Our Team

Before Elayos, I completed a Masters in Dance Movement Psychotherapy and spent many years working in private practice helping people of all ages, stages and abilities process trauma and hardship. I loved seeing individuals discover new potential in themselves and in particular I was passionate about supporting vulnerable mothers and their children.

In 2018, I gave birth to my first daughter. Afterwards, I had a disappointed feeling like I could have done ‘better’ had I had more knowledge on giving birth or known more about what to with a newborn (picture me returning from hospital googling “how to look after a newborn”!). Fortunately, I had a great support network around me and once I had found my feet with this parenting journey, I began to re evaluate my life, my career and what I was passionate about now that I was a Mum.

This spurred me to channel my passions, train as a doula and co-found Elayos. Since setting up Elayos I have been able to, not only inform myself better in my own pregnancies and births, (while I grow my own girl gang, three daughters and counting!) but I have also been able to come alongside so many women and journey with them during this hugely significant life stage. I love seeing my clients discover what birth and being a mother looks like for them. Supporting them to make decisions about how they parent their children and encouraging them to continue in a way that allows them to thrive. It is an absolute privilege to support a birth and to see that child grow.

Amelia Sommers
CEO, Doula & Breastfeeding Support

I’ve worked in the charity sector for 20 years, leading successful fundraising teams for a variety of causes. My fundraising experience spans all income streams and I’ve worked for charities in the fields of disability, international development, sport and health. In recent years, I’ve been drawn more and more to supporting families in the early years and improving health outcomes. This led me to train as a Breastfeeding Counsellor and Postnatal Doula. I love that in my role at Elayos, I can use both my fundraising and infant feeding experience to make a positive impact on our clients. In my spare time, I support local families through Home Start South Warwickshire and love spending time at my allotment.

Caroline Dolan
Head of Fundraising & Infant Feeding

I trained as a peer supporter while my eldest child was just six months old. I soon found myself leading three drop-in breastfeeding support sessions per week for Barnardo’s, igniting my passion to help families navigate early parenthood.

I furthered my expertise by studying Birth & Beyond at the University of Worcester, qualifying as a Breastfeeding Counsellor in 2021 and completing my foundation degree in 2022. Since then, I have worked with several respected charities, including the National Childbirth Trust and the New Baby Network, as I progress toward my IBCLC certification.

With over nine years of experience supporting parents in their infant feeding journeys, I am thrilled to be part of Elayos team, supporting vulnerable families to make the feeding decisions that are right for them

Corinne Thomsett
Infant Feeding Specialist

As the oldest member of the Elayos team, my children are all grown up! I first became a mum 27years ago! It has been the busiest and most fulfilling time of my life , I have loved being a mum of four. They are quite close in age, my eldest was just 6 when I had baby no.4. So life has always been very busy, but I wouldn’t change a thing, the good, the bad, and the ugly!

When my youngest was 2 I set up and co run a parent and toddler group, which grew and grew. My daughter left to go to school and I was still running the group 16years later.  I loved getting to know all the families coming alongside new mums who just needed  a friendly “adult” face , and a listening ear. To be able to talk about their sleepless nights, and more, whilst enjoying an “actual HOT drink!”. 

I believe that there are definite seasons in life. When I learned about Elayos, I was just beginning to struggle with “what was next for me?” Struggling as my nest was fast becoming empty. Children were all grown up, 2 had left home , and another will leave later this year. It was perfect timing for my new season to begin! I find it difficult to express how much I love my job as an Elayos doula. To be a birth doula is a privilege. To be allowed into that most vulnerable and special space, to come alongside and support and advocate for a birthing mother, and to be part of their journey into parenthood. As an Elayos doula this can be helping the parent navigate through some of the most difficult circumstances, but being able to empower them with all the information they need to be able to make their own independent decisions is very fulfilling. I have been with Elayos for 3 years now, and I love it!

Suzie Damerell-Hinds
Doula & Perinatal Support Worker

With over 10 years of experience working in the charitable sector, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting underprivileged communities and families through impactful fundraising, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships. My passion lies in creating opportunities for children, young people, and their families, particularly those facing significant disadvantage

I’ve successfully fundraised through a range of channels, including community-led events, corporate partnerships, and grant funding, all with a focus on securing vital resources for services that uplift and empower. Much of my work has centred around building and managing meaningful relationships with both local stakeholders and national funders. I’ve worked with both small grassroots charities and larger organisations, always striving to strengthen community ties and maximise social impact.

