Terry Streather
Director and Head of Training
Terry Streather
Director and Head of Training
We founded Oakwood Training in 2012 to help companies focus on the mental health and personal safety needs of their employees, which we believe are fundamentally linked (but usually thought of as totally separate).
Our ‘Why’ is about creating happier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces where people feel valued and fulfilled and are at the very heart of the way the business operates
I‘m a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and an Advanced Physical Intervention and Breakaway Instructor with over 20 years real world frontline experience as a manager, trainer and practitioner.
When I’m not teaching, developing courses or speaking at events, I’m being chased around by my 12 and 9 year olds, and mostly doing everything Gemma tells me to.
As a proud Springbok rugby supporter (you know, the 2019 World Champions…) my mental resilience is constantly being tested. I recently joined my local cricket team (spin bowler and occasionally batter) and enjoy watching my son play in their under 11’s team (he’s much better than me).
Gemma Streather
DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF CLIENT SERVICES
Gemma Streather
DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF CLIENT SERVICES
I make sure all our clients get the very best service from initial contact through to course bookings and ongoing support.
I have over 18 years’ experience as a manager within the public and private sectors. I have personal experience of supporting colleagues who were experiencing poor mental health in, as well as facing situations of violence and aggression in the workplace.
I look after our ever-expanding team of trainers and enjoy arranging regular upskilling and personal development sessions for the team. The Oakwood family is spread across the UK and Europe so it’s important for us to get together as often as we can.
This year, 20 of the Oakwood team will be abseiling 200ft down Derby Cathedral to raise over £3000 for our charity partner. We’re after ideas for our next challenge in 2023!
I’m a keen (and ever so slightly competitive) Saturday morning park runner and have recently started learning how to play tennis.
Real world, frontline experience
We believe that the messenger is as important as the message, and we take great care in ensuring our team can connect and inspire.
Our trainer’s aren’t just academics either. They bring their own front-line, real-world experience from a range of diverse backgrounds to create safe environments where the realities of mental health, wellbeing and conflict can be explored.
We’re really proud of the amazing team at Oakwood.
Rachel Panther
Marketing Director
Rachel Panther
Marketing Director
Hi, I’m Rachel and I lead on the Marketing programmes here at Oakwood. I have over 30 years’ experience working within large multi nationals as well as small businesses. My career has focussed largely in commercial or consultancy roles across a range of market sectors; with two lengthy stints in Life Sciences and Education.
The development of employee wellbeing cultures is something I am extremely passionate about, on many levels including my values and my personal beliefs regarding great leadership and business performance strategy. I have worked in some amazing team cultures and, I don’t think you’ll be surprised to hear, that not only were those assignments the most enjoyable, they were also the most fulfilling and successful.
I am a Mum to 3 boys, although 2 have recently flown the nest and were replaced with 2 dogs! I am a CrossFitter, dog walker and I love to cook, although I wouldn’t win awards.
Andrew Kingsnorth PhD
Researcher (data measurement and impact)
Andrew Kingsnorth PhD
Researcher (data measurement and impact)
Hi, I’m Andy and I am a Data Scientist with nearly 10 years’ experience in research and teaching within Higher Education. I have an inquisitive nature which is why I love research as I get to try to understand new concepts using data from people and wearable devices. To date, I also have had 14 articles published within peer-reviewed journals.
At Oakwood, I am helping to try to make better use of data to evaluate training strategies and what stops organisations from undergoing positive change.
When I’m not crunching data, I love to spend my time outdoors running, biking, and walking the dog. This is mostly to make up for my other love of…Pizza!
Sarah Gagin
Client Services Manager
Sarah Gagin
Client Services Manager
Hi, I’m Sarah and I’ve worked closely alongside Gemma, Terry and the Oakwood trainers for the last 6 years ensuring our clients receive the very best service.
I am a qualified PIIA Internal Auditor with over 20 experience of working in fast paced environments.
I’m always eager to learn, and love a challenge to find solutions to help others. I’ve worked in various areas and industries over the years, including marketing, customer service and management roles.
I’m married with 2 children, and love to run and train in my spare time as well as catch up with friends. We also have a VW camper van, so now try and get away with the family when we can and explore the UK.
Wendy Santarossa
Client Services Manager
Wendy Santarossa
Client Services Manager
Hi I’m Wendy, one of Oakwood’s Client Services Managers. I ensure the companies we support receive the very best service.
