Associates & Trustees

Our Associates

Educated professionals working to support children affected by adverse experiences.

Gela Griffiths

Portrait of Gela Griffiths, Adenydd CEO and Associate

CEO & Associate

Jo Southan

Portrait of Jo Southan, Adenydd trustee and associate

Trustee & Associate

Kate Mackenzie

Kate McKenzie, Associate

Associate

Gela Griffiths is a retired headteacher of a school for children with complex needs. When she isn't running Adenydd, Gela is busy caring for her son with developmental trauma, learning difficulties and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Gela runs a small, private practice from her home in Mumbles. She is a certified practicioner in both Theraplay and Dyadic Developmental Psychology. She has also completed Level 1 training in Sensory Attachment Intervention. Gela is a trainer and facilitator for the Just Right State Programme and Kim Golding's foundations for Attachment.

Jo Southan works therapeutically with children, families, and schools. Before Adenydd, she was a registered nurse and worked in schools. Jo is an adoptive mum to five children with with various complex needs resulting from developmental trauma. For 20 years, Jo has been on a journey to understand and parent her children.She helped found Adenydd to support children and families like hers.

Jo is trained in Sensory Attachment Intervention (Level 1), Theraplay (Level 1, Group Theraplay) and Ecosensory. She is also a trained facilitator for the Just Right State Programme.

Kate Mackenzie has a varied career journey - working alongside children and their families as a nurse, a teaching assistant, a community project worker and a childminder. She brings these experiences with her as a useful foundation for her work with Adenydd.

Kate is a mother of four adult children, some of whom have been on their own journeys with neurodivergence and verious health conditions. She wishes to see children and young people reach their full potential and help them to overcome the obstacles that prevent them from doing so.

We want to work with you! Join our associate team today and make a difference in the lives of young people.

Our Trustees

Committed to supporting brighter futures for our children

Phillipa Webb

Phillipa Webb, Medical Connections

Medical Connections

Francis Hon

Francis Hon, Trustee

Trustee

Adam Southan

Adam Southan, Out of hours General Practicioner

Out of Hours GP

Sam Downer

Sam Downer, Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist

"I am a wife to Dean and mum to an adopted boy. I co-own and run two successful businesses full-time. I am also involved behind the scenes at our local amateur drama group.

Our little boy came home to us in 2016 at 19 months old. Every day has bought a different challenge to us all as a family. I have learned so much about Developmental Trauma, Sensory Regulation, ADHD and many other complex needs involving both therapists and the school.

I want to share my knowledge and business background as an integral part of Adenydd, and make a difference in children's lives who have suffered trauma."

"As a father of two daughters in primary school, I understand how environment and parenting can influence children's wellbeing in a huge way. Despite doing their best, parents can be left tired, frustrated, and confused by the economic, cultural and societal issues imposed upon their families. Adenydd helps children and families in these situations and can change the course of their lives. I am honoured to be involved.

I have a background in social impact and philanthropy, serving commercial institutions and non-profits in both the UK and Hong Kong. I have also been a trustee of numerous education and grant-making organisations, where I focused on strategy, governance and fundraising."

"I have been married to Jo for 28 years and I'm blessed to be a father to 5 adopted children and 2 grandchildren. I have lived experience of developmental trauma and the impact of ACEs both on our children and family as a whole.

I have been qualified as a doctor and have worked for the NHS for over 29 years, spending 25 as a GP. I currently work as a GP in Urgent Primary Care in the Swansea Bay Area. I have also held a number of senior medical management roles across NHS Wales.

I aim to use my experience of developmental trauma alongside my professional experience to help the world feel safer for children with ACEs. I want to support the strategic direction of Adenydd using the skills, knowledge and understanding from my family and working life."

"My background is in the health and care industry, working as a physiotherapist for 15 years. This included working various physiotherapy roles, creating my own business, and working leadership positions in other clinical settings.

I have lived experience of mental health challenges. Through therapy, I have learned to detangle some ways in which my mind works, which has helped bring clarity and calm into my life. As a result, I am extremely passionare about helping those with similar experiences.

I believe that contributing to therapy services for children at a young age has enormous benefits on their outlooks. I am dedicated to ensuring Adenydd's long-term sustainability and maximising our impact on the community."

We want to work with you! If you are interested in becoming a Trustee with Adenydd, please get in touch.

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