Our Friendly Team
Meet our staff, learn about their experience and favourite MindforYou holiday memory.
Christine Donnelly
Holiday Lead
Joy Inside Presenter
Christine was previously a Dementia Support Worker for over 10 years, and has many skills including being a trained Reiki professional.
“Helping Margaret shopping for a new dress and the delight on her face when we found the perfect one”
Rosie Frater
Holiday Staff
Joy Inside Lead
Rosie has counselling qualifications under her belt as well as being a creative cook, she used to support her Grandma living with dementia.
“Being taught the quick step by a guest during an evening of dancing and fun”
Emma Allenby
PR and Marketing Lead
Emma is a final year trainee integrative counsellor, who used to support both of her grandparents living with dementia.
“Playing Sudoku with Simon who is living with dementia, and watching him fly through every level to the astonishment of his wife!”
Kyla Forty
Holiday Operations Lead
Kyla is qualified in health and social care with many years spent supporting people living with dementia and their families alongside business skills and experience. Enjoys travel and blogging – especially on MindforYou holidays.
“Watching Don looking up at the sky when 2 Hercules aircraft were circling our Norfolk property, his son used to be a Hercules navigator and I won’t forget the look of sheer joy in Dons eyes”
Amanda Hack
Holiday Manager
Amanda was with MindforYou from 2015 then had some time away to explore new adventures and re-joined again in 2021. Amanda has 30 years of experience of working with people living with Dementia from dementia support worker respite. She brings lots of knowledge and experience and support to our new members of staff.
“I love the fun, laughter, smiling faces and joy that our holidays brings to our guests”
Charlotte Gilling
Social Media Assistant
Charlotte joined us during Lockdown 2.0 and she’s a Journalism Graduate. She’s bringing great ideas to MindforYou through her own personal experience of supporting her Grandma living with dementia.
“It makes me so happy to contribute to something so good and close my heart”
Kirsten Forster
Junior Business Administrator
After seeing my Grandad dealing with dementia, the vacancy at MindforYou particularly appealed to me because I wanted to be a part of making a difference for people going through the same thing.
“I love that now I look forward to coming into work because you know what you’re doing is positively impacting someone’s life”
Mel Dunkley
Holiday Administrator
Mel joined after she wanted a change. She wanted to work for a company that makes a difference and do something she’d find rewarding. She’s doing a fantastic job organising all our upcoming holidays.
“I enjoy planning the holidays, and making the holiday experience for the guests as enjoyable/special as possible”
Lesley Ibsen
Holiday Lead
Lesley is a retired nurse who used to work with children. She is also an avid traveller and a florist in her spare time. She has such a wonderful array of skills that we’re sure will benefit our guests on the holidays.
“Helping guests relax, distress, smile and laugh is very satisfying”
Mary Butler
Partnership Lead
Former banker Mary supports family and the community living with dementia alongside a lifetime of championing and delivery in equality, inclusion and community building.
“It’s amazing working with MFY to bring joy and laughter into people’s lives”
Gina Swinbourne
Holiday Staff
Gina is a recently retired NHS nurse and has been supporting and caring for people living with dementia for quite some time. She also owns a pet tortoise!
“The joy on Gerald’s face when we danced to Saturday Night at the Movies”
Tina Gunner
Holiday Staff
Tina has had many roles in her career including being a carer, support worker and personal assistant. Her and Gina have known each other for a lifetime.
“It’s just smiles, smiles and even more smiles!”
Caroline Lane
Volunteer Joy Inside Presenter
Activity Pack Author
Caroline is a recently retired medical receptionist who loves dogs and is looking forward to being a Gran. She is a regular on Talking Together.
“With the Joy Inside I’m helping to make life that little bit easier for people. ”
Danny Corp
Holiday Staff
Joy Inside Presenter
We are lucky to have both Danny and his wife Jackie on our team. Danny is a foster carer and supports his Mother in Law living with dementia. He’s also a UK petanque coach!
“Seeing memories being recovered through the use of our guests favourite songs and music”
Jackie Corp
Holiday Staff
May we introduce Jackie, the other half of our power couple. Jackie is also a foster carer & has been a dementia befriender for almost 10 years.
“I love the fact we arrive as strangers and leave as family”
Clare Gore
Holiday Staff
Clare is a Dementia Advisor and was introduced to MindforYou when her daughter began supporting on our holidays.
“Stan being invited to sing with the Grumpah band at the Chatsworth Christmas Market, he certainly drew a crowd and had everyone smiling”
Ryan Donnelly
Digital Media Assistant
My Auntie, Christine is employed by MindforYou. She really enjoys working for the company so when she heard there were Kickstart positions available she encouraged me to apply for one and I was enough lucky to get one.
“In the summer I spent 2 nights on one of the Perthshire holidays. It was really enjoyable going on the excursions, helping with the cooking, entertainment in the evening where I got to know the guests and staff better. It gave me a real insight about how much the company helps and supports guests.”