I’ve got broad experience in sales and marketing, account management, and operations across a variety of sectors including retail, telecoms, fashion and art.
Outside of work, I’m an all-weather park runner – sometimes social, sometimes attempting a new personal best. I can often be found in the kitchen cooking from scratch, while plugged into podcasts or playing kitchen disco DJ. It’s a great way to prompt eyerolls from my teenage daughter!
Emma Grimshaw
Marketing Manager
Emma Grimshaw
Marketing Manager
Hi, I’m Emma – marketing delivery lead for Oakwood Training. I help develop and execute marketing strategies that help us start new relationships and stay connected with our existing clients. I have an extensive background in B2B & B2C digital marketing, working with agencies and companies directly to help them optimise their lead-generation strategies using SEO, PPC, content marketing and social media.
At home, I am busy being mum to my two incredible little boys, and in the pockets of ‘me time’ I can grab in between work and parenting I love building LEGO and printmaking.
Helen Elderkin
Client Services Team
Helen Elderkin
Client Services Team
Hi I’m Helen. I have been providing client and admin support for over twenty years and enjoy working with all the Oakwood clients.
I am Institute of Chartered Bookkeepers (ICB) qualified and have had various management roles. I also help to run a small business.
In my spare time I love to spend time in the countryside and am keen on conservation and wildlife protection. I also enjoy pilates, gardening and art!
Georgette Weil
Client Services Team
Georgette Weil
Client Services Team
I’m Georgette, I support the Oakwood trainers and our clients through the pre and post course journey.
I have over 25 years administrative experience across various sectors including education, IT and banking and love helping others to achieve their goals. My strong organisational skills enable me to manage a busy and varied workload, something that comes in very useful in the training environment!
I’m a mum of 2 young boys and in my spare time love to read and spend time with my family and friends. I recently qualified as a Jikiden Reiki Practitioner and have a passion for supporting mental health and wellbeing for both adults and children.
Lesley Burrows
Client Services Team
Lesley Burrows
Client Services Team
Hi, I’m Lesley and I provide support to the Oakwood trainers and our clients. My background is in working with corporate businesses supporting with Office Managing/PA, Auditing, Office Administration and bookkeeping.
Out of work I love keeping fit, learning Spanish, portrait painting, British Bulldogs, Lambrettas and Northern Soul! I’ve just also learnt to paddleboard and have just bought one to enjoy the outdoors.
Dan-Philipp Trailescu
Product Development, Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Dan Philipp Trailescu
Product Development, Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Hi, I’m Dan. I’m passionate about teaching people and organisations ways to manage arising conflicts constructively, in order to improve both personal safety and wellbeing. Originally from Germany and now living in Sweden I deliver courses for Oakwood in German and English.
I’m a Chartered Accountant but changed track in 2016 to work as a conflict management trainer. A long-time martial artist and self-defence coach, I’m also involved in running “train the trainer” courses for women’s safety with a US based charity, and teaching personal safety skills to martial arts groups.
Constant learning is important to me, and after transitioning out of the finance field I went on to obtain a degree in counselling studies (the research side of psychotherapy), and I am currently pursuing an additional qualification as a certified mediator.
I spend my free time training, hiking with my dog, cooking and trying to convince my wife we have space for just a few more books.
Tina Byrom
Mental Health Trainer and Product Development
Tina Byrom
Mental Health Trainer and Product Development
Hi, I’m Tina. I have over 30 years’ teaching experience across a range of educational settings and other organisations. My teaching approach is highly interactive and I believe learning should be enjoyable even when tackling serious issues such as mental health illness.
I have two wonderful children, although their teenage years have posed some challenges. My passion for helping to reduce the stigma and discrimination around mental health stems from my own and wider family personal experiences of mental health issues.
I have a passion for social justice, particularly around the opportunities of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and co-authored a book about the educational experience of homeless young people. My other passion is synchronised ice skating. However, my skating skills are not quite up to being on the ice and skating in synchronisation with 15 other skaters!
Jessica Agudelo
Mental Health Trainer
Jessica Agudelo
Mental Health Trainer
I have worked internationally as a wellbeing consultant, delivering mental health training in English and Spanish. I have an MSc in Health Psychology and I am a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and National Trainer for Mental Health First Aid England.
