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A logo saying 'STAMMA'

Our Staff

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.

STAMMA STAFF

Jane PowellJane 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."

A woman smiling for the cameraKirsten 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".

A woman smiling for the cameraJacqueline 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.

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".

A woman smiling for the cameraManisha 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.

A woman smiling for the camera

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".

A woman smiling for the cameraCatherine 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'.

A woman smiling for the cameraVerena (Vee) Meyners 

Communities & Campaigns Manager

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".

A woman smiling for the cameraVidya 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".

A woman smiling for the cameraNeha Shaji 

Comms & Social Media Manager

Neha's experience includes web management and graphic design for publishers and literary organisations including Huza Press and Africa Writes. She has also trained as a translator and interpreter, working across German, English and Korean. Neha said, "I am thrilled about working at STAMMA as their services helped me with a considerable amount of public speaking at university". Neha is currently pursuing a PhD and works for STAMMA part time.

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Tayo & Bhupinder
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A speaker on stage at STAMMAFest 2023

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