Meet the Team

My name is Michelle Varty. I have worked as a counsellor for Washington Mind since August 2010. I have to admit I am one of those people who love their job (once I drag myself out of bed). I love the variety of being indifferent venues each day and working with some amazing people.

In my spare time if I am not babysitting my grandkids. I love reading and watching films. My favourite has to be Lord of the Rings. I have recently started rambling which I enjoy as I love the outdoors when it’s warm and not raining.

Qualifications:

• Diploma In Counselling

On the BACP Professional Register.

Hi I’m Sue, I am delighted to be back at Washington Mind having helped out as a volunteer in the past. You will find me on reception where I will be looking to help, support our service users and Washington Mind team. In my spare time you will often find me either outdoors walking the coast line in all weathers or at the gym trying to stay healthy. I love to travel and experience new places, people and cultures.

Hi! I’m Kelly and I have been working with Washington Mind since January 2020. You will mostly find me behind reception dealing with enquiries and supporting our service users.

Outside of work most of my time is spent with my husband and youngest son, watching him play football and table tennis. I also have three dogs, a working cocker spaniel and two rescue Hungarian Vizsla’s who we adopted from Budapest. They love walks and lots of attention!!!

Hi, I’m Angela Wilson, and since May 2014 I’ve been Lead Counsellor for 13TwentyFive. Previously I have worked for the Young People’s Counselling Service, and Community CAMHS. I have 3 children, 2 of whom are now grown up.

I love black and white movies, particularly those with Humphrey Bogart in, and I’m just a little bit obsessed with Nick Cave but still have enough insight to recognise this!

Hiya I am Catherine, one of the adult counsellors at Washington Mind. I joined the team in November 2021 after a 2 year role as a Wellbeing at Work Therapist for an Employee Assistance organisation.

In the world outside of work and Counselling, I LOVE a festival, holiday or any escape and adventure.

Qualifications:

• FDA in Counselling
• Diploma in Hypnotherapy
• Accredited Registered member of the BACP

Hi! My name is Leigh-Ashley Scott and I have originally joined Washington Mind as the Reception Apprentice but now I am Communication Support and my main job is working on our websites including this one and wellbeinginfo.org and our social media accounts. I used to work on the front desk a lot, I’m not there as much now but I’m still out and about within the building a lot and taking calls so no doubt you’ll see or hear from me soon enough.

In my spare time, I enjoy baking sweet treats and reading!

Hi, I’m Mollie, and some of you may know me from my many years of volunteering at Washington Mind. I began my journey here when I was around 16, getting involved with the craft groups! Now I have moved from volunteer to part of the team (officially)!

My main role is as Mental Health Practitioner where I run the Listening Ear Project, which includes emotional support sessions and the Chatty Cafe! I also run specialist group work sessions, from Managing Anxiety and Worry to Living with a Chronic Illness or Illnesses.

My second role is as Communication Support; where I work alongside Leigh to make sure our websites and social media are running smoothly, and getting out and about in the community!

When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family! I also have two very mini sausage dogs who sometimes tag along to the Life House, so if you hear any tiny feet around, don’t worry!

I’m Christine and I joined the young people’s team at Washington Mind in September 21 after working in the safeguarding field with a children’s charity. I first came to Washington Mind whilst on placement for my Community and Youth Work Masters in 2016 and have continued to be involved. We work alongside young people in our area so that their experiences can shape our services. Some of our current projects include Teenage Market, B2B, Rainbow Renegades and supporting school staff and students with grief.

I love our fantastic countryside, whether that’s walking, swimming or just being outside. Throw in some live music and life’s a dream!

Hello I’m Allyson! and I’m the Cafe Coordinator. I have been in catering for quite a few years! I can’t wait to service all our new and old customers🥳 See you soon!

Hi, my name is Jemma and I am the Business Support Manager here at Washington Mind. I joined the team in June 2017.