With more than 18 years of experience in the mental health sector, I have designed and developed services and programmes within voluntary, public and private sectors. Programmes in England include the first Community Development Project in the Criminal Justice System under the auspices of Delivering Race Equality in Mental Health and the national roll out of Youth Mental Health First Aid across all state secondary schools in England.
When not working, I love to watch films and play board games with my partner and daughters. With a cup of tea and custard creams on hand. I have a busy working life so really enjoy quiet weekends with the family.
Andy Daybell
Mental Health Trainer
Andy Daybell
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Andy. I am currently a senior manager within a public sector organisation. Along with many Leadership and Management qualifications I have a huge amount of experience in managing mental health and wellbeing within a workplace environment. I also have my own lived experiences with mental health illness.
Safety has been the real main focus for organisations over the past few decades. I am keen to highlight the benefits and importance of employers also looking after the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.
I’m a dad of 3, a keen swimmer and also a competitive swimming coach in my spare time. I look forward to meeting you on a course soon.
Chloe Chandler
Mental Health Trainer
Chloe Chandler
Mental Health Trainer
I earned my B.A. in psychology before pursuing my graduate studies in the UK, where I obtained degrees in eating disorders, clinical nutrition and counseling studies. Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and illness is a huge part of the work that I do, which dovetails seamlessly with both Oakwood’s ethos and my role here.
On weekends, you can find me in the kitchen, at the yoga studio, wandering around Paris and spending (too much) time with my extroverted cat, Léopold.
Helen Hamiton-Bradbury
Personal Safety Trainer
Helen Hamiton-Bradbury
Personal Safety Trainer
the skills and knowledge to enable them to live their best lives.
Stef Preston
Personal Safety Trainer
Stef Preston
Personal Safety Trainer
Roberta Pomponio
Mental Health Trainer
Roberta Pomponio
Mental Health Trainer
Hi, I am Roberta. I was born in Italy, but life brought me to the UK over 20 years ago by chance. Italian is my first language and I also speak French and German.
I’m a Mental Health First Aid (England) instructor, a member of the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) for mental health experts reference group and a mental health lead for a Cheshire charity, but above all, I am a mental health ambassador.
Through my personal history of mental health and with years of training experience I have realised the importance of a strong understanding of mental health to help us achieve our goals, however small they may be.
Staying active is an invaluable part of my own mental health self-care toolkit.
A dog lover, in my free time, I still teach Italian, like singing (terribly), visiting art galleries and hiking in the Alps (when possible).
Pete Bumpus
Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Pete Bumpus
Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Hi I’m Pete and joined Oakwood in 2016. I love teaching people from a wide range of backgrounds and over the past 20 years have developed a real passion for mental health and personal safety.
I want to help remove the stigma and taboo of mental health by giving people the confidence to talk about it, know what to look for and most importantly, what to do about it if they see it so they can support others who may be experiencing mental ill health.
I know that managing conflict and aggression at work is often left up to employee’s own ‘life skills’. I have seen how being abused, threated or assaulted whilst at work can really damage a person’s physical and mental health.
As a former landscaper and builder, I’m usually helping family and friends with their garden projects when I’m not teaching. Mates rates of course!
Elizabeth Silva
Mental Health Trainer
Elizabeth Silva
Mental Health Trainer
Hi everyone I’m Elizabeth and very excited to join the Oakwood Team. I am someone who has a big interest in wellbeing, and mental health. I’ve been working in the NHS in various capacities for the last 17 years and currently do clinical audit in public health as well as deliver the MHFA courses in house in the NHS. I deliver courses for Oakwood in Portuguese and English.
I also work in the community delivering mental health training for peer support workers and community members interested in peer counselling. I am passionate about increasing wellbeing of teams and how wellbeing is delivered well in organisations and how policy is shaped around mental health from a public health and organisational perspective to ensure people have the ability to be the best versions of themselves.
In my free time I love to do macrame and crafts and am always looking to learn new things.
Mikey Wright
Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Mikey Wright
PERSONAL SAFETY AND MENTAL HEALTH TRAINER
Hi, I’m Mikey. I have been professional martial arts and personal safety instructor for the last 20 years.
Along with the more physical aspects of personal safety I also teach Tai Chi and practical meditation and mindfulness practices to promote physical and mental wellbeing to people of all ages and abilities.
During this time, I have also worked as a consultant for the British Police force as well training military personnel and elite level combat athletes.
