Jess originally trained as a nurse in 1996 and has worked in, or as a commissioner of mental health services ever since. As a lifelong carer himself, Jess is passionate about co-production and the value of lived experience and has always strived to improve outcomes for service users and their families.

Jess is currently the Deputy Chief Executive of a large Mental Health & Learning Disability Charity offering services across the Midlands and south east of England.

Erika has a background in international business, psychology and psychotherapy. Erika has a proven track record in delivering change and transformation in large public sector organisations, with expertise in integrated governance, business and commercial areas.

Erika works for the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust at the Medical Director’s Office as a Senior Operations Manager – CQUIN’s Programmes.

Erika is interested in meditation, ancient philosophy, travelling and experiencing new cultures.

Siobhan trained as a mental health nurse originally, working as a staff nurse, Ward Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist before moving into health service management roles. She has a MA in Health Service Management and is widely experienced across a diverse range of roles and new initiatives.

Siobhan has been a board member with HMN for the past 7 years and leads on safeguarding for the organisation.

With a special interest in people experiencing severe and enduring mental health issues, personality disorders and survivors of abuse, Siobhan feels it is her pleasure and privilege to be part of the HMN team and is passionate about reducing suicide and improving people’s quality of life.

Elena is FCMA, CGMA, CPA. She has worked in the private equity industry for 25 years as a GP, an LP and an M&A advisor.

Elena has 20+ years of board level experience in executive and non-executive capacities in public, private and non-profit organizations. Her current non-executive portfolio includes Hertfordshire Mind Network, St Andrew’s Healthcare, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, Delta Motor Group, TMA Europe.

Will’s background is in technology and software development, having spent 10+ years working in various environments ranging from FTSE 100 to startup companies. He currently leads multidisciplinary teams as Head of Engineering at Attest, a high-growth company in the market research industry.

With a passion for mental health and giving back to the community, Will is keen to utilise his experience and to support our organisation in any way he can.

In his spare time, Will enjoys running, astronomy, playing the piano and cooking good food.

Helena has an extensive background in the public sector including housing and education. Helena is a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Adviser with significant experience of working with families and young people.

She is skilled at building positive relationships, enabling inclusion, participation and empowerment, influencing, peer mentoring and modelling effective communication in addition to extensive experience in disagreement resolution and mediation.

She has strategic operational leadership and service development skills.

Helena is currently a freelance adviser and trainer, disability consultant and project lead supporting learners looking to return to work or training. Additionally Helena is involved in programmes supporting health and wellbeing through nature and horticulture. She is a keen gardener, enjoys craft activities and travelling in addition to singing and spending time with the family. Other interests include Qigong, Mindfulness and Indian Head Massage. BSc (Hons) Psychology; Masters in Early Education.