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.

Jan Rock   

CEO & Case Manager

Jan has lived-experience of acquired brain injury in children, young people and adults.  She has a degree in Public Service Management, Certificate In Lean Organisation Management and is an experienced Prince2 Practitioner.  Jan also has several CPD leadership qualifications and often speaks at professionally focused Brain Injury Conferences.    Her Continuous Professional Development training includes: Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury; Special Education Needs and Disability; Paediatric neuro-rehabilitation; Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy; and Understanding children with SEBCMH issues.  Jan manages the charity day-to-day, oversees a range of complex cases, and she delivers acquired brain injury awareness training to a range of professionals, sectors and organisations.    

     Janet Gamesby

Specialist SEN Support Teacher

Janet has 17 years’ experience of working in secondary education within the SEND team supporting young people with a range of complex disabilities. She is a qualified  Higher-Level Teaching Assistant and holds qualifications in Dyslexia and Safeguarding to Level 3.  Janet is also very aware of the negative impact an acquired brain injury – as a hidden disability – can have on a child’s ongoing development and educational outcomes.  After hearing Callum’s story, Janet initially contacted us about doing some volunteering work.    During this time, she felt inspired by the work we do for brain injured children and young people and saw working here as a unique opportunity to use her skills and experience to support this neglected cohort to achieve their long-term recovery goals.  When the ABI Support Worker post was advertised, she applied and is now excited to be part of this innovative team.  Janet has since completed a course in  Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy that she applies to her day-to-day SEN work.     In her private life, Janet’s family are very important to her and she enjoys spending time with them.  She also likes to go walking and swimming in her leisure time.

Specialist SEN Support Teacher- Coming soon

Sandy Smith

ABI Support Worker

Sandy has lived-experience of acquired brain injury in children, young people and adults.  She also has extensive experience working with brain injured children and young people, in a 1-1 support setting in schools, colleges and home settings.  She holds qualifications in working with disabled children and young adults; Principles of Safeguarding and Child Protection in Health & Social Care; Awareness of Autistic Spectrum Conditions and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy.  Previously, Sandy ran her own Performing Arts Company as she found a significant gap within the “Every Child Matters Framework” in this Industry.  Her company specialised in the development of her students’ self-esteem, emotional growth and moral development.   Sandy applied for this job after seeing the advertisement.  She said “After listening to Matrix purpose, values and positive ethos, I couldn’t wait to be part of the team”.  Sandy enjoys singing in her spare time and spending time with her family.

Helen Tyreman

Family Support Assistant/Befriender

Helen has a range of administrative qualifications and over 27 years of administration and secretarial experience in local industry.  She is also an experienced carer for a family member so brings her own lived experience to her role.  She is very excited to be joining the team and working to support other local carers and their wellbeing.  Helen enjoys time with her son and also the calming benefits of crafting.

Christine Sherred

Administrator/Resource Worker

Christine provides administrative support to the SEN team and manages our Resource Library.  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.

 OFFICE VOLUNTEERS

Our office volunteers all live locally and provide a range of essential support functions.                               

* New Volunteer Profile coming soon.