Meet the STAMMA staff team.
Scroll down to read all about us. Our staff team is made up of people who stammer and people who don't.
Jane Powell
Chief Executive
Jane has worked in the voluntary sector and on campaigns all her life. She joined in 2018 after launching and running the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). She said, "It's an honour and a huge responsibility to be leading such an important organisation."
Kirsten Howells
Director of Services & Deputy CEO
Kirsten joined the team in 2019, initially as a helpline volunteer, and now coordinates our helpline, advocacy and employment services. Kirsten said, "I definitely don't feel I have all the answers to a life with stammering, but I'm really passionate about supporting others in navigating the daily choices and challenges that stammering brings".
Jacqueline Fitzsimmons
Office Manager
Jacqueline first started working for the charity back in 2000. Following a career break she returned in 2016 as Office Manager using her wealth of knowledge to ensure that the day-to-day operational aspects of the charity run smoothly and efficiently. Email hello@stamma.org if you'd like to get in touch with STAMMA.
Lee Millam
Helpline Manager
Lee has worked for the charity since 2008, managing the Information and Support Service and fundraising for it. They also work part-time for another charity focusing on volunteering and contribute podcasts to the academic website Pod Academy. Lee has also worked as a radio producer for independent and BBC radio.
Steven Halliday
Web Editor
Steven first worked for the BSA, as it then was, from 2009-2015, during which time he set up its social media presence and Facebook support group. He rejoined late in 2018 to take over on the website and said, "I used to really enjoy editing the old magazine Speaking Out, so I'm excited about showcasing the stories and experiences of people who stammer through the website". Email editor@stamma.org if you'd like to submit something.
Manisha Vora
Finance Officer
Manisha joined the team on a part-time basis in February 2019. With several years' experience in accounts and finance, she has worked with other charities and small partnership concerns, and is excited to be a part of STAMMA.
Elisabeth Wright
Support Services Administrator
Elisabeth is an experienced administrator and joined the team in November 2020. As a parent of a child who stammers, Elisabeth is passionate about the charity's work and said, "STAMMA has been a great help to me and my family. I feel excited and privileged to be part of the team, and to be joining them in making a real difference to people's lives".
Catherine Woolley
Programme Lead for Children & Families
Catherine also works as an NHS Specialist Speech & Language Therapist in the South of England. Since graduating she has explored an interest in changing public attitudes towards communication difficulties, including work with the University of Oxford. In 2018-2020 she completed a Masters at UCL exploring the impact that theatre can have on the public's attitudes towards people who stammer. Read Catherine's article 'Stammering and the power of theatre'.
Verena Meyners
Communities & Campaigns Manager
Verena, or Vee, has previously worked for Amnesty International and Victim Support as well as for the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative where she coordinated a global network of 60+ grassroots civil society organisations that work towards the eradication of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. She is experienced in communications, campaigns and events, and said, "I am excited to learn and grow in this role, to raise awareness and make a difference to people who stammer". Email communities@stamma.org if you'd like to reach out to your community.
Vidya Bijarnia
Salesforce Administrator
Vidya joined us in March 2022 and is responsible for day-to-day customisation, automation and maintenance of our Salesforce database. She said, "I feel absolutely privileged to work for STAMMA, which has such a positive impact on society. In my free time I enjoy the great outdoors, yoga and music".
