Meet the team
Heidi Coleman – CEO
I am the Chief Executive Officer at Kent Neuro Therapy Centre. I joined the Centre in December 2021 as Head of Income Generation, where I really valued my time working with and leading the fundraising team.
When the opportunity arose to step into the Interim CEO role, I was keen to take it on and spent the first six months learning as much as I could. I was very pleased when the Board later confirmed the role on a permanent basis, and I have continued to build on that experience since.
Kent Neuro Therapy Centre is a place I genuinely value being part of. I’m fortunate to work alongside a committed and supportive team, many of whom I have built strong relationships with.
My focus is to keep our members at the centre of everything we do, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the charity. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop our services and supporting those who rely on us most.
My work at the Centre is incredibly fulfilling. Coming from a background in professional sport, moving into something more meaningful has been a humbling experience. It has shifted my outlook on life and has helped me to value a kinder, more genuine and thoughtful way of living.
I try to bring that same sense of kindness and compassion into my role, offering a steady and supportive presence for the team. It’s important to me that everyone who comes through our doors — whether staff, volunteers or members — leaves feeling happier and more connected to our community.
I truly value genuine connection and kindness in my relationships, and the Centre is a place where those qualities are present every day.
Outside of work, the most important thing to me is spending time with my teenage children. Whether it’s cheering from the sidelines, helping out at the stables, or simply relaxing and watching TV together, I really value that time — it’s when I’m happiest.
I’m also a keen runner, although these days it’s more about fitness and wellbeing than competition. I enjoy reading and spending time outdoors, whether that’s in the garden or on long walks along the River Stour.
Looking ahead, I would love to volunteer with a mountain rescue service — being in the mountains is where I feel most at home and most inspired.
Jemma Pask – Member Services Manager
I am responsible for providing member support, first point of access, dealing with referrals and applications as well as managing our operations team including oxygen therapy!
I first joined the Centre in 2019/20 as a receptionist alongside Ann-Marie. I then went on to gain experience as a social prescriber within the NHS. I then rejoined the Centre in June 2023 as the member support officer and in 2024 became the member services manager. I previously worked as a GP receptionist for 13 years!
I value the team, the close working relationship within the whole team, we all bring something different to the Centre, but all have the same ethics – member-focused. The members and the team make coming to work every day a joy. I feel I bring warmth and organisational skills.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children (my greatest achievement). We enjoy spending time with friends, socialising whether that be a meal or a day out. I love taking a trip/holiday to anywhere in the world and in my spare time renovating my house!
Nancy Reed – Head of Income Generation
Managing the Fundraising and Communications team allows me to draw on my experience of having worked across the sector at a range of charities. It’s an honour to work in an environment where there is the opportunity to create bonds with so many people in our community. I also have the pleasure of working closely with our amazing team of volunteers who make the Centre the friendly and inviting place that you find when you walk through the door.
I love nature and finding the opportunity to explore outside, preferable with a G&T in hand.
Hazel Wallis – Clinical Lead
As the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at Kent Neuro Therapy Centre, I oversee the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based rehabilitation for individuals with neurological conditions. My role involves leading and supporting the therapy team, ensuring best practice standards are maintained, and developing personalised treatment programmes that help our clients achieve meaningful, functional goals. I am particularly passionate about neurorehabilitation and strive to combine clinical expertise with compassion to support each person’s unique recovery journey.
What I value most about working at Kent Neuro Therapy Centre is the collaborative and patient-centred approach we take. Being part of a team that is dedicated, innovative, and genuinely invested in improving lives is incredibly rewarding. I also value the opportunity to continuously develop both professionally and personally, while working in an environment that encourages learning, creativity, and excellence in care.
Outside of work, I enjoy maintaining an active lifestyle and spending time outdoors with my family. My two children keep me busy!
Sally Taylor – Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser
I love the caring ethos and how the staff are looked after. Our team is such fun to work for, plus we really help people with neurological diseases.
I am also involved in the rugby club next door!
Vicky Wilsher – Receptionist
I joined the Centre in January 2015 as a Fundraising Assistant, moving over to reception after COVID. My confidence with myself, dealing with others and being able to problem solve have all grown from the experiences I have had at the Centre.
I value the people I work with and for that reason I enjoy coming into work each day. I have learnt so much about the health conditions we support, recovery and maintenance and healthcare that I hope to continue our work in whatever small way I can.
Aside from juggling small children, I try to return to community theatre in Whitstable at least once a year with panto, musicals and dramas being my favourite plays to be included in.
