has seen how ABI can profoundly affect young lives. She is passionate about providing informed and compassionate support which is tailored to individual needs.

 

 

Callum Rock – ABI Support Coach

When I was 16, I had a rock climbing accident and sustained a severe brain injury. After lots of hard work and the intensive neuro-rehab support that was provided by my family, I have been to college and graduated university! I therefore know that what this charity does, works.  I am a qualified Adventure Activity Leader, and gained a BA in Outdoor Education and Leadership.  I have also completed additional training in First Aid, Understanding Challenging Behaviour and SEND Support.    

 

Christine Sherred – SEN Resource Worker

Christine creates and coordinates resources for our innovative Cognitive Recovery Programme.  She has lived-experience of acquired brain injury both in children and adults and understands the devastating impact of a lack of recovery support available to children and young people post acquired brain injury.

 

 

Lisa Ford – SEN Team Administrator

Lisa joined MATRIX Neurological in July 2025, as SEN Team Administrator.  Lisa has many years of administrative experience, most recently within the Further and Higher Education Sectors, including organising student club activities and university sports fixtures.  She also assisted with student inductions and awards events.  Lisa’s most recent job involved the co-ordination of student exams, as well as providing general administrative support towards the whole student experience.

 

 

ADMINISTRATION

Our highly experienced central Administration Team provide all the administrative support to the charity and ensure that we meet all our legal requirements.  They are essential to the effective management of the charity.

 

Lynne Aungiers – Office Manager

Prior to joining Matrix Neurological, Lynne worked in a wide range of both public and private sector organisations, including chemical and process industries, social housing, not for profit, charity, and NHS, amongst others. Lynne’s vast work experiences, allowed her to build a wide range of skills needed to manage the busy  and often complex needs of an office of multi-disciplinary personnel.  

 

Pam Alderson – Financial Administrator

I previously worked in the Chemical Industry, at the same site for 45 years undertaking a wide range of roles. My final role was Site Procurement Manager with responsibility for all the Procurement and Logistics activities. At Matrix I am the Financial Administrator however,  I hope to utilise my wider skills and experience to support other aspects of the Charity’s work.

 

 

VOLUNTEERS

Our volunteers all live locally and provide a range of essential support functions to the charity and make a significant difference and positive contribution to our work.   

Martin Godward – Admin Volunteer

 

 

 

Katherine McCue – Administration Volunteer

 

 

 

 

 

       Fundraising Volunteer – Vacancy

 

              

 

 

STAFF AND VOLUNTEER SURVEY MARCH 2022