Clare Payne - Chair

Clare is a Grants Officer at the Barrow Cadbury Trust, an independent charitable foundation committed to funding and encouraging the promotion of social justice. Prior to this she was a Development Manager with UnLtd - The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs where she worked on a range of funding programmes, including UnLtd Sport Relief which supported young people to address challenges in their local community through sport.

Before joining UnLtd, Clare worked in Urban Regeneration at Plymouth City Council and also completed an MA in African Studies at SOAS. She has volunteered in Africa in varying capacities, the most recent being with a human right's NGO in Malawi in 2006.

Clare is passionate about supporting individuals and grassroots groups to create positive change in communities. She views the work done by Bud as both pioneering and essential in responding to the needs of vulnerable individuals who are missed by statutory services. She enjoys being able to contribute to a charity that has real and lasting impact on the lives of young people and adults in London.

Simon Curtis – Treasurer

Simon manages his own Project Management / Consultancy Company aimed at the Construction industry. Simon has been responsible for the various phases of a project - both commercially (NEC and JCT) and technically - from feasibility and master planning through to project handover.

This has allowed him to acquire a wide range of multi-disciplinary skills and knowledge. Simon has lived in Brixton for three years and coming to the end of a part-time post graduate degree in Finance is hoping to aid Bud Umbrella - a "local" charity for him - to meet its strategic and expansionary objectives.

Having tried a multitude of therapies Simon maintains an interest in exploring new therapies and regularly uses Reiki, Massage and Self-Hypnosis to relax and escape the stress of modern living.

Michelle Manners – Secretary

Michelle is a ward administrator at the Maudsley Hospital an acute psychiatric hospital in South East London. She has previously worked as a Cardiac administrator at Wexham Park Hospital in Berkshire. She has extensive knowledge of Health & Safety policies and procedures.

Michelle has volunteered for the London Probation service as a mentor to young adults and the Quality Living Scheme in Manchester supporting young teenage mothers. She is currently working towards her NVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration and has a degree in Sociology and Criminology from Manchester Metropolitan University. She completed an Adult Nursing Foundation year at Manchester University in 2007.

Michelle is very keen to help others and work with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds especially young people. Michelle is very interested in the work Bud Umbrella does and is looking forward to contributing and sharing her knowledge and skills with a unique charity.

Faye Gray - Trustee

My name is Faye Gray. I’ve lived and work for 25 years on the Myatts Field Estate. I have 2 grown up children.

I work for Myatts Field Community Centre since 1986 as the manager of the centre. During my time here I have been involved in a number of activities and projects on the estate. I am a member of the Tenants Management Organisation present on the estate. I am also a member of the PFI (Private Finance Initiative) scheme which the estate will be going through in the next couple of years. I organise and perform every year in our local West Indian Carnival with the children and tenants of the estate.

Harriet Crosthwaite – Trustee

Harriet works for a political consultancy in Westminster, helping organisations effectively make their case to Government and key stakeholders. Prior to joining the private sector she worked for a think tank and a political party and has an excellent working knowledge of the political process and how organisations can effectively lobby on behalf of their own agendas for tangible benefits. Harriet will be working with Bud to develop a political lobbying programme to ensure Bud’s voice is heard loud and clear by key stakeholders. The work will also aim to ensure that Bud is involved in shaping relevant Government policies and is also well placed to take advantage of available funds and grants

Outside work, and Bud Umbrella, Harriet is involved with a community radio station in Borough and attends a regular yoga sessions. Harriet strongly believes in Bud Umbrella’s work and hopes to be a small part of a team helping to make a difference.

Heather Garrick - Trustee

Heather has worked in the children’s education sector for many years and is dedicated to helping children to reach their potential. Her current position as Marketing Director of Explore Learning has given her a wealth of experience in working with hundreds schools across the UK, and with children of all abilities.

As a Lambeth resident, Heather is also passionate about involvement in the local community. She has been a volunteer for London charity The Food Chain since 2007, working with HIV positive people in Merton, Wandsworth and Lambeth. Heather holds a MA from Oxford University, and is currently studying to become a Chartered Marketer, giving her skills that are directly transferable to her role as a trustee.

Jo Oladejo – Trustee

Jo Oladejo is a Project Coordinator at King’s College London and has over 12 years of experience working as an Administrator within the education sector.

In the past she has worked as a school secretary, Assistant Registrar and also in Office Management roles. After taking a 6-month break from working to travel to Kenya, San Francisco and Thailand, Jo volunteered as an administrator with Bud Umbrella before becoming a trustee.

As a Lambeth resident she feels strongly about the services that Bud Umbrella offer to the local community and recognises the positive impact that the charities’ activities have on individuals in her local area.

Ruth Moore – Trustee

Ruth is Head of Events at the Institute of Fundraising and has seven years experience in the B2B events industry, working within the telecoms, life sciences, online/digital, marketing and legal sectors and having taken positions in Tokyo and Prague before settling back in London.

Ruth's events expertise combined with project management experience makes her a strong communicator and people manager with a flair for making things happen.