Debbie Gibson – Receptionist
I have worked at the Centre on reception for over three years now and quite honestly wouldn’t want to work anywhere else! It is a very special place indeed.
The Centre has such a supportive, happy vibe, a place where people can simply be themselves. I feel privileged to work with such a fantastic team and to be able to get to know and share a laugh with the wonderful members that come through the door.
When I get the time, I love visiting art galleries, and getting involved in DIY projects with my sewing machine.
Natalie Dixon – Receptionist
Whilst my husband (Trev) makes use of the amazing services the Centre offers, I volunteer/work on our busy reception desk. You’ll find me taking payments, booking appointments, making tea and going crossed-eyed at spreadsheets!
The Centre has been (and continues to be) an incredible support to both me and Trev. The Centre is like a warm hug – everyone is greeted with a smile, and no-one feels out of place.
When I’m not looking after Trev, battling with accessibility issues, attending hospital appointments etc, I love to potter in our garden, visit the pub, and if I’m lucky, enjoy a bit of day-clubbing.
Delyse Hammett – Counsellor
I started at Kent Neuro Therapy Centre as a counsellor around 2022 and have been seeing people with MS, Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions and their carers ever since.
I value the support of the team and how people work together for the wellbeing of the members. The members feel this support and report feeling normal and accepted here. I add to this support ethos.
I love walking my dog and watching the seasons change. I stage manage and work at local music gigs in Canterbury. I love knitting and reading.
Carl Harris – Oxygen Operator
I work as an Oxygen Chamber Operator at the Centre. I help run the oxygen therapy sessions, I monitor the camber’s safety, support members during their treatments and make sure every session runs smoothly.
The thing I value most about working at the Centre is the supportive team and the opportunity to help members who visit. I find it very rewarding to see the positive impact the therapy can have on people’s lives.
I enjoy watching football and visiting different football grounds. I also enjoy cooking, baking and trying new recipes.
Leta Yanakieva – Oxygen Operator
Stuart Rake – Oxygen Operator
I help operate the hyperbaric oxygen therapy tank. I have had full training and having MS myself I use this therapy often.
I love working with the team and helping members using my empathic nature.
Walking, catching up with friends, watching football, especially Arsenal, and having a beer in my local with friends.
Mia Bernthal – Fundraising and Communications Officer
I’m the Fundraising and Communications Officer. I organise our fundraising events including golf days, our Christmas ball as well as our challenge events and individual giving programme. It’s inspiring to see the support our Centre has from our community. I also run our social media, produce our newsletters and coordinate press releases. I started in 2017 as a volunteer and have had the pleasure of developing my career and experience here.
I love the family feel of the Centre. It is a beautiful place to work and amazing to see the impact the Centre has on the lives of our members.
I enjoy playing tennis, padel and being outside in nature with my dog.
Emily Whyard – Physiotherapist
I have worked with people who have neurological conditions since qualifying in 2008. I have experience in brain and spinal cord injury as well as stroke and cerebral palsy, most recently gaining a qualification to support those with Parkinson’s at the Centre.
Being a physiotherapist here is a unique opportunity to treat people holistically. I can access my specialist neuro physio skills as well as bringing in elements from my MSK practise, and aquatic physio skills. I value being able to meet member needs.
I teach yoga. I love to be outside with my dog, running, hiking and paddle boarding when the weather suits!
Katie Carroll – Physiotherapist
I recently increased my hours at the Neuro Therapy Centre to build on my skills in Neuro physiotherapy and rehabilitation, including broadening my skills working in aquatic therapy.
I am an experienced Physiotherapist with nearly 20 years of service in the NHS, spanning acute care, rehabilitation, and specialised community-based neurological and stroke services in East London and East Kent. Expertise includes falls prevention, Neuro rehabilitation and community care. I am passionate about providing an integrative, holistic approach to movement therapy, combining yoga, Pilates, and creative, playful exercise alongside traditional strengthening techniques.
I love to collaborate with people to make a difference.
My favourite way to spend my time outside of work is to be exploring the Kent coast or countryside or travelling further afield.
Danni Golan – Physiotherapist
I am a physiotherapist at the Centre working in the water and on land.
I value the sense of community. The Centre allows people to access a variety of therapies in one place. The small wins matter and seeing members make them enriches my work here.
I spend a lot of time playing sport, mainly hockey in winter and cricket in the summer if I am not paddleboarding.
Jane Watson – Physio Assistant
Chris Betts – Physio Assistant
I am in my tenth year at the Centre. We have a great physio team and I enjoy working with the members.
