Meet The Staff

With a strong commitment to community development, I lead Communities 1st and its associated projects.  Guided by a passion for local voluntary and not-for-profit organisations, I'm dedicated to strengthening the sector's resilience and fostering partnerships. Passionate about supporting our vibrant community, I'm thrilled to collaborate with like-minded organisations for lasting positive change.

#CommunityEmpowerment  #Collaboration  #ResilienceBuilding

View my Communities 1st CEO Blogs 

Helen is Head of the Voluntary Sector Partnerships team who cover all of our CVS activities supporting and representing community groups and the Volunteer Centre who promote volunteering for everyone and help recruit and match volunteers to volunteering opportunities.  The team is also responsible for the delivery of Community Engagement at the Communities 1st Better Day hubs across Hertsmere, St Albans & District, Welwyn and Hatfield, Broxbourne Borough, and East Herts, Better Business and Health Inequality programmes such as REN which aims to recruit people into health research projects.

In life outside Communities 1st, she enjoys spending time at the allotment, gardening (with the assistance of a small black cat) and reading.

Juli is the Head of Employment and Skills for Communities 1st.  Juli joined the team in October 2021, when Volunteer Centre Broxbourne and East Herts merged with Communities 1st. Her role is to manage the engagement and training teams. Juli is our lead for Multiply project. Juli also ensure internal staff and volunteers training needs are met. 

Outside of work, Juli likes cooking and spending time with her family,

Tünde joined Communities 1st in the Making a Difference Team working on the Compassionate Community Connector Programme. She also helped to arrange Pulse Oximeters for clients with COVID-19. Tünde helps in these projects by liaising with clients, volunteers, and different organisations, answering queries and responding to emails.

Tünde is now the Services Manager in the Making a Difference Team supporting her colleagues with projects that involve community transport, community centres and Handyperson service.

In her spare time, she enjoys baking and running. 

As Finance and Administration Manager, Jalpa leads Communities 1st's Finance and Resources team in accounting and reporting, including the development of financial plans, project and operational budgets, and monitoring and reporting on external projects.

In her spare time Jalpa likes to travel, cook, garden, make new friends and go to the gym.

Linda supports the organisation on volunteers’ shopping expense claims and their payments. She communicates with volunteers for anything missing in their expense claims, so the organisation can reimburse them on time. She is also engaged in chasing customers for late payments on their shopping expenses.  

In her spare time, Linda likes reading and travelling.

Josh joined Communities 1st in February 2025, he is dedicated to helping communities first and supporting the finance and administration team.  Josh is a student at Oaklands College completing the T Level in business management and administration. 

Outside the office, Josh likes to go to the gym, roller skate, and play the piano.

Nicola joined Communities 1st in January 2025 having worked at another charity.  Nicola is Assistant Manager – Community Development and oversees the Better Days Hubs and Creative Cafes among several other projects.   She brings her experience as a Sales Manager in new homes/care home environment to this role and she still enjoys being out and about at different locations such as libraries, job centres and seniors events and supporting her team to deliver the creative cafes, bowls and badminton sessions.  When not at work Nicola travels regularly to Paris where her daughter lives and works and enjoys spending time with her step-grandchildren.

Rob leads on Communities 1st’s Better Business programme. Better Business creates and encourages partnerships between local businesses and the voluntary sector. This takes several forms including skill-share, employer-supported volunteering, Communities 1st’s Inspire Education programme, partnership opportunities, and projects. Rob also leads on Communities 1st’s REN programme in partnership with Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB and Healthwatch Herts, tackling health inequality in underrepresented communities by facilitating co-production and participation in health research. Rob represents Communities 1st externally on the Abbey Line and New River Line Community Rail Partnerships and the local Employment and Skills Partnerships.

Isobel acts as an ambassador for Communities 1st at online events and at regional Communities 1st Hubs. She runs three of the six Communities1st Stronger Together Network meetings. She provides a range of support to charities, constituted groups and community interest companies in Hertsmere and St Albans. Isobel also works closely with the St Albans & District council to present information events and to administer their Community Project Fund, advising groups that apply to give them the best chance at success. In the past year, Isobel has hosted eight funding advice surgeries.

