Role: Our Core Team

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2024.
Sharon gained an International Montessori Diploma with distinction in 1997 followed by music kindergarten and piano teaching certificates. Sharon set up Melodies & Lullabies, providing childcare services to families and then later piano lessons. In addition, Sharon has worked as a court reporter and has experience working with the most vulnerable members of society, supporting children, young people and adults in her role as an Appropriate Adult.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2024.
Amanda graduated from the University of Derby in 2023 with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) in Forensic Psychology. Amanda has worked within the Criminal Justice System and has 8 years of experience working within the NHS as a qualified Assistant Practitioner in Podiatry. Amanda dedicates her spare time supporting parents that have children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and has developed her skills and knowledge in this area for over 20 years.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2024.
Gabby was previously a peer mentor for Women’s Work before joining our team officially as a domestic assistant. Gabby continues to be a great support to the women who come to us.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2023.
Kitty achieved her Msc. Forensic Psychology at the University of Derby in 2023. While pursuing her masters, Kitty started her journey by volunteering at Women’s Work before becoming a member of our team and found the passion to make a difference within the criminal justice system.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2023.
Lorraine has extensive management and leadership experience having worked in the NHS for 18 years leading teams at Burton/Derby Hospitals and Birmingham Women’s/Children’s Hospitals. Lorraine has worked within bereavement for over ten years dealing with extremely sensitive/complex issues and supporting families at their most difficult times. Lorraine has psychology and counselling qualifications. She has been a volunteer for Cruse bereavement completing many courses enabling her to support families along with management and leadership qualifications and has many years experience working alongside a range of multi-agency teams.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2023.
Kay has extensive admin experience working previously in the corporate industry and is passionate about mental health and family support, Kay has a range of qualifications including Self Harm & Suicide Level 2, Anger Management in Young Children & Adults, Counselling Level 3, Domestic Violence & the Restorative Process Level 3 and Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2023.
Rachel initially started as a volunteer whilst studying for a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. She has fifteen years’ experience working for the NHS prior to joining the Women’s Work team in 2023. Rachels experience working as an advanced practitioner within a community-based therapy team has informed her practice as a counsellor, enabling her to understand the close relationship between Psychological and Physiological wellbeing. In 2022, Rachel completed further study achieving an advanced diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. She is a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and is actively working towards her accreditation.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2023.
Hayley is a qualified Person Centred Therapist and a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). Hayley was originally a volunteer counsellor with Women’s Work before joining the staff team in 2023. Hayley has worked in the third sector for 20 years, including a children’s charity and a bereavement charity.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2023.
Žaneta moved to the UK in 2019 to complete her joint honours degree in Criminology and Psychology from the University of Derby, where she currently still works part-time in the business school on various projects, and as a conference coordinator. Žaneta has experience in events and project management, administration, and digital marketing.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2023.
Gemma has over eighteen years’ experience within the care sector. This has included community-based settings, The National Health Service and voluntary organisations. In 2007 Gemma completed a level 2 apprenticeship in Health and Social Care, following this in 2017 achieved an advanced level 3 Apprenticeship in Adult social care and the care of children and young people.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2022.
Jacqui has over 20 years’ experience working within educational organisations and supportive roles, she has valuable knowledge in supporting behaviour, employability and community development. Jacqui also has Level 3 Information Advice and Guidance.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2022.
Emma was previously a peer mentor for Women’s Work before joining our team officially and still volunteers for us too. Emma is currently studying towards her Foundation Pathways to Psychology Course at Derby University.