Role: Our Core Team

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2023.
Nafeesah started at Women’s Work in 2023 as a Volunteer Counsellor on placement alongside her studies at the University of Derby. Since then, completed an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Now works as the assistant counselling co-ordinator supporting Rachel Wright (Counselling Co-ordinator) and as a qualified counsellor.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2022.
Tracey previously worked as a mental health support worker with over nine years of experience working in the community with Metropolitan, supporting clients in collaboration with organizations such as the YMCA, Radbourne Unit, and St Andrew’s House. Prior to that she worked in the care sector, where she provided compassionate support to individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges. In addition to her professional background, Tracey holds an ITEC Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology, and Body Massage, and is a qualified Reiki practitioner.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2025.
Laura initially engaged with Women’s Work as a service user, gaining valuable insight into the support the organisation provides. Motivated by this experience, she began volunteering on the Healthy Emotions programme, where she developed key skills in supporting others. She later joined the Child Contact Team, working Saturdays, and eventually progressed into a full-time role as a Family Support Worker.
She holds a Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care and is due to begin her Level 3 Diploma next month, further building on her professional development. Prior to working in the support sector, she gained administrative experience in the motor trade industry, where she developed strong organisational and communication skills that continue to benefit her current role.

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.
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.
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.
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 2022.
Jacqui has over 20 years’ experience working within educational organisations and supportive roles, and has valuable knowledge in supporting behaviour, employability and community development. Jacqui is a Mental Health first aider for teens and Freedom programme facilitator for Men, Women and Teens. She also co-ordinates and delivers PHSE training and programmes to 16-18 year olds about drug and alcohol, sexual health, mental health, confidence & self-esteem and healthy relationships. She 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.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2022.
Claire initially started volunteering for Women’s Work back in January 2018, working with the service users inspired her to pursue study in counselling and she has since achieved CPCAB Level 2 Certificate In Counselling Skills, CPCAB Level 3 Certificate In Counselling Studies and CPCAB Level 4 Diploma In Therapeutic Counselling for which Claire completed a placement at Women’s Work, before joining the team officially as a qualified counsellor in 2022. Claire has recently achieved her BACP accreditation.

Joined the Women’s Work team in 2021.