Meet the Team

In line with recommended best practice all our staff and volunteers undergo either EDBS or DBS Checks depending on their role. They also complete a range of CPD training to 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.

"Children and young people have poor social competence post brain injury due to reduced cognition, executive functions, and emotional control. As a result they are twice as likely to have mental health issues in the future"

James Tonks; University of London

"Different 'experts' involved in pediatric neuro-rehabilitation come from different organisational cultures which causes conflict and has a negative effect on the outcomes for the child."

Barbara O'Connell; Ireland

"More play increases brain plasticity and makes for better recovery post brain injury"

Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada

"Often families don't have the financial capability to access services. We need to rethink how we delivery neuro-rehab services to children and young people"

Vicki Anderson; Australia

"There are problems with getting people into neuro-rehab centres. Those most in need are often those most excluded due to a lack of socio-economic resources."

Vicki Anderson; Australia

"Pediatric neuro-rehabilitation cannot be delivered in isolation. The needs of the child have to be looked at both holistically and within the context of the family unit. Parents need to be empowered to be parents in post-acute pediatric neuro-rehabilitation following brain injury"

The Children's Trust; United Kingdom

"Thousands of children and young people living in the UK today without the help and support that can make a huge difference to their lives"

Dalton Leong; Chief Executive of the Children's Trust

"Intensive and individualized approaches work. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't. You have to make it relevant to the child."

Recolo; United Kingdom

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

Eyzyon Eisentein; Israel

"We need to harness the power of brain plasticity for treating children and young people with brain injury. Stressful experiences alter brain development of a child, especially at the key ages of 0-3 and at ages 10-16"

Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada

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.