Ann is married, has two daughters and three grandsons. She enjoys spending time with her family, going for long walks, reading, and going to the cinema and theatre.

Aneta works in the Centre for Voluntary Service (CVS) Team and represents Communities 1st at strategic meetings with local groups, partnerships and authorities. Alongside channelling policy sensitive information among C 1st, our member organisations and local governments, and conducting research to keep our members’ policies updated, she facilitates the Stronger Together Networks on transport, children & young people, and culture & environment. Aneta also takes care of the CVS Newsletter and the Funding Newsletter for our member organisations.

Leanda is supporting the development of our  Community Champion Programme. Building on the work of our Covid-19 Information Champions, she is helping to extend the range of health and wellbeing messages that we convey. The project's overall aim is to help build healthier communities and improve the quality of peoples’ lives. Leanda is also helping to develop our networks as part of the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership. This initiative is designed to bring together local and national organisations to deliver a more co-ordinated response to emergencies. Our remit for this project extends across Hertfordshire and some of our neighbouring counties

In her spare time Leanda enjoys being outdoors, exploring the local countryside as well as places far beyond.

Everton joined Communities 1st in January 2023. He has previously worked on community-based projects, including table tennis, street dance, and meditation.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing the ukulele.

Lola joined Communities 1st in March to look after our Creative Cafes. As a Communities Activities Facilitator, she will be further developing our Cafes and delivering a programme of projects and activities. Creating spaces where Residents from various backgrounds can come together and share their skills and experiences.

Outside of work, Lola enjoys spending time with family, days out with her family and being with her dogs.

As the Partnerships and Membership Officer at Communities1st, Reshu is dedicated to building strong relationships and fostering collaboration with members and partners to support thriving communities. Committed to the mission of empowering individuals and organizations, Reshu plays a key role in facilitating connections that drive meaningful impact across the community.

With a focus on understanding community needs and delivering tailored support, Reshu ensures that partnerships align with the charity's vision for a more inclusive and connected society.

Outside of work, Reshu enjoys traveling and exploring new places, finding inspiration in diverse cultures and environments.

As part of the employment team, Vanessa operates our local coffee cart, offering refreshments and friendly conversation to help foster connection and reduce isolation. Vanessa helps support the recruitment, coordination, and wellbeing of volunteers—offering practical guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. She hopes to bridge community outreach and volunteer support, helping to strengthen the local network of care and inclusion.

Off the clock, you’ll find her reading, drawing, or cooking, exploring new ideas.

Nicola helps people to access local activities, services and support within Hertsmere to improve their health and wellbeing, working primarily from the Community Shop in Leeming Road, Borehamwood. One aim of Nicola's role is to build a more supportive, inclusive and resilient community with strong, collaborative relationships and connections between a range of statutory and voluntary services in the borough.

Paola provides support in the organisation of events and administration, and also assists in the creation of the newsletters. She looks after students coming for their working experience weeks and ensures that the Engagement and Skills team have all the materials needed to promote our services and events.

In her spare time, Paola enjoys organising dinners with friends, travelling and spending time with her family. 

Ann is a member of the Wellbeing Team at Communities 1st. As part of our Beyond Borders project, she supports refugees and asylum seekers in the local area. Ann is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, empowering, and inclusive community for people from all backgrounds. 

Hayley helps create a welcoming and supportive environment at the Community Hub in Borehamwood, as well as at the other community outreach hubs she visits each week. She provides user-friendly information and signposting services to members of the public, as well as assisting in person with a range of help and support needs.

Mandy became involved with Communities1st as a volunteer and then came back to work on the Cadent project travelling around Hertfordshire.   She is married with 4 children and 4 grandchildren and when she isn’t working she is helping out with the grandchildren.   In her spare time she loves the theatre, seeing friends and going to Spurs.

Rex is Communities 1st Digital Inclusion Assistant, working on a project that aims to break down the barriers to technology inclusion. More specifically, he runs the Communities 1st Digital Inclusion sessions, liaising with the Digital Champions that run these. During the lockdown he has been calling individuals to help solve their tech problems, checking in with them over a weekly phone call and slowly building their confidence.