As a teacher I take a holistic approach to providing people with the physical and emotional tools to enable them to deal with the full spectrum of conflict and stress in their lives, from challenges found in day to day work and personal relationships through to potential physical or violent confrontation.
I am a proud husband and father to two beautiful kids, (a dog and two cats)
Magdalena WitkowskaI
Personal Safety Trainer
Magdalena Witkowska
PERSONAL SAFETY TRAINER
Hi, my name is Magda. I’m originally from Poland and the UK has been my home for over 16 years. I deliver courses in Polish and English for Oakwood.
I qualified Conflict Management, Personal Safety and Self Defence instructor after 3 years of training and studying the subject, both in its physical and psychological aspects.
What started as a hobby led me to where I am today, turned into my life’s passion and love.
I enjoy teaching both soft and hard skills covering awareness, conflict management, de- escalation and physical intervention.
In order to expand my skills and knowledge I completed further studies on the subject of violence and human behaviour that leads to it.
To me Personal Safety and Mental Health are fundamentally linked. This resonates with over 12 years of personal experience with a family member’s mental health battles.
In my spare time, which I share with 4 kids I like to dance, weight-lift and read.
Zuzanna Malek
Mental Health Trainer
Zuzanna Malek
Mental Health Trainer
Hello I’m Zuzanna. Originally from Poland, I grew up in the Middle East and now live in London. I deliver mental health and wellbeing courses in Polish and English.
I’m an experienced ICF- accredited coach with an interest in the science of wellbeing and optimal human functioning, with a particular focus on optimism, resilience, and post-traumatic growth.
My professional background is within corporate learning and development in various roles and industries. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.
I’m a mum to twin girls and a rescue dog. I’m a yoga enthusiast and nature is my happy place.
Funda Sezgin Tokgöz
Mental Health Trainer
Funda Sezgin Tokgöz
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Funda. I live in Turkey and deliver mental health and wellbeing courses in Turkish and English.
After a 15 year career in banking I decided to change path and study psychology. Touching people’s lives is my passion and I believe mental health is the most powerful way to touch people’s lives and improve their wellbeing.
I’m an ICF approved PCC Coach with experience of working in corporate environments.
In my spare time, I love travelling, discovering new places and spending time in nature with my husband. I also love having people over to our house and cooking for them.
Gabriele Neher
Mental Health Trainer
Gabrielle Neher
Mental Health Trainer
Hello I’m Gaby. Originally from Germany and now living in the UK. I deliver courses in German, Italian and English.
I’m an experienced Mental Health First Aid instructor and work at the University of Nottingham where Italian Renaissance Art are my prime research and teaching areas.
I am proud of taking my teaching as seriously as my research, and recently gained recognition as a National Teaching Fellow and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
I enjoy teaching mental health and wellbeing courses face to face and virtually to a wide range of audiences and in different languages, ensuring that cultural differences are reflected.
Outside of work I’m a keen runner and Park Run director. I was very proud to be recently named as one of the University of Nottingham’s 100 Heroes
Marc Fein
Mental Health Trainer
Marc Fein
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Marc. I grew up in the United States and now live in Jerusalem. I deliver courses in English and Hebrew.
I’m an educational consultant, coach, and mental health advocate with lived experience of depression and over 15 years of experience creating interactive workshops that have empowered thousands of individuals and organisations, with practical tools to manage stress, provide emotional support, and break the stigma around mental illness.
I’m a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor and have led 8 trips and over 500 students to Poland and Israel to connect teenagers with their Jewish identities and heritage.
I look forward to seeing you on a course soon
Giovana Restino
Mental Health Trainer
Giovana Restino
Mental Health Trainer
Hi, I’m Giovana, I am originally from Brazil, but I have lived in the UK since I was 11 years old.
I trained as a personal development coach and youth coach as well as a wellbeing counsellor and teacher. To understand the body and personal wellbeing on a deeper level I trained in Naturopathy, BioMedicine, and Iridology. This gave me a greater insight into how much our Mental Health can be influenced by our physical body’s wellbeing, the two are interwoven in synergy. As a result, I am passionate about supporting from both angles.
I also LOVE cooking and love baking. I find this can often be a form of meditation for me. I live with my loving partner in London and a whole lot of plants.
