Meet the Embrace Team
Jane Howard - White Services Director
Jane oversees Embrace as a whole and passionately leads our parent/carer, family support and wellbeing services. Jane has been the heart of the charity for over 25 years. She has dedicated her time to ensuring everything Embrace does is in service of the families it is supporting, knowing many describe us as ‘their lifeline.’ Since the age of 16 Jane has been involved in work with people with disabilities. When she was 24 she became a social worker whilst working with Meldreth Manor School. Jane has also worked with George Beal House and Sunflower House.
‘I just love it! I really enjoy doing a job where I feel it makes a difference to people’s lives. It is such a great feeling to see the smiles of the young people or to hear the positive feedback from families.’
Rose McHugh Children’s Services Manager
Since summer 2005 Rose has been responsible for clubs and playschemes for the young people. Rose is qualified in Playwork and Childcare, Learning & Development and has had the joy of working with children with disabilities for over 20 years. Rose is proud to bring together and support the exceptional activity staff team who demonstrate our values spreading happiness and fun into the lives of each individual young person attending our activities.
Rose is also the Safeguarding Officer for Embrace.
‘I have a great passion for play and the benefits it can have, for me nothing is off limits for our young people, if they dream it - we will find a way!
Ellie Mangold Communications Manager
Ellie first became involved with Embrace in 2008, where she worked as a Group Leader on the holiday schemes whilst studying at university. Ellie spent 5 years as a qualified teacher in a primary school but in 2015 she decided on a change in direction and joined Embrace permanently as the Activities Coordinator. Ellie’s role has changed and adapted throughout the years she has worked here, gradually moving away from leading the young people activities, to finding a love and passion for using her creativity in a different way! In 2020, Ellie’s role became full time as our ‘Communications and Events Manager’. She has until recently ran all the fundraising events, as well as creating our content and overseeing our social media channels, newsletters and website. With the introduction of our Community Fundraiser, Kelly; Ellie has been able to focus more on the communications and has also been able to play a big role in getting the rebrand underway.
“I am so lucky to have worked directly with the young people and families, and have used these skills to make the role I have now even more meaningful! Empathy and understanding are so important to all the roles at Embrace, and I love creating and communicating with our families and wider supporters in a slightly different way!”
Ann Trinder Services Support Manager
Hi, I’m Ann. As Services Support Manager I provide back office support for Embrace across all aspects of the organisation. When I joined in 2017 I was looking for a role where administration meant something positive and I have definitely found that. Putting together the annual statistics is a delight to showcase the amazing work of Embrace. I also get to share my love of crafts with the wellbeing groups, enjoy baking for our events and am a member of the fundraising group.
Poppy Browning Activities Coordinator
Hi, my names Poppy. I’m the Children’s and Young Peoples Activity Co-ordinator for Embrace! I started working with Embrace (then BDCPS) over 10 years ago as a volunteer. I’ve worked in various roles across our activity playschemes supporting the Young People and wider staffing team. I love working for Embrace, and once your hooked in you never want to leave! I'm a graduate from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, gaining an honours degree in Contemporary dance. Working with Embrace gives me the chance to combine my creative skills with my knowledge of disabilities to help make a difference for our young people in a fun, accessible way..
Lillian Circuit Finance Administrator
Lillian is a mum of two, now grown children and Grandma to two amazing granddaughters. She joined Embrace in 2001 as a volunteer She later joined the small staff team, over the years she has taken on many roles with in the charity before settling in the finance department. She continues to volunteer alongside her paid role. Her son, Jamie who is profoundly disabled has been a service user for over 20 years. Embrace have/has given him fabulous opportunities in all the clubs that he has attended and continues to attend. Embrace have and continue to be a lifeline, holding the family’s hand during lows and celebrating the highs of the rollercoaster that is life living with a child with extra needs.
Kelly Mathias Community Fundraiser
‘I became involved with Embrace when my daughter was around 2 years old, she has Down Syndrome along with Complex medical needs requiring trained people to support her. Embrace were like a breath of fresh air and nothing was ever too much. We started going to family swims and other events and now Sophie regularly attends JJ’s and Skool’s Out which she loves. It is great to know she is being well looked after whilst also having a great time with activities designed to suit her abilities and things she enjoys! I also attend lots of the parent carer wellbeing activities.
In September 2023 I joined Embrace as their Community Fundraiser, I had done some fundraising events in the past and when the job role come up I thought it was a great opportunity to combine 2 things that I was passionate about, fundraising and Embrace! I love working with the team and I really enjoy organising the fundraising events and liaising with all of our amazing supporters.