The Team

Karina Eccles - Charity Manager

Karina Eccles

Charity Manager

Karina has worked in the charity sector for many years, including health, educational and arts charities, with previous management roles varying from managing outreach education projects to fundraising and marketing - Karina is also a qualified violin teacher! She is delighted to be part of the Young Carers Development Trust family, and working with a charity that makes such a difference to the lives of young carers.

Mel Rees

Melanie Rees

Service Manager

Mel has worked with young adult carers for more than 8 years and is passionate about giving young carers the opportunities they need to reach their full potential in life. Mel has volunteered herself several times, once with VSO in Hanoi, Vietnam for two years which was a brilliant experience. Delighted to be appointed as the YCDT Service Manager, she welcomes the opportunity to support young carers, development mentors and organisations alike.

Robert Cotton

Robert Cotton

Chair

Robert worked as a Vicar in the Church of England for the last 40 years.  Recently retired, he has come to live in Bristol to be close to his first grandchild. Robert has had a long and varied engagement with children and young people through leading Youth Clubs, helping youth choirs to flourish and as a school governor.  He has also supported a school in South Africa for many years, based in a township just outside Johannesburg.

Amy Riley - Development Manager

Amy Riley

Trustee

Amy was one of the first beneficiaries of the YCDT as she was a carer for her mum, she has been a mentor and an ambassador for the YCDT. She is now a trustee with the trust. She has studied at Cheltenham and Exeter university and works in the NHS talking therapies as a CBT therapist. 

Andrew Pitt

Andrew Pitt

Trustee

Andrew has recently retired as Chartered Accountant after over 40 years in practice, half of it as a partner at KPMG in Bristol. He is still active through his consultancy firm London & Bath Limited. His work has included advising charities and their businesses.

Bernardo

Bernardo Castro-Dominguez

Trustee

Bernardo serves as an Associate Professor and oversees Undergraduate Admissions in Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath. His journey in higher education spans across the United States, Ireland, Japan, and the UK, where he has been a guiding force for university applicants, undergraduates, and postgraduate scholars. Beyond academia, Bernardo finds joy in running, creating music, and exploring the wonders of science.

 

Katy Phillips

Katy Phillips

Trustee

Katy is a registered social worker who has worked with children in care, with refugees, and in child protection. She worked with young carers for a number of years, supporting them to improve their wellbeing and remain in education. Katy has first-hand experience of being a young carer herself and currently works as an Academic Mentor at a sixth form college. 

Sam Pearce-Kearney

Sam Pearce-Kearney

Trustee

Sam is a local councillor and he works to improve the lives of children and young carers across the county. He has worked with some of the world’s greatest brands to help them refine their customer experience, communications and engagement including the NHS. Sam is also a school governor and mentor for young people to support them through education.

Sonia Hutchison

Sonia Hutchison

Trustee

Sonia supported the Trust in the early stages supporting to grow and develop as a Development Manager and Executive Director. She has continued to stay committed the Trust after handing over to employed Charity Managers and is now a trustee. Sonia has 15 years of experience working with young carers and led Bath and North East Somerset Carers' Centre for 9 years. She is now freelance supporting charities.

William Feeny

William Feeny

Trustee

William is a Senior Financial Professional with extensive international experience in line and corporate functions in major media Corporations. He has direct experience in media and intellectual property, legal services, mergers and acquisitions and in start up businesses.

Dekeisha Rodd - Charity Administration Assistant

Dekeisha Rodd

Charity Admin Assistant

Dekeisha was supported by YCDT as a young carer and is now a YCDT ambassador. Having had first hand experience being a young carer and being supported by YCDT, Dekeisha is very passionate about the work YCDT does and is very excited to support the growth of the charity through marketing and admin assistance.