Nick De Luca
Mental Health Trainer
Nick De Luca
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Nick. I’m an ex-professional and International rugby player, with 43 caps for Scotland and the honour of playing in the 6 Nations, a World Cup in New Zealand and the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
I’m now enjoying my role as Director of Rugby at one of the most prestigious schools in the Country. I lead the over 15 teams and the Elite player pathways, having responsibility for their technical, tactical, physical and most importantly mental development.
I became a Mental Health First Aid instructor and joined Oakwood in 2019. I believe we all have good and bad mental health at different times in our lives – it far from being fixed.
I would love to finish by giving you some interesting hobby…but what spare time I have is taken up by my wonderful 3 girls and border collie, meaning just surviving the day with all 4 intact is a success!!
Rafaela Ricardo
Mental Health Trainer
Rafaela Ricardo
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Rafaela. I’m a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and speak Brazilian Portuguese and Latin American Spanish. My special interest is in the impact that racial discrimination has on the mental health of community groups and individuals.
My working background has been in social justice for the past 11 years and I feel my best when working with diverse communities and helping to balance inequalities created by systemic and institutionalized racism.
I was (super-proudly!) raised in London and have Portuguese and Angolan heritage. My favourite things to do are making art and being highly emotional :). My life motto is probably, “No such thing as too much”.
Ian Bradbury
Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Ian Bradbury
Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Hi, my name’s Ian although I don’t think anyone actually knows that… they all call me “Bradders”.
I have been a Personal Safety, Conflict Management and De-escalation skills trainer for 20 years and joined Oakwood in 2017. I am also an experienced expert witness in the area of Personal Safety and recently trained as a Mental Health instructor.
I enjoy delivering courses to people from all different backgrounds and have trained retail staff, loss prevention teams, housing officers, social workers, police officers, youth workers, counsellors and teachers.
I am a Metafit instructor (and general fitness fanatic) and have just started a coaching role at my local Youth Rugby club.
Chris Burnard
Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Chris Burnard
Mental Health and Personal Safety Trainer
Hello I’m Chris. I recently retired from the Police after a very exciting 30 year career as an Operational Firearms Commander, Firearms Tactical Advisor and Weapons Training Instructor.
I had the privilege of completing the firearms operational order and tactical plan for the Olympic games when Team GB and Team Japan used Loughborough University as a training venue. I have also been involved in the planning of Royalty and other VIP protection operations.
I have been teaching conflict management, de-escalation and personal safety skills for 15 years and joined Oakwood in 2016.
The link between conflict and wellbeing led to me complete further training as a Mental Health instructor.
When not delivering courses I’m a keen photographer and enjoy spending time out in nature.
Andy Flockton
Mental Health Trainer
Andy Flockton
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Andy. I have worked in the Mental Health field for close to 30 years, most of that time in the NHS as an Occupational Therapist, a Family Therapist and Transformation Manager across a whole range of services from young people to older adults. I joined Oakwood in 2017.
I am on the National Training Team for Mental Health First Aid England and approved to deliver all of their products. I enjoy raising awareness about mental health and helping make a real difference to people’s lives.
I’m a keen adventure racer and on a weekend you will often find me navigating on foot and mountain bike (usually lost) in some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK.
Martina Harrison
Mental Health Trainer
Cait Mackenzie
Actor and Mental Health Trainer
Cait Mackenzie
Actor and Mental Health Trainer
Hi, I’m Cait. I trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and then worked professionally as an actor mainly in theatre, also TV and radio for a further 12 years before taking a career break to have my son.
As well as working extensively in the UK, including work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Globe, my work has taken me to LA, Tokyo, St Petersburg and Madrid.
After becoming a Mum, I realised that I really wanted to spend more time closer to home with my family. I trained as a volunteer with the Samaritans whilst completing a Master’s degree in Dramatherapy and trained as Mental Health instructor.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family; on muddy walks with our dog or alternatively all piled on the sofa working our way the Star Wars franchise (with less mud, hopefully!)
Lee Westbury
Personal Safety Trainer
Lee Westbury
Personal Safety Trainer
Hi, I’m Lee. I have been teaching Conflict Management and Personal Safety skills for over 30 years and joined Oakwood in 2014. I’m a retired Police Sergeant with 30 years frontline service, where dealing with conflict and using strategies to overcome it was a core part of my role.
I was a Police Physical Training and Self Defence Instructor for 23yrs, alongside my operational roles. I enjoyed teaching frontline officers, support staff and volunteers, as well as those on specialist units.