Outside of work, I like spending time with friends and family.
Melanie Leathead – Complementary Therapist
My role is to support members through therapeutic massage, reflexology and manual lymphatic drainage to help individuals manage muscle tension and reduce discomfort.
I absolutely love being part of such a supportive and compassionate environment. Members inspire me every day with their determination. The whole team at the Centre works together to provide the best support for each member.
Iuliana Vasile – Complementary Therapist
Iuliana Vasile- MFHT,MAR, part of the Complementary Therapists team – Massage and Neuromassage Therapist, Reflexologist, Reiki Therapist, Chi Medics Practitioner, practicing for sixteen years, and part of the Centre’s team since February 2017.
Working in a Neuro Centre as a complementary therapist is meaningful to me because it allows me to support people living with complex conditions. What I value most is being able to offer comfort, relaxation, and a sense of wellbeing during what can often be a very challenging time in someone’s life.
Through complementary therapies, I aim to help reduce stress, ease physical tension, and create a calm, supportive space where patients can reconnect with their bodies and feel cared for. Even small improvements in how someone feels can make a significant difference.
I also value the human connection in this role. Listening, showing empathy, and treating each person with dignity is just as important as the therapy itself. Being part of a holistic care approach that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing is something I find deeply rewarding.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time gardening and reading. Gardening helps me relax and stay connected to nature, while reading allows me to keep learning and developing my knowledge. I particularly enjoy reading books related to complementary therapy, wellbeing, and holistic health, as it helps me deepen my understanding and bring new ideas and insights into my practice.
Laura Williams – Complementary Therapist
Laura started training to be a reflexologist 11 years ago whilst working as a family support worker and started looking into complementary therapies for the families she was working with.
She initially began working as a mobile reflexologist but since then has trained in many other areas including Swedish body massage, hot stone massage, Indian head massage, hand and foot reflexology, RLD (Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage) and several more beauty treatments. She enjoys working in the rehabilitation environment and now the MS Therapy Centre it is the only place she wants to be.
Deborah Noakes – Complementary Therapist
Herne Bay-based reflexologist and holistic therapist, Deborah Noakes, has been a member of the Kent Neuro team since July 2018. After a career in IT as a Network Engineer, Deborah decided to have a complete change of direction and trained as an Holistic Therapist over 15 years ago. A versatile therapist, Deborah can offer everything from Reflexology and Hot Stones Massage to Reiki, Manual Lymph Drainage and Facials.
Bernie Barry – Yoga Instructor
Bernie is a multi-therapist and artist based in Whitstable. Her interest in holistic therapies developed over the years while raising her family and immersing herself in a busy full time career in education. As an education consultant she frequently worked with people who were suffering from the side effects of stress in the work place. Inspired to set up an on-site massage company and go part time in her education role, she also worked in a healing clinic at the College of Psychic Studies in South-Kensington.
She is a qualified practitioner in a number of therapies including massage, hypnotherapy, reiki and healing and is a British Wheel of Yoga teacher.
Vanessa Duarte – Senior Clinical Fitness Specialist
I have been working in the fitness industry for over 30 years now and it was due to my masters at CCCU that I visited the Centre and I happily joined the team in June 2024. This experience has transformed the perspective on my career and strengthened my passion for helping people improve their health through movement.
As a fitness instructor, my focus is on what members can do rather than what they cannot. I adapt every class to suit individual abilities, making sure every movement and step counts, and every session is motivating and enjoyable. My approach combines safe, effective exercise with fun, connection, and support – because movement is medicine by improving mobility, posture, gait and much more. It is also a way to build confidence, celebrate progress, and feel good.
What I value most about working here is being part of a caring and inspiring community. I love connecting with our members, celebrating their achievements, and being there to support them on the tougher days.
I also deeply appreciate the amazing team I work with, who share the same passion for helping people thrive. For me, this role is about more than exercise – it’s about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where every member feels empowered, encouraged, and able to reach their full potential even when they don’t realise how much is still possible!
The social side of exercise is incredibly powerful, and sharing laughter during a BoxFit class or simply connecting with others can make a real difference.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking bread, most of all, eating. I like taking long walks by the sea, spending time with friends, traveling, and attending concerts, theatre, and other cultural events. During the summer, I particularly enjoy swimming in the sea, observing the waves, appreciating sunrises and sunsets (when England cooperates with sunshine). I truly enjoy the restorative effects of being outdoors.
Becky White – Pilates Instructor
Tracey Lehane – Acupuncturist