Staff Members

Rebecca PearceChief Executive
Rebecca has an Arts and Education background. Her initial contact with Headway Cardiff and South East Wales was via a family friend who suffered a brain injury. Through her Theatre in Education Company, she facilitated drama workshops, going on to become their second only employee, as Assistant Coordinator until 2002, and the birth of her first child.
She continued to work around health and social care in a variety of roles within the Charity Sector and Social Services, finally working at a national level for the MS Society before rejoining Headway Cardiff and South East Wales in 2015 as CEO, where she gained Management and Leadership qualifications.

Lisa Lambly Director of Services
Lisa has been with Headway Cardiff since 2003, making her the longest-serving member of the team. Before joining Headway, Lisa lived in Ireland and worked at Barratstown Gang Camp, where she supported children with terminal illnesses from across Europe. Following this experience, Lisa became a Volunteer Coordinator for Special Olympics Ireland, overseeing their volunteering program and mentoring athletes. Lisa has been in her current role since 2015.

Emily BrennanInformation & Outreach Officer
Emily has been with the team since 2006, initially as a Support Worker and later becoming the Assistant Independence and Wellbeing Centre Manager in 2008. She holds a degree in Sociology, Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills and an NVQ in Advice and Guidance. In early 2018, Emily assumed her current role.


Rhian JonesInformation & Outreach Officer for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Before joining the staff team as a Support Worker in 2016, Rhian volunteered for a year with the Tuesday group in the Independence and Wellbeing Centre. She has a degree in Furniture and Product Design, a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills and an NVQ in Advice and Guidance. Rhian transitioned to her current role in May 2018.



Ellie McMasterInformation & Outreach Officer
Ellie joined our team in September 2024, after being with us for her student placement during her Master’s in Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing netball and going to the gym. She has gained solid work experience through various part-time jobs and acquired a passion for helping people through volunteering in Fiji in 2022.

Claire Protheroe-JonesSenior Independence & Wellbeing Officer
Claire became an Independence & Wellbeing Officer in November 2021, and later a senior in 2024. She holds a degree in Sociology and Psychology and previously worked for the Salvation Army. Claire has experience working with vulnerable adults and young people in homeless residential settings. She also has a Mediation qualification that she has utilised to reunite young people with their families.

Helen JenkinsSenior Independence & Wellbeing Officer
Helen joined us in 2008 as a Support Worker in the Independence and Wellbeing Centre. In 2016, she transitioned to the position of an Independence & Wellbeing Officer, then senior in 2024. Helen holds an NVQ in Health and Social Care and a degree in Textiles, often utilising her artistic skills in her work in the centre.

Heledd EvansIndependence & Wellbeing Officer
Heledd joined the team in May 2024, after working freelance for several years in the Arts delivering community workshops and public programmes. She has a degree in Fine Art, and a PGCE PCET, and has experience in community engagement, informal education, arts and heritage, and disability arts activism. She also works as an artist and composer and is currently enjoying writing music for a mechanical organ in Merthyr Tydfil.

Neil Soans Independence and Wellbeing Officer
Neil joined the team in September 2024, after being with us as a Placement Student during his Master’s degree in Psychology. Neil is dedicated to empowering individuals to become emotionally competent. Besides remote working with a therapy centre handling anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues, Neil has prior experience counselling men with HIV/ AIDS and conducting workshops on safe sex education. He also enjoys watching live music and exploring the outdoors, particularly trekking and hiking.

Helen KingAdministrator (Finance)
Helen joined the team in 2017 and has a degree in Politics. She has worked in various roles, including the local authority, a carers voluntary organisation and in the education sector. She has a passion for cooking and DIY.

Emma FairweatherAdministrator (Services) and Support Worker
Emma joined our team in June 2023, and added Support Worker to her role in 2025. With a degree in History and a background in management, Emma brings a unique perspective to the table. Prior to joining Headway, she spent 7 years as a pharmaceutical dispenser, gaining extensive experience working with diverse individuals from all walks of life. In her spare time enjoys reading and walking her dog.

Chloe Baker Administrator (HR)
Chloe returned to the team in September 2024. Chloe has worked in various roles for the charity over the last 10 years, both in the Independence and Wellbeing Centre, and in administrative support. Chloe really enjoys being part of the team here at Headway Cardiff and South East Wales, and in her spare time enjoys walking, days out, and spending time with her family and friends.

Sam HogbenAdministrator (Fundraising and Communications)
Sam joined our team as Administrator for Fundraising and Communications in January 2026. She returned to Wales a few years ago after eight years in the financial services industry in Australia. Since then, life has been full with three little ones keeping her on her toes. When she manages to find a quiet moment, she loves exploring new walks and discovering hidden corners of the Welsh outdoors.

Craig MorrisSupport Worker
Craig joined our team in September 2026 as a Support Worker. Craig spent much of his working life in the charity and community sector, most recently at Pedal Power Cardiff supporting people with disabilities and health conditions. Community, people and human connection are what keep him ticking, alongside a passion for filmmaking and visual art in his spare time. He is delighted to be part of the Headway team.

Emily BoldSenior Independence and Wellbeing Officer
Emily will be joining our team in October 2026 as a Senior Independence and Wellbeing Officer.
Our Placement Students

Saxon Jones Volunteer Support Worker (Student Placement)
Saxon joined our team as a placement student in September 2026. He studies psychology in Cardiff and prior to this he has work experience as a playworker and as an elf. In his spare time he enjoys football and going to the gym.

Niamh TaylorVolunteer Support Worker (Student Placement)
Niamh joined our team as a placement student in September 2026. She returned to Cardiff after 2 years studying Bsc Psychology at the University of Reading. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, singing musical theatre hits and looking after her dog Buddy.

Adelaide ThorpeVolunteer Support Worker (Student Placement)
Adelaide joined Headway in September 2026. She has previously enjoyed work experience in primary schools and loves anything and everything about music. In her free time, she sings in choirs and loves to spend time on hikes. Adelaide always aspires to be a cheerful and genuine person. She currently studies psychology and hope to pursue a career in biological or child psychology.