I understand that just because behaviour may look like aggression it does not mean that it is. I enjoy showing people how to reduce, minimise and manage risks to their personal safety whilst at work in a wide variety of potentially difficult situations.
I’m a real coffee fan (which at times puts me in conflict with Terry who only drinks decaf caramel lattes!)
Karen Shukla
Mental Health Trainer
Karen Shukla
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Karen, as well as delivering programs for Oakwood in English, Hindi and Punjabi and I work for the National Health Service (NHS) as Head of Communications and Engagement with a specialist area in Mental Health and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
I am a qualified Adult, Youth and Race Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Associate Trainer for Mental Health First Aid England.
I have a background in Mental Health, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Communications and Engagement and Clinical Commissioning. Working with a range of people within the corporate, private, public, community and voluntary sectors.
I am committed to promoting mental health and raising awareness, especially within diverse communities, where conversations about mental health can be extremely challenging.
When not working, I love to travel, listen to music, chill out with likeminded people and spend quality time with my family.
Rich Johnson
Mental Health Trainer
Rich Johnson
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Rich. After several years working in education, I joined a mental health charity as a training manager in 2018. I deliver a variety of mental health courses including Mental Health First Aid England and bespoke workplace training.
Being a mental health instructor is such a rewarding job. I enjoy working with people to build their confidence and skills to deal with mental health issues – whether that be supporting others at work or improving their personal wellbeing.
My aim is to deliver enjoyable, interactive and effective training, where people feel safe and supported, and their needs and concerns are addressed.
I love the outdoors, especially camping, hiking in the mountains, and cycling. I play guitar not that well but very happily.
Michelle Richardson
Mental Health Trainer
Michelle Richardson
Mental Health Trainer
Hello I’m Michelle. I’ve been a midwife for 18 years and proud to be a specialist midwife for perinatal mental health at one of the largest NHS Trusts in England.
I’m a Mental Health First Aid instructor and joined Oakwood in 2016. I genuinely care and get passionate about mental health and enjoy delivering training courses.
I think together we can get people talking about mental health, work to reduce stigma and most importantly help and support each other.
I am a mother to four amazingly wonderful, grown-up children. Even more amazing because they have put up with years of house renovations and many deliberations about colours and cushions! And just when everyone thought I was done, welcome to “Da Bungalow” a 1970’s marvel of pink and avocado that seemed to be just waiting for me back in my hometown.
John Marston
Personal Safety Trainer
John Marston
PERSONAL SAFETY TRAINER
Hi, I’m John. I have been teaching Conflict Management and Personal Safety skills for over 30 years and joined Oakwood in 2019.
I’m just about to retire from the Police after 30 years frontline service. During this time, I have enjoyed my roles as a Police Physical Training and Self Defence Instructor teaching frontline officers, support staff and volunteers, as well as those on specialist units along with operational roles includes being a dog handler.
I enjoy teaching people how to reduce, minimise and manage risks to their personal safety whilst at work in a wide variety of potentially difficult situations when faced with conflict or aggression.
I’m a big rugby fan and have 2 teenage boys.
Karen Daybell
Mental Health Trainer
Karen Daybell
Mental Health Trainer
Hi, I’m Karen and I’m passionate about how we look after both our mental and physical wellbeing. The two run parallel but sadly there is still so much stigma and lack of understanding about mental ill health.
I trained as a Mental Health First Aid instructor so I could give people the knowledge and practical skills to help someone who may be struggling, as well as being able to look after their own wellbeing. I enjoy teaching people from different professions and backgrounds.
I’m a busy mum to 3 amazing children, 2 dogs, a rabbit and several chickens – earning the name ‘mother hen’! Oh – and I’m training for my 2nd London Marathon.
Becky Talbott
Mental Health Trainer
Becky Talbott
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Becky. I am an experienced Mental Health First Aid trainer, counsellor and coach with a passion for improving the wellbeing of individuals and organisations.
I joined Oakwood in 2018 and for the past 10 years have worked for the University of Leicester as their Senior Mental Wellbeing Facilitator and Coach whilst also providing one to one mental health support to students. I am also an associate trainer with Mental Health First Aid England and Student Minds.
I have wealth of personal and professional experience that allows me to bring learning to life. I enjoy bringing passion, creativity and humour to my sessions. In my spare time I enjoy writing spoken word poetry and playing the piano. My family are delighted by this!
