Meet the Team

Emma Sithole

Founder and CEO

Emma is a Casual Lecturer at the University of Birmingham, teaching on topics including Mental Health Recovery and Psychosis.

Her previous roles include working for Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust and within Secondary Education in Birmingham.

In her spare time Emma enjoys spending time in her garden, relaxing with friends and a good box set.

Jacinta

Chief Operations Officer

Jacinta has been working with The Recovery Foundation from the beginning, helping form the charity and deliver the services we offer.

She is a mother to two gorgeous children, works at BMet College as a Lecturer and has her own experience with mental health.

In her spare time Jacinta enjoys catching up with friends, Netflix and cooking.

jacinta@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk

Angela

Creative Arts Director

My role has given me the opportunity to use my love of creating art to encourage others to have a go in a relaxed environment with no experience necessary.

They can learn new skills and realise the positive impact creativity can have on their mental wellbeing.

In my spare time I like to spend it with my family and friends, going out to the theatre and painting in my studio space.

angie@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk

Jenella

Youth & Community Director

I am a mother to 3 amazingly energetic boys. My life is full of fun, giggles and Lego! I love socialising, festivals and being around my friends.

I oversee the Hope Community and our Young People’s Programme ‘Moving Mountains’. I have always had a passion for youth work.

I myself have battled with my own ill mental health and continue to use the tools I have learnt to use through completing the Hope Group.

jenella@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk

Natalie

Development & Partnerships Director

I completed a Hope Group and because I connected immediately with the values of the Charity, I trained as one of their course facilitators.

This has enabled me to get involved with what I’m passionate about and give my support with helping at local art workshops run by TRF.

My personal life experiences have made me appreciate how vital it is to look after our mental health.

In my spare time, I enjoy socialising, long walks and practicing mindfulness.

I feel continuously blessed to have amazing support from my beautiful family and friends.

natalie@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk

Katie

Resident Training Consultant

Katie was born and raised in Birmingham, but now lives in London with her husband Aaron and son Joss. 

She is a primary school teacher and has a diverse role within TRF, delivering training, producing social media content and writing the monthly blog.

Katie can be found either reading or singing when she’s not at work (and of course, trying to keep up with her 5 year old!)

katie@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk

John

Facilitator: Rainbow Minds Matter

John grew up in Shropshire, then spent 7 years in London before settling in Birmingham 16 years ago.

John met the Hope Team during his ‘day job’ as Erdington Town Centre Manager and was privileged enough to work with them on several pilot projects.

As an open and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, John now also works on the Rainbow Minds Matter programme and is thrilled to be meeting so many new members of the community, sharing ideas for mutual support. 

john@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk

Tim

Facilitator: Rainbow Minds Matter

After growing up in the Midlands, Tim now lives in Norfolk with his long-term partner, Steve. 

His first job was designing adverts for the national gay press in London, before working as a subtitler. 

Tim feels privileged to be involved in the sparkling new Rainbow Minds Matter groups. After getting his start working in the gay community, it feels like he’s finally coming home.

tim@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk

Charlette

Facilitator: Moving Mountains and Hope Groups

I am passionate about working with young people and feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with so many amazing young people through the Moving Mountains programme, l enjoy sharing the knowledge and skills l have gained from being both a Youth Worker and a Support Worker with a Youth Homelessness Charity. 

I have also had my own personal struggles with ill mental health and draw on these experiences to help others in their recovery. I love to spend time at home with my family gaming or binge watching box sets, l’m also pretty good at DIY so l always have a little project going on in the house to keep my busy.

charlette@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk

Jodie

Facilitator: Mending Minds & Independent Living Skills

I initially came into the charity at a time where I was suffering from ill mental health and little did I know that participating in one of the Hope Groups would turn my life upside down – in a profound way! 

Whilst with TRF, I’ve been able to become a facilitator and I’ve created 2 programs; Mending Minds and Independent Living Skills.

TRF has allowed me to get involved with what I’m passionate about – enabling individuals to feel empowered to manage their mental health and to help individuals to be independent.

In my free time, I enjoy socializing, travelling, and I love a festival too!

jodie@therecoveryfoundation.org.uk