As the Assistant Manager for Employment Support and Community Learning at Communities 1st, Judit brings a wealth of experience from her background in education and management. Over the course of Judit's career, she has worked as a senior ESOL teacher, a key account manager at a language school in Budapest, and a primary school teacher in both the Netherlands and the UK.

At Communities 1st, Judit manages our inclusive coffee cart at St Albans Civic Centre, run by dedicated volunteer and lead employment support hubs and training programs that empower individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

Judit's passion lies in fostering growth, inclusion, and community well-being through innovative initiatives and tailored support.

In her role, Monita develops, plans, and delivers a wide range of vocational and educational training for members, partners, staff, and stakeholders at Communities 1st. She designs and facilitates Community Learning sessions focused on health and wellbeing, helping individuals build confidence and essential life skills.

Previously, Monita worked within the Volunteer Centre at Communities 1st, where she supported volunteer recruitment and training. She also collaborated with local organisations to ensure volunteers were well-managed and equipped, offering guidance and best practice advice. Her past role also included developing and delivering training courses as part of the Multiply project, upskilling adults with numeracy skills.

Beyond her professional role, Monita has a passion for gardening, food, and travel, bringing creativity and cultural insight into everything she does.

Debbie joined Communities 1st in October 2022 as a Life Skills Tutor. Her role is to deliver Life Skills courses, embedding numeracy to the community, at venues across the district. Debbie comes with a background in personal development courses within community-based organisations.

Outside of work Debbie has a keen interest in upcycling furniture, cookery and spending time with friends and family.

Julie brings her dedication and passion to her role as Assistant Manager at the Volunteer Centre, ensuring the smooth operation of our programs and supporting volunteers in making a positive impact.

When she’s not at work, Julie enjoys spending time with her cockapoo, Hugo, and creating lasting memories with her family.

Jeremy works as part of the Volunteer Centre, working on various projects. One of Jeremy’s main roles is to develop relationships with voluntary organisations and work together with them to recruit volunteers. Jeremy also helps with the volunteer application process where he interviews potential volunteers. He has also helped organisations complete their 6-point promise which is an initiative with aims to raise awareness of the need for good practice in volunteer management. The role also requires Jeremy to manage the email inboxes ensuring all queries or concerns are dealt with.

Outside of the office, Jeremy enjoys playing and watching football.

Amber joined Communities 1st in April 2023.  Reporting to Tunde, she is responsible for community transport and the management of our community centres.  Liaising directly with clients, volunteers and different organisations to ensure these services run smoothly.

Amber is married with one Daughter and is an avid Arsenal fan.  In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, gardening and going for long walks with her rather energetic Cockerpoo.

Emily is a part of the Making a Difference Team at Communities 1st. She looks after community centres and is also able to assist with transport queries. 

Outside of Communities 1st, Emily enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Gail brings a wealth of experience and now works in the Wellbeing Creative Café team running vibrant sessions whilst offering support to the local community.  Gail has worked in the Arts and Photographic world and trained at the London College of Distributive Trades.  Former Associate partner of Olympic Sport Schools and has worked in the Education Charity, connected with the Department and Education’s Music and Dance scheme.  

Gail enjoys fly fishing in her spare time.

After working for 22 years with a charity in the Welwyn Hatfield area, the Welwyn Hatfield CVS merged with Communities 1st on January 1, 2025. Alison is a Community Transport Facilitator who provides community car scheme transport for those unable to use public transport, get to and from primarily medical appointments, and more. Communities 1st serves the Welwyn Hatfield and Hertsmere areas.

Alison is passionate about helping and supporting the community.

Gary joined Communities 1st in June 2022 as a Project Manager, delivering several health and well-being, education, community support, and sustainability projects. He then moved to the Transport Team in January 2024 as a Welfare Driver and in September 2025 took on the role of Mobile Social Supermarket Facilitator/Driver.

Before moving to Communities 1st, Gary was a Retail Manager for M&S and Bhs for over 30 years.

Gary has been happily married for over 32 years and now has two happily married daughters. Gary is also an avid Arsenal supporter, and his hobbies include playing running and walking football, spending time with family and friends, and going on city breaks and holidays abroad.