As a Lambeth resident since 2002, Ruth is looking forward to bringing her skills and experiences to Bud Umbrella and making a real difference within the community.

Amanda Roberts - Director

Amanda has been a practitioner of complementary therapies for the last 10 years and is qualified in reflexology, healing, various massage disciplines and spiritual response therapy. Amanda’s specialities are children, young people and people with learning difficulties.

Amanda is part of the advisory team for the International Federation of Reflexologists as well as writing, lecturing and teaching on topics related to reflexology and complementary therapy in general.

Amanda’s experience includes running her own complementary health practice, teaching workshops and working for a number of charities including clients with mental health and learning disabilities.

In October 2004 Amanda received a grant as an individual to give children and young people with behavioural and emotional difficulties reflexology within Lilian Baylis Technology School and Myatts Fields After School. This was the beginning of Bud Umbrella.

Alexandra Denye – Administrator

Alexandra joined Bud Umbrella in April 2009 to assist the Director in running the office. Before taking a career break to concentrate on her writing career, Alexandra was previously Chief Operating Officer for nfpSynergy, a research consultancy specialising in the voluntary sector. She brings considerable, business, finance, organisational and project manager skills to Bud.

Alexandra has a degree in Banking, Insurance and Finance and an MA in Creative Writing. As a former Therapeutic, Sports and Thai Massage therapist Alexandra is fully aware of the benefits of complementary therapies and is keen to promote and expand the work that Bud does.

Tracy Robinson

Tracy is a practising Reflexologist and qualified over ten years ago. Tracy is also qualified in reiki and massage but her passion and interest is reflexology.

Tracy has always had a deep interest in alternative and complementary therapies but could not train until her three sons were older as she has brought them up on her own. Tracy is very aware of the benefits of reflexology on young people as she practiced on her sons and has continued to give them treatments. She is a member of the International Federation of Reflexologists.

Tracy works freelance and her experience includes voluntary work for Learning Disabilities, parents pamper days and within a special needs school.

Jacqueline Rhule

Jacqueline Rhule has been a practitioner in the complementary health field for the past 10 years. Her specialties are Reflexology (& pregnancy), Massage (& pregnancy), introducing Peer Massage into schools, Reiki Healing, Indian Head Massage, Baby Massage, teaching introductory workshops and working with parents.

Jacqueline is very passionate about promoting the benefits of ‘positive touch’ and in particular the healthy development of ‘emotional intelligence’ in children and adolescents. She feels it’s important for every individual to have an awareness of their own health and wellbeing; as a result they can become more proactive in looking after their mind, body and spirit.

Katie Sedgwick

Katie qualified as a Reflexologist in 2002, and specialises in treating clients with hormonal/fertility problems and supporting clients during pregnancy and postnatal care. She has postgraduate qualifications in Maternity Reflexology and Fertility, is a member of the I.F.R and the Craniosacral Therapy Association. Qualifying as a craniosacral practitioner in 2005, she has taken subsequent postgraduate qualifications in: working with pregnant women, babies, children and visceral organs.

Katie also treats clients suffering from stress, depression, chronic fatigue, and trauma related conditions. Katie has trained in counselling skills and Art Psychotherapy. She volunteered as a therapist for the London Marathon.

Joanne Cassidy

After the birth of my first child 4 years ago, I wanted to take my interest for reflexology further and decided a career as a reflexologist was the path for me. A year after enrolling in the course at the British School of Reflexology, I qualified in reflexology and Anatomy and Physiology with credits.

I now work part-time, both from home and mobile and have a range of clients from children to 80 year olds. In July 2005 I qualified in Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage, which combines the benefits of reflexology and massage for complete well being.

I am passionate about my job. I enjoy dealing with interesting people and giving them a chance to relax and improve their well-being through reflexology.

Cassandra Tyler

Cassandra Tyler is a Yoga teacher and Thai Massage Therapist. She teaches dynamic and quieter forms of yoga. She is passionate about the power of yoga to awaken the body’s natural self-healing energy and transform people so they feel more alive, confident and empowered.

Originally from an arts background, she has been practicing yoga for 20 years and teaching for nearly 10 years.

She believes yoga is for everyone; everyone can do yoga and everyone will benefit as the practice opens and strengthens the body to release pain and tension, addressing both physical and emotional issues.

Cassandra works at some of London’s leading yoga centres (including Triyoga and The Life Centre). She also teaches community classes and works with people suffering from serious physical injuries and deep trauma.

Georgina Evans

Georgina has a British Wheel of Yoga teaching certificate and has trained with leading yoga teachers in various styles of Hatha yoga including Astanga Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Dynamic Yoga. She incorporates aspects of alignment, strength-building and deep relaxation, encouraging inner reflection and self-healing through her sharing of yoga teachings.

For many years Georgina has been engaged in exploring and developing an interdisciplinary approach to healing, incorporating yoga, creativity, mindfulness practices and bodywork. Georgina spent four years working one-to-one with Vini Yoga Therapist, Sylviane Gianina, to assist her in developing subtle practises of pranayama, chanting and meditation in order to work through challenging personal experiences for her self and her clients.