Our Staff

Kate joined the charity in 2008, bringing with her three decades of experience in the third sector. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to supporting the most vulnerable including young adults not in education or employment, children facing exclusion from mainstream education, and young carers. In addition, she has led a human resources department for a medium-sized charity in the past.

With first-hand experience of the challenges faced by the charity’s beneficiaries, she spent 16 years as a lone parent, further deepening her understanding and empathy for those she serves.

Kate is a founding member of the East Sussex Voluntary Sector Alliance (ESVSA). She actively participates in various domestic abuse-related strategic boards and partnerships, representing the charity and contributing as a voluntary sector representative for the ESVSA. Her commitment extends beyond her organisational duties; she strives to be an integral part of a community that fosters social action and drives positive change.

Jude joined the charity in 2021, with extensive experience in the Early Years and Playwork sectors, including training and managing volunteers, as well as teaching childcare and education in further education settings with a strong focus on inclusivity.

Throughout her time with the charity, she has refined her expertise working with parents/carers experiencing abuse and violence from their children to become our dedicated CAPVA IDVA specialist.

Emily joined the charity in January 2022, bringing with her a background in education. She had dedicated six years to teaching English as a Foreign Language in Brighton, alongside gaining invaluable experience from living and working in Italy, which has given her a great understanding of diverse cultures.

In January 2021, during the pandemic, Emily became a mother for the first time. Following her maternity leave, she made a career change driven by a desire to contribute to her local community. Joining a small charity resonated with her aspiration to give back, aligning her personal values with her professional pursuits.  She is currently on maternity leave.

Roisin joined the charity in April 2022, bringing with her a background in supporting young people. She gained valuable experience working in a children’s respite and residential home, specialising in caring for young people with autism and challenging behaviour.

During the onset of the pandemic in April 2020, Roisin and her partner welcomed their first child into the world, further enriching her understanding of family dynamics and reinforcing her commitment to serving the community.

Jo joined the charity in August 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in training and working with individuals with challenging behaviours.

In her most recent role before joining the charity, Jo focused on supporting young adults, including parents, who were at risk of homelessness. She played a vital role in helping clients achieve independence while forging partnerships with professionals and local services.

With a background spanning years in both the emergency services and aviation industries, she has honed invaluable skills for navigating stressful and unpredictable situations.

Jo is the mother of a son attending secondary school, offering her first hand insight into the complexities of parenthood. Driven by a passion for working with clients in a trauma-informed way, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Clare became a part of the charity team in January 2023, having worked across multiple charities throughout her career. She has consistently supported vulnerable clients facing a range of physical, social, financial, and mental health difficulties.

Assuming the role of Services Manager, Clare channels her passion for systems and processes, as well as quality and service enhancement. She is committed to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of all elements of service delivery, including staff welfare and motivation, embodying the charity’s ethos of excellence and care.

In March 2024, Kat joined Lotus with a rich background in law, having practiced as a solicitor in both private practice and for an NGO. Her professional journey has equipped her with invaluable experience in collaborating within diverse teams and managing projects. Through her specialisation in employment law, Kat possesses a deep understanding of discrimination legislation including protected characteristics and competing rights.

Kat recognises that the barriers encountered in the workplace can extend to all parts of daily life, including accessing necessary support. She is committed to using this insight to enhance the inclusivity of the charity’s services. Collaborating closely with our local marginalised communities, she endeavours to continuously improve access to all our services.

Ros joined the charity in January 2024. With an extensive background in education and a Masters in Community Psychology underway, she has a deep understanding of mental health, particularly within community contexts. Ros is dedicated to offering trauma-informed support, centring her practice on the specific needs and experiences of women and survivors.

As a single mother of four boys, Ros combines her parenting insights with professional expertise. This blend of experience informs her compassionate, empathetic approach to care and support, ensuring that every woman’s journey towards recovery is met with understanding and respect.