Bob graduated from Middlesex University in 2010 with a degree in illustration.  He has been successfully running ‘Life Drawing St Albans’ at Trestle Arts Base since 2014 whilst working freelance artist and illustrator. As a familiar face around Trestle Bob is looking forward to continue working the many different communities that work and operate from Trestle.  He is excited to be on board and be part of the fantastic Trestle team! 

Robyn joined Communities 1st in May 2024 and is responsible for the overseeing the communications and marketing function. 

Outside of work, Robyn enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends and catching up on sleep!

Rhian became Marketing and Development Manager for Trestle in December 2009. Initially studying under Trestle founding member Sally Cook at Melton Mowbray Performing Arts College before graduating with a BA (Hons) in Devised Theatre from Dartington College of Arts (2004). For a number of years, Rhian worked as a freelance theatre facilitator for various UK arts organisations and then as a producer for Lamfrag, a short film collective whose work was shown internationally at prestigious festivals. Before joining the team at Trestle she worked at both The Alban Arena and Harpenden Public Halls as the Marketing and Press Officer. Most recently Rhian received BFI funding to produce ‘New Atlantis’, a short film currently on the festival circuit.

Luke assists with the ongoing management and development of Communities 1st's digital platforms, ensuring that we iterate and improve the digital experience that we offer for our audiences. Some of Luke's key responsibilities include uploading, maintaining and updating content across the charity's website and 3rd party platforms, gathering and proofing marketing collateral, including newsletter communications and any other marketing initiatives, and monitoring customer experiences in order to drive improvements to user experience.

Keanu joined Communities 1st on 21st February 2025. He is a T Level student studying business management and administration at Oaklands College. Keanu supports the communications and marketing team efforts by assisting with content creation, helping to manage communication channels, and helping with various administrative tasks. 

In his spare time, Keanu enjoys going to the gym, travelling and playing football with friends.

Helen Barnett joined Trestle in March 2017. She trained originally in drama at Loughborough University and went on to gain an MA in Directing from East 15 Acting School with a module training abroad at GITIS in Moscow. Helen then went on to work as a freelance theatre facilitator and Director working with companies such as The Bush Theatre, The Tricycle Theatre, Polka Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre on various education and outreach projects alongside her role as Artistic Associate with Sphinx Theatre Company. She was also a resident associate artist at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton in 2014 and guest lecturer on the third year of the Acting Course at Northampton University for the last three years before joining Trestle.

Karene joined Trestle in May 2014 shortly after finishing her degree in Drama and English Literature at Portsmouth University. She runs Trestle School of Drama, Trestle Community groups and our M-Ask Wellbeing Drama projects. She is a trained Trestle mask and physical theatre specialist and has been working with youth groups and as a freelance drama practitioner for 14 years. As well as her work with young people and the local community Karene is an actress and singer and has appeared in Trestle Theatre’s tour of Yarico and as Boudicca in our Hertfordshire Hidden Heroines HLF Project. 

Elaine is our Gallery Programmer and Finance Assistant and has been with Trestle since 2009. She studied Applied Art at the University of Hertfordshire and also works as Arts Development Officer at Three Rivers District Council.

Hatty finished her Drama degree at the University of East Anglia in 2023 and joined Trestle shortly after. While studying she enjoyed trying a variety of new skills from singing and dancing to lighting design and set building, but ultimately writing, and creating new performances remains her favourite! Hatty is also a huge movie fan and loves trying to see every new film in the cinema. 

Joseph is the Mask Department Manager and has been with the company for over 10 years. Previously studying Fine Art at the University of Hertfordshire where his journey concluded in a series of portraits. Upon discovering the masks, he transitioned his portraiture skills to mask-making. He is now practised in designing and making masks for shows and other commissions working with practitioners such as Nina Conti and Small Nose Productions Ltd.

Born and raised in Bedford, Amina is a Loughborough University Fine Art graduate specialising in mixed media, set design, and installation. In her 2023 fine art degree show Amina specialised in vac forming moulds and casting plaster to create smooth plaster Paisleys. Amina's work has been exhibited in London and New York and is the 2023 recipient of The Edward Sharpe Prize and was shortlisted for The Alpine Foundation: Visual Arts Award 2024. Her artistic practice explores the interconnectivity of the past and present through 3D mixed media installation.