Dave Smith (Ninji)
Personal Safety Trainer
Dave Smith (Ninji)
Personal Safety Trainer
Hi, I’m Dave – but most people only know me by my nickname ‘Ninj’, which many people bizarrely assume is short for Nigel!
I’ve recently retired from the police with 30 years’ operational service. I have been an instructor in conflict management and personal safety for over 25 years.
I have put these skills to the test throughout my policing career in a number of operational roles but the highlight has been when performing the role of close protection officer (bodyguard) for British and Foreign Royalty or Ministerial dignitaries.
I am passionate about teaching and supporting people in learning and developing new skills that will allow them to recognise, manage and minimise risk to themselves and others.
I am a keen England and Leicester Tigers rugby supporter.
Emma Greenstein
Mental Health Trainer
Emma Greenstein
Mental Health Trainer
Hi, I’m Emma and I am a Mental Health First Aid Trainer with nearly thirty years’ experience working in a variety of roles at the Open University.
I love to engage people in highly participative training sessions, by creating a friendly, relaxed, and safe environment in which people feel comfortable to share experiences and learn together.
As both a lecturer and an educational adviser, I have worked directly with students from a diverse range of backgrounds. My training and experience in counselling and psychotherapy enabled me to move into my more specialist role as the Mental Health Adviser for the OU in 2010. I have focused on suicide prevention and am qualified in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
In my spare time I enjoy being part of an online photography community, spending time outdoors, walking our dog, and dancing. Not always at the same time!
Jeremy O'Dwyer
Mental Health Speaker
Jeremy O'Dwyer
Mental Health Speaker
I’m Jeremy. For a number of years I suffered with mental ill health and thankfully am now fully recovered. I share my lived experience as part of Oakwood’s bespoke mental health training courses to encourage the topic to be discussed more openly and to reduce the stigma still so prevalent in our society.
I spent the first 20 years of my career in private industry (predominantly shoe manufacturing), traveling throughout Europe, America and the Far East. I then worked in the public sector for 19 years before joining Oakwood in 2018.
I can’t say I have the same level of fitness as some of my Oakwood colleagues, however I have completed a week long walk through the Sahara – an awesome experience and one not to be forgotten!
Lauren Asquith
Mental Health Trainer
Lauren Asquith
Mental Health Trainer
Hi I’m Lauren. I trained as a Mental Health Instructor in 2016 and have worked in the Health and Wellbeing sector for over 7 years with Derby County Community Trust as the Club Development and Disability Manager before moving onto my new role as the Para Football Women’s Talent Pathway Lead at The Football Association.
My second passion lies in football. I’m the Team Manager and Assistant Coach of the England Deaf Women’s Team.
Since 2014, I have fundraised and travelled out to Africa each year to support and develop local slum areas. So far I have been to Morocco, Rwanda and Kenya (3 times). I predominantly take out sports equipment and train up older pupils, teachers and community volunteers to enable continuation once I leave. I absolutely love it!
I joined Oakwood in 2018 and enjoy delivering mental health training to a wide range of audiences.
Tracey Clare
Mental Health Trainer
Tracey Clare
Mental Health Trainer
Hi, I’m Tracey. I am a practicing counsellor and psychotherapist with a background in academia, occupational health and sales.
I am passionate about all aspects of wellbeing and supporting people in achieving what they want in life. I really enjoy engagement in group work and the richness that can arise out of shared experiences.
I deliver Oakwood’s bespoke mental health and wellbeing programs to a wide variety of audiences.
My commitment to my own wellbeing includes being outdoors as much as possible, travel, playing netball, writing and anything Arts-based, with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you on a course soon.
Edith & Henry Streather
The ones really in charge
Edith & Henry Streather
The ones really in charge
Hi, we’re Edith and Henry. Our mum and dad started Oakwood 10 years ago just after Edith was born. When we were little, we used to call Oakwood “tree work” and enjoyed meeting all the new trainers who joined the team. (Pete and Lauren are our favourites but don’t tell the others!).
We’ve supported all the charity fundraising events and this year Edith is doing the 200ft abseil down Derby cathedral (to look after dad who is very nervous).
When we’re not running Oakwood, we’re busy at school and doing our hobbies – dancing, tennis and horse riding for Edith and football, cricket and guitar for Henry.