I have worked in the charity sector for over 11 years, but working in mental health is new to me, so I am really looking forward to the challenge. And learning new things.

When I am not at work I like to go to the gym and go walking, I use it as an excuse to meet up with friends whilst staying fit and healthy. I also like to watch Sunderland play football.

My name is Kathy. I started my journey with Washington Mind in 1999 when I began as a volunteer on my university placement.  Oh how time flies and ….I’m still here!

Over the years I have served various roles, including mental health advocate, service development and my current role is that of training manager.

It a privilege to develop training in partnership with people who have lived experience, who share their stories and who support Washington Mind and the work we do.

Hi! My name is Margy Heskett and I joined the Washington Mind team in October 2016 Business Admin Support. I love working at the front desk where I can be the first point of contact for clients and users of the building.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my children, grandchildren, my 2 Shih Tzu dogs. I also enjoy holidays and relaxing in the sun

My name is Simon Rose. I started at Washington Mind as a volunteer counsellor for the Adult Counselling Team during my placement while undertaking counselling training in 2017.

I trained in Humanistic counselling but also work creatively when possible – I wrote my dissertation on the use of music in the counselling room.

I live by the coast and enjoy spending time on the beach with my family.

Hi, my name is Donna Shipley and I am the Lead Counsellor for the adult counselling team. I started my journey with Washington Mind in 2007 as a volunteer counsellor and once qualified worked as a counsellor for seven years with the service until I left following the birth of my first child. I always imagined coming back to working with Washington Mind at some point and I came back in the role of Lead Counsellor in February 2022. The Lead Counsellor role has been a new and enjoyable challenge for me and I look forward to being part of the future development of the service.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful daughters, listening to music and watching comedies – we all need a good laugh!

Hello, My name is Leanne Armstrong, and I began my journey with Washington MIND in February 2017, when I volunteered as a counsellor, whilst studying my Level 4 & 5 with Northumberland college. I passed my L5 in July 2019 and went on to study the L6 BA Honours at Sunderland University from September 2019 till July 2020. Since completing the BA Honours I became an employee at Washington MIND in September 2020, where I enjoy being  a part of the Washington MIND adult counselling and the wider MIND team. Away from MIND I enjoy spending time with my family, and spend my free time in the equine world with my horse.

Hi, my name’s Catherine, and I joined the adult counselling team at Washington Mind in September 2021.  I qualified as a counsellor in 2010 and have worked in the charity sector throughout my counselling career.

My own health and wellbeing is important to me and I look after my physical and mental health by training regularly in the gym, which I love.  I do a bit of everything – but I particularly like strength and conditioning (and don’t like anything which involves running!)  I also enjoy long walks in the local area which has lots of beautiful green space and woodlands, and spending time with my lovely family.

Qualifications:
Foundation Degree in Counselling
BA Honours Counselling
On BACP Professional Register.

My name is Wendy Colling and I have been involved with the work of Washington Mind for a number of years now. I started my journey here as a Service User and went on to volunteer for a year, offering support in the drop-in sessions. I have now been employed by Washington Mind since 2009. My role here has evolved over the years and I am now a Community Engagement Worker – this involves working directly with Service Users, identifying, encouraging and supporting them to engage with their local community and activities which take place within those communities, as well as organising and facilitating new groups and courses at The Life House

When I’m not at work I am run ragged with my three grown-up children, grandchildren and family dogs.

I am Jacqui Reeves, Services Manager here at Washington Mind; I’ve worked in mental health since the early 80’s, starting out nursing with Gateshead Health Authority and then retraining as a Counsellor. Thirty-something years later I feel privileged to be a part of Washington Mind’s history of providing much-needed services for our local community.

The 80’s was also the time we started our family and we are now proud parents of two lovely daughters and even prouder grandparents to our gorgeous Grandson. Any spare time I get I love to spend with them and the rest of my family and friends …throw in the odd holiday preferably with sunshine and…happy days.