Our trustees

Bio: I have been involved with Abbey since 2003, a trustee since 2004, Chair since 2021.   When employed, I worked as an administrator using French and Spanish at the EEC, Holiday Inns Europe and CSFB (London and Hong Kong).  I was very involved with the negotiations with Camden regarding the new centre and its lease, and brought determination, diligence and support for Abbey to the meetings.  

Favourite things about Abbey? I am in awe of Abbey’s staff, and how well they work together.   I admire their ability to think outside the box, using imagination with regard to new projects, accessing funding, and engaging Abbey users, long-term and new.   I also volunteer at the Community Lunches which I thoroughly enjoy.  Selling raffle tickets means I talk to everyone, and I appreciate the continuity from one month to the next, and hearing what Abbey means to our users.

Bio: An Abbey trustee since 2000, I am a community sewing instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience at a diverse range of venues, including Abbey. Previously I was Chair of Henna Asian Women's Group (1979-1990) and played a key role in organising annual Asian cultural celebrations. I love sharing my cooking skills with the Abbey Community Lunch and occasionally incorporate Asian cooking demonstrations into sewing classes. I am passionate about sharing practical skills, creativity and cultural knowledge and have a strong commitment to inclusivity, community engagement and lifelong learning.

Favourite things about Abbey? I love how the new building feels more open, welcoming, and full of life. It’s wonderful to see so many new members and activities bringing people together. The staff are always kind, helpful, and supportive. Most of all, I value how the centre supports wellbeing, helping people make friends, share ideas, and feel connected. It means a lot to me that parents trust the crèche while they attend my classes.

Bio: With a background in Media and Marketing Businesses, I have been involved with Abbey Community Centre as a volunteer and trustee for many years, initially as a volunteer with Kilburn Good Neighbours. Highlights of that time have been accepting the Queens Voluntary Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of Kilburn Good Neighbours in 2018 and seeing Abbey finally move from the old premises into the new centre in 2022. 

Favourite things about Abbey? The primary focus of the Abbey Community Centre has always been on community that it serves - the people who use and visit the centre. I never cease to be impressed at how the small but very dynamic team at Abbey manage to run a diverse range of services and activities for all sectors of the local community.

Bio: Initially trained as a mental health social worker, I later played a part in Camden’s voluntary sector.  For around twelve years I worked for two Camden charities where I recruited and trained volunteers to support people with mental health issues into volunteering and employment.  Another area of work was around running community activities to encourage local residents to be more active.

Favourite things about Abbey? While working in Camden, I crossed paths with Abbey on several occasions and was always impressed by the quality of response and breadth of services on offer.  As a trustee, I have seen this with my own eyes and am always astounded by the genuine care and thoughtfulness behind each member of staff.  It is a privilege to play just a small part in this amazing community centre. 

Bio: I am a Consultant Oncologist and also lead a research group. My medical background brings a set of clinical skills and the research work gives me some insights to the pressures of obtaining competitive grant funding. I had two children whilst living in Kilburn and found the support and stimulation of Abbey Road pre-school activities a big help as a parent.

Favourite things about Abbey? I’ve personally benefitted a lot from the support and community that Abbey can provide as a new mum. Several years later, I still love coming to Abbey and seeing the huge range of activities that are going on and the diversity of the community. I particularly love the diversity, and am really inspired by the dedication, talent and creativity of the Abbey staff team.

Bio: I become part of Abbey through the South Sudanese Women's Skills Development group. The organisation has been based at Abbey since 1996. In 2007, I became the organisation coordinator, and later joined the Abbey trustees. I believe in the power of people coming together to improve their wellbeing, and am also committed to empowering people from refugee backgrounds to create a sense of belonging and strengthen the community fabric. Our organisation thrives due to the support of Lindsay and all the staff. Besides my role as a coordinator, I work as a nursery practitioner. I am passionate about helping children grow, learn, and discover the world around them, early childhood is a magical stage of life.

Favourite things about Abbey? Abbey doesn’t treat communities as projects; it treats them as integral, with respect and inclusivity. That relational culture is rare; Abbey is the backbone of everything the South Sudanese women do and achieve. Abbey doesn’t just acknowledge multiculturalism, it celebrates it.

Bio: I am a leadership coach and former C-suite people and culture leader with over 35 years’ experience helping organisations and individuals thrive. I specialise in leadership development, organisational change, and building healthy, high-performing cultures. Through her work at Fieldstone Willis, I support senior leaders to grow with clarity and confidence. As a trustee at Abbey, I bring my experience in people, strategy and coaching to support the centre’s ongoing impact.

Favourite things about Abbey? What I love about Abbey is how genuinely welcoming and rooted in the community it feels. There’s something special about the way people come together here, whether for support, learning, or simply connection. It’s not just a service, it’s a real hub of everyday life. The team’s commitment and care really shine through, and it’s inspiring to see the difference Abbey makes. I’m delighted to play a small part in helping it continue to grow and reach more people.

Bio: I am a people-focused leader with 25+ years of experience building and scaling high-performing teams across the UK and internationally. I have led organisations through significant growth and transformation, consistently delivering results while keeping people at the centre. A PMP-certified project manager and long-term NW6 resident, I have dedicated time outside work to mentoring young people through CoderDojo and Apps for Good, and volunteer as a Tech Buddy at Abbey Community Centre.

Favourite things about Abbey? What I admire most about Abbey is the genuine, lasting difference it makes to people's lives. Having used the Centre's services when my daughter was younger, I've seen that impact firsthand. Now volunteering as a Tech Buddy, I see it from the inside too. What strikes me is how it serves the whole community across generations, without fuss, without pretension. Fifty years of that is something worth protecting and building on.

Bio: As a documentary producer who has made a number of series for the BBC and Channel 4 over 25 years, I am honoured to have the opportunity to bring my skills to the Abbey, supporting my fellow trustees as we work to make decisions that I hope will have an enduring and positive impact on the community we serve.

Favourite things about Abbey? I’ve really enjoyed meeting the many people who’ve been at the table for the Abbey’s community lunches, hearing their varied and fascinating life experiences over delicious, home-cooked food. And I’m proud to be part of a charity where the staff and volunteers are so committed to the people of all ages who come to the Abbey to avail of its services. I'll look forward to sitting in the garden again soon with all the lovely flowers and plants grown by the community.