Philippa Gitlin Chair Expand Philippa Gitlin has years of experience as a leader in the not-for-profit sector, which includes Head of Fundraising at Depaul UK, Director at Caritas Social Action Network and CEO of Family Service Units. She has also been involved as a trustee or governor for different charities and schools since 1994 including St Thomas More Secondary Catholic School, Depaul France and a former SVFP Trustee (2000-2010). Currently Philippa is providing consultation for an international project supporting Romanian care leavers.
Ifeoma Okafor Trustee Member Expand Ifeoma Okafor is a Chartered Accountant with an MSc in Financial Economics, with experience of working for major international banks. Her voluntary work has included being a Job Coach, a Literary and Numeracy Tutor, as well as being a Trustee for a charity seeking to empower disadvantaged people.
Deacon Ali McMillan Trustee Member Expand Deacon of the Methodist Church at the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, Deacon Ali McMillan had been a Teacher in Secondary Schools and Sixth form colleges before joining the ministry. She has through her pastoral activities worked with all age ranges in the community.
Teresa Crowley Trustee Member Expand Teresa is retired from her career in education in 2023 where she worked as a Careers Leader and Pastoral Liaison Officer. Teresa has a degree in Social Sciences and a Post Graduate Qualification in Careers Leadership. Teresa qualified as a magistrate in 2022 and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2024. She is also a school governor in a primary school in Lambeth where she volunteers with Year 6.
Sister Liz Ferrie Trustee Member Expand Sister Liz Ferrie has served the Daughters of the Charity of St. Vincent De Paul for 53 years. She is both a qualified Nursery Nurse and RGN for adults. Her working life is one of caring for people of every age and conditions. She has also travelled considerably for her work for humanitarian causes. Having spent 6 years in Paris as English speaking Secretary she returned to England where she has been working on research for the Daughters of Charity.
Joanna Wormell Trustee Member Expand Joanna Wormell is a qualified Solicitor with a focus on risk management and governance. Having lived in a variety of places, (including, quite recently, South Westminster) and experienced a range of different cultures and approaches, she is keen to give back to the community. She firmly believes in the importance of early years to lay down a good foundation for the rest of children's lives.
Tim Hassell Co-Chair Expand Tim Hassell is our newest Trustee. He is the MD for Draker, a London lettings company who let up to 700 properties each year. Tim has previously supported other charities, particularly to help raise funds. He was born in Liverpool and his charity interests come from his appreciation of others who have helped him to get where he is today and a desire to do something similar for others.
Sister Ruth O'Neill Trustee Expand Sr Ruth O' Neill is a member and Trustee of the Daughters of Charity of Vincent De Paul. Sr Ruth originally set up the Project for families in St. Vincent's Centre, Victoria, also home to the passage.