Our Trustees & Advisors

Our First Trustees

Our launch event on Tuesday 6 October 2015 and our First Trustees, Jan Rock (Founder), Ann Dale and Dr Maeve O'Sullivan.

Anne Cooling - CHAIR

Anne is an experienced non-profit leader with extensive experience in income generation, fundraising strategy and organisational growth. Anne brings a track record of building sustainable revenue, strengthening governance and delivering measurable impact. Ann also understands the complexities of the UK healthcare environment and works closely with leaders to ensure strategy translates into meaningful outcomes.

With a 30 year career in the charity sector, Anne specialises in developing income strategies, securing partnerships and leading campaigns that deliver sustainable growth.

Anne says "what drives me most is working with teams and partners to make things happen. When I first heard about the amazing ground-breaking work of Matrix Neurological Recovery I couldn't wait to contribute my skills and experience to help move the organisation forward.

We are delighted that Anne has joined our Board and we look forward to the next stages of our growth and development with Anne's guidance and support. In her Trustees role, Anne will now act as our strategic lead for business development and income generation.

Colin Taylor - VICE CHAIR

Colin began his working life as a secondary school teacher of mathematics and religious education before going on to join North Yorkshire Police, where he served for 26 years in various ranks and roles, concluding his service in a senior role as Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Communications. Following retirement from the police, Colin worked with a large FTSE100 company in several roles before finishing managing director of a forensic medical business. For several years he was chairman of a Whitby based charity that assisted transport for the elderly and vulnerable.

In recent years, Colin has worked periodically as an independent investigator/reviewer with the Church of England on numerous commissions whilst still being able to spend time with his family and enjoying an active life on the golf course and walking his dogs.

Jan Rock - FOUNDER TRUSTEE & CEO

Jan worked in local government for 22 years, mainly in European and domestic funding programmes aimed at physical, social and economic regeneration, Her skills include: Strategic Planning, Public Sector Administration, Problem Solving, Project Management, Business Case Authoring, Fundraising and Bid Writing. Jan has a degree in Public Service Management, an ILM Post Grad Certificate in Leadership and Management; and is trained to Prince2 Practitioner level.

In 2010 her son had a terrible accident, which opened her eyes to a world of inequality she didn't know existed for children and young people with brain injuries. Post discharge her family experienced first-hand the lack of knowledge, help and support that is available to child brain injury families; so Jan and her husband undertook lots of research and developed an innovative approach to neuro-rehabilitation therapy that delivered significant positive outcomes for their son. This later drove her to found MATRIX Neurological as a registered charity.

She said: "In founding this charity my passion now is to share our experiences to help improve the provision of services for children and young people who have sustained an acquired brain injury (ABI) and support their families to ensure they are able to access the help and support they are entitled to. We are also working to deliver significant improvements to the long term outcomes for these forgotten children and young people; than is currently happening. We are making a significant contribution to that process."

Since founding MATRIX Neurological, Jan has spoken at many conferences and influential people about childhood acquired brain injury. She delivers brain injury awareness training from the 'lived-experience' perspective to a range of professionals and agencies. She also regularly undertakes Continuous Professional Development Training with professionals to keep abreast of new developments and current practice in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation.

In February 2020, Jan was appointed into the Chief Executive role following written approval from the Charity Commission. Jan has remained a Founder Trustee on our Unitary Board and represents operational aspects.

Sarah Jones - TRUSTEE

Sarah is an experienced manager and relationship builder with a strong commitment and integrity to use her extensive skills in developing, coordinating, and implementing services within the VCSE and public sector. Her skills include conflict resolution, negotiation skills and business development initiatives in target-based environments, and enhancing performance though the use of relevant legislation, data analysis and assessing outcomes.

I first met Matrix when I started working again within the VCSE and thought the opportunities and support they provide are brilliant. I hadn’t heard of them beforehand, but I wished this service was available to me and my family, when my nephew had an acquired brain injury many years ago.

When the role of trustee became available, I was excited to be able to apply and be accepted into the role. The ability to offer support any way I can to provide better outcomes for children and young people with acquired brain injuries and their families makes me feel a part of something that makes a real difference. In her spare time, Sarah loves to be beside the sea, watching the sunset and paddling with her family.

Andrew Buchanan - TRUSTEE

Originally from Glasgow, Andrew moved to Teesside in 1999 to start his career as a geologist and has made the area his home ever since. He is married with three sons and works for 6 Engineering, a safety engineering consultancy based in Stockton-on-Tees.

Andrew has always loved sport and although more often found watching these days, he still plays golf and has been know to take to the cricket field when his local team Skelton Castle are in need of players.

In his early 20’s Andrew suffered a serious head injury while playing rugby and experienced first-hand, the effects and the challenges faced by people with acquired brain injuries as they attempt to recover and continue with their lives.

It is through a combination of this lived experience and through meeting Jan and the team that has inspired Andrew to support Matrix Neurological achieve their vision that all children with acquired brain injuries are able to access rehabilitation support that will maximise individual potential.

Abi Murtala - TRUSTEE

Abi has a communications background in both in house and agency before moving into the NHS. She has an interest in acquired brain injuries and brings a broad experience of health communications, marketing strategy and team development.

Abi applied to be a Trustee with us because she wishes to use her skills, knowledge and experience to support the continued development and success of Matrix Neurological.

Dr Gill Owens (PhD, CPsychol) - TRUSTEE

Gill is an experienced senior leader who has spent her career working with people, teams and organisations to help them grow, adapt, and succeed in complex environments. She brings experience across strategy, governance, and leadership, alongside a strong belief in doing the right thing and supporting others to achieve their potential.

Gill is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments and has always been driven by a desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives. Her work has focused on aligning people, purpose, and performance to deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

“I was invited to become a Trustee and was immediately struck by the incredible work of Matrix Neurological Recovery. Meeting Jan and hearing about the impact the charity has on children and young people with acquired brain injuries, and their families, left a lasting impression. I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that is making such a meaningful difference and is committed to supporting its continued growth and impact”.

Outside of her professional work, Gill enjoys upcycling and interior design, walking and can often be found painting - particularly her much-loved big cats.