Meet the Team

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.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

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 is a frequent speaker at professionally focused Brain Injury Conferences. Her Continuous Professional Development training includes: Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury; Special Education Needs and Disability; Paediatric neuro-rehabilitation; and Understanding children with SEBCMH issues. Jan manages the charity day-to-day and she delivers acquired brain injury awareness training to a range of professionals, sectors and organisations.

Nicola McCormick

p/t Family Support Assistant and Administrator

Nicola has an N.V.Q. Level 3 in Business Administration. She also has lived-experience of both acquired brain injury and childhood learning disability. Nic provides the important link between our families and the charity; undertakes regular home visits; and supports the Case Manager with case administrative functions.

Mary Dryden

ABI Support Worker OT 24485 (HCPC registration number)

Mary has a professional background in neurological rehab Occupational Therapy. As a fully qualified therapist, we were delighted when she gained employment with us in April 2019. Mary’s role is part-supported by a BBC Children in Need grant to provide 1-1 emotional and development support and stimulating and fun activities to children and young people to assist with their cognitive, communication or emotional and behavioural recovery. Mary is a keen sportswoman and also helps out with our Kids-Club.

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS

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

Christine Sherred

Administrative Support

Christine helps with a range of important back office functions and is happy to help out wherever we need her. She also has personal experience of acquired brain injury both in children and adults.

"Positive and coordinated neuro-rehab interventions for children and young people is prove to bring health improvements; improve independence; a decline in the need for sheltered living; decreases vulnerability; decreases drop-out rates in schools; decreases youth offending"

Eric Hermans; Netherlands

"Healthy teens are better at identifying strategies to deal with barriers. KIDS WITH ABI'S CAN'T!"

Shari Wade; USA

"Parent-supported interventions following pediatric ABI bring reductions to the cost to society"

Eric Hermans; Netherlands

"We would like to see earlier identification and support for children with brain injuries to help them succeed in school."

Dalton Leong; Chief Executive of the Children's Trust

"Restoration of anatomical functions and relationships must be done within 2 months of brain injury"

Eyzyon Eisentein; Israel

"Our 10 year study proves that family-led home-based neuro-rehab interventions deliver the best outcomes for children and young people"

Lucia Braga; Brazil

"Participation in teen sports and normal activities leads to improved quality of life for children and young people post brain injury and helps to maximise outcomes"

Claire Willis; Australia

"When someone has a brain injury, early access to local, specialist rehabilitation is crucial to ensure the maximum recovery and make significant savings to the state in health costs"

Headway; United Kingdom

"New parenting support intervention showed how parenting style is related to executive dysfunction in children and young people post brain injury. With support parents cope better so the child has a better recovery"

Andrea Palacio-Navarro; Spain

"Too often children and young people with ABI are discharged from hospital without specialist brain support that they and their families need to overcome lifelong challenges"

Andrew Ross; former Chief Executive of the Children's Trust

OUR MISSION: To work to remove (health) inequalities for children & young people affected by acquired brain injury; and provide effective support to their families that makes a real difference.