CEO
Tanya Woodland
Tanya is responsible for the leadership, strategy, and operational delivery of our charity, working closely with the trustee board.
Before joining us, she spent 22 years of her career in senior management roles at national charities. She absolutely loves the opportunity her role now gives her to make a difference to the lives of the local children, young people and families who benefit from our bereavement support services. When she is not at the helm at work, she enjoys live music, walking her dogs Indie and Barney on Plymouth Hoe and spending quality time with her husband Roger, son Curtis and his Doberman Rex.
Supporter Engagement Manager
John Naismith
Prior to this role John has worked across the charity sector in Plymouth at Age UK, Plymouth, Alzheimer’s Society and Citizens Advice Plymouth, primarily in a volunteer development role. In his spare time John loves to cycle and walking his two little dogs. He has always enjoyed live music, happy to travel where necessary for a great gig as well as supporting the local live scene.
Supporter Engagement Coordinator
Leigh Nile
Prior to joining us, Leigh had spent almost 20years working in primary education. Her skills and experience in leadership, child development, in-service training, along with her ethos in collaborative practice, add breadth to the team here at Jeremiah's Journey. Her passion and drive for improving outcomes for children and young people ties in with her compassion and understanding for bereaved children - a subject close to her heart.
Bereavement Services Manager
James Walbank
James has worked in a various areas of nursing in both Plymouth and Bristol, specialising in the treatment of trauma and gaining skills and qualifications along the way. Before nursing, he went to art college and also spent time writing and likes to include this creativity in his current work. When not at work, James enjoys walking, getting to know different cultures and playing music.
Bereavement Team
Katie Ruddock
As our Bereavement Advocate, Katie works with children, young people and families as well as preparing resources for our group sessions. Prior to joining us, she has worked with young people in different capacities and has welcomed the opportunity for a new challenge to support families experiencing bereavement.
Previously, she completed a History degree at The University of Reading so loves exploring museums and learning more about local history. She also loves music, particularly music festivals in the summer months.
Lana Carlson
Lana is a bereavement advocate working with children, young people and families helping them to navigate their grief journey. She is from an educational background and has a degree in health and social care management. From a personal perspective, Lana believes with the right support and guidance bereaved young people can go on to achieve their hopes and dreams. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching live music, attending festivals and camping!
Sian Lacy
Sian is our Bereavement Services Coordinator and works within bereavement services coordinating the team, resources and support to where it is needed. Previously, Sian has worked in education for around twelve years and has amassed a wealth of adminstrative and organisational skills. She brings these along with her drive to support children, young people and their families.
Max Tindall-Jones
Max joined the Clinical Team in January 2022 as an Assistant Psychologist, after completing a Masters in Advanced Psychology with Plymouth University. He has been helping organise and run group sessions and expand the services we provide as a whole. He is energetic and strives to help young people feel comfortable and safe through play and creative activities. Max loves to spend his free time trapesing across Dartmoor and exploring Devon’s outstanding coastline, as well as having fun playing board games with friends and family.
Although he has moved on from the bereavement team to further his career, he will still be an active member of the Jeremiah's volunteering team.