Our Staff
- Emma HalpinChief Executive
- Nathalie BelmasDevelopment Manager
- Susanna OdlinClinical Lead
- Denise ThursbyFinance Officer
- Gabor VajnaiCranioSacral (CST MCSS) and Rhythmical Massage Therapist
- Jeanne-Claire BischoffArts Counsellor (PGDip Arts Couns., MCGI/MBACP) and Metal Colour Light Therapist
- Rachel HessBiographical Counsellor (MBACP)
- Paul CrosseCommunity Hub Manager
- Amie ButlerArtisan Craft Workshop Team Leader
- Anita FritterGarden Workshop Leader
- Les RistMaintenance Co-ordinator & Wood Workshop Team Leader
- Caroline KingstonCafé Manager
- Daniela WilkesCook
- Mei LeeKitchen & Café Assistant
- Paul DaviesGardener
- Harry ScottMaintenance
- Carrie BainesProject Administrator
- Sue ShawProject Administrator
- Louisa LangfordFundraising & Communications Officer / Volunteer Co-ordinator
Our Trustees
- Jonathan ShawChairJonathan is Strategic Director for Kent Further Education.Jonathan ShawChair
Jonathan is Strategic Director for Kent Further Education (KFE) which comprises the three Kent colleges; EKC Group, Mid Kent, and North Kent. Jonathan was previously Chief Executive of the think tank Policy Connect. Jonathan's variable career has included being a farm worker, care assistant and social worker before being elected to Parliament for three terms between 1997-2010. During his time as an MP he served as a Minister for the Environment and then for Disabled People.
- Hazel AdamsTrusteeHazel is an anthroposophical art therapist and Metal Colour Light therapist.Hazel AdamsTrustee
Hazel worked alongside Dr David McGavin when the Blackthorn Trust was founded in 1986 coordinating the building project for the onsite medical centre in 1991. An anthroposophical art therapist and Metal Colour Light therapist, teacher and member of the executive board for the MCL training. Hazel’s connection to the Trust since its inception provides positive insight and connection to its therapeutic roots.
- Alice Chapman-HatchettTrusteeAlice is the Director of the Centre for Healthy Empowered Communities, a social enterprise based in the NHS.Alice Chapman-HatchettTrustee
Alice is the Director of the Centre for Healthy Empowered Communities, a social enterprise based in the NHS. The Centre supports health and social care research and development projects, with a focus on health inequalities and social determinants of health. Alice has 15 years’ experience of working in public health, and was the President of the European Public Health Alliance from 2020-24. She previously worked for Local Government and in the private sector facilitating collaboration between large organisations.
- Andrew JamesTrusteeAndy is a fundraising and partnership consultant.Andrew JamesTrustee
Andy is former youth worker with over 25 years’ experience of working at senior management level within the Housing Association and charity sectors. As a fundraising and partnership consultant, Andy has supported a diverse range of clients including youth engagement, homelessness, mental health, ex-service and animal conservation charities, plus faith groups, local authorities and professional football clubs.
- Kevin MouleTrusteeKevin has over 40 years’ experience in banking.Kevin MouleTrustee
Kevin joined Blackthorn Trust board in 2022. As a Trustee he concentrates on financial and strategic planning issues of the Trust, having had over 40 years’ experience in banking. He is also a Trustee of two grant providing charities which provide support to numerous other charities and organisations across the South East.
- George PerryTrusteeGeorge is a Biographical Counsellor and couple therapist.George PerryTrustee
George is a Biographical Counsellor and couple therapist. He also works as a coach to senior managers in business and the voluntary sector. Previously a management and organisational development consultant for over 30 years, his clients included the business, government and charitable sectors. His main interest is enabling the human element to flourish in organisations; as individuals grow and develop so does the organisation and vice versa. He has pioneered the use of biography work and arts-based learning in the workplace. George is also a qualified mediator with families and in business.
- Justine SlooverTrusteeJustine is a Director of Brachers LLP, an award winning local law firm.Justine SlooverTrustee
Justine is a Director of Brachers LLP, an award winning local law firm. She is the head of the firm’s Trust Team and has been managing trust funds for over 34 years. Justine has a vast range of experience in dealing with all aspects of trust management and also provides advice to trustees on their duties and obligations.