A common thread throughout my career has been my commitment to the wellbeing of the younger generation. This passion has inspired me to pursue a degree in Psychology and Counselling, with a specific focus on childhood and youth studies, developmental stages, and mental health.

As a proud mother myself, and understanding the challenges the journey can come with, I’m especially passionate about empowering other mothers, creating inclusive, supportive spaces where they feel equipped, encouraged, and connected. I believe that when we support families as a whole, we strengthen communities at their core.

I’m keen to build new connections and collaborate with local businesses, organisations, and changemakers who share a vision for a more equitable and supported community. If you're interested in working together or simply want to learn more about what we do at Elayos, do get in touch, I’d love to have a chat.

Emma Safo

Corporate Fundraiser

Before training as a doula, I worked in healthcare, supported families as a childminder, and volunteered in schools. Caring for others has always been a big part of my life — it’s something I naturally lean toward. As a Healthcare Assistant, I worked across clinical settings including hospital wards and outpatient departments, supporting patients with both their physical care and emotional needs. That experience gave me a solid foundation in understanding how people feel when they’re vulnerable, and how important it is to offer reassurance, dignity, and practical support.

Becoming a mother was a huge turning point for me. I was grateful to have the steady support of my aunt, and that experience showed me just how important it is to have someone by your side during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. It made me want to be that person for others — someone calm, reliable, and reassuring when things feel overwhelming or new.

What I love about being a doula is the chance to walk alongside someone during such a powerful and personal time. I don’t take that lightly. Whether it’s offering encouragement, listening without judgment, or just being a quiet presence in the room, I’m drawn to this role because it’s about real connection and meaningful care. I feel proud to be part of a community that puts people at the centre of their own birth experiences.

Lynette Bird
Doula & Perinatal Support Worker

Before working in fundraising I studied at Edinburgh University, in a city that I love and I lived there for 11 years. My fundraising experience covers many income streams, and I love supporting people to make a difference in new and exciting ways. In my spare time I run a hiking group, and have met many wonderful friends that way. I enjoy reading, dancing and travelling to new places (primarily to taste new types of food). I have a wee dog called Donnie, who is very cheeky and a lot of fun. I am so thrilled to be working at Elayos, as I have long been interested in bettering health outcomes and supporting those who need it most. 

Rosy Candlin

Community Fundraiser

I feel so privileged to be able to work as a doula with Elayos. I have volunteered with Elayos for over a year, and have recently completed my doula training.

To be able to come alongside and support women and babies at this time in their lives is a dream come true. I have always been fascinated with pregnancy and childbirth, and have worked with young babies and their families over many years while working as a nanny.

Statistics show that having the support of a doula can reduce the likelihood of a mother needing a caesarean or an instrumental birth. Also, there is an increased likelihood of successful breastfeeding being established, as well as shorter labours, and a reduced need for epidurals, with a doula providing support.

I see my role as coming alongside and supporting women in making positive, informed choices; and being an advocate for their needs, and the best interests of both them and their babies.

Claire Hayes
Doula & Perinatal Support Worker

As a mother of two, caring for others has always felt like a natural part of who I am. This instinct is what first drew me toward community work and supporting families during some of the most meaningful and vulnerable moments of their lives.

My volunteer work has given me the opportunity to make a practical and compassionate difference—organising donations, managing essential items, and coordinating volunteers to ensure families receive support with dignity and ease. Through this work, I’ve seen just how overwhelming the early stages of parenthood can feel, and how powerful it is when a family receives calm, judgement-free, and reliable support. My background in management and my experience in structured, detail-focused roles have helped me create the organisation and stability needed behind the scenes so families can feel held and supported.

Becoming a mother myself gave me an even deeper understanding of what parents carry—the joy, the worry, the exhaustion, and the need to have someone by your side when everything feels new or uncertain. This personal experience has shaped the heart of my work and strengthened my commitment to supporting families with compassion and respect.

At Elayos, I’m proud to be part of a team that places mothers and families at the centre. Whether I’m organising systems behind the scenes or connecting directly with the people we support, my goal is always the same: to help create a space that feels safe, calm, and empowering. I truly believe that when a mother is supported, she grows stronger—and when she grows stronger, her family and community grow with her.

Nasim Hashemi

Baby Bank Co-Ordinator

Our Trustees

Andy is our Chair of Trustees and has had an interest in supporting vulnerable women after volunteering with a charity supporting on street sex workers. Andy has a BSc (Hons) in Physics and Astrophysics and a MSc in the Physics and Technologies of Nuclear Reactors. Andy currently works at Jaguar Landrover as a Demand Planner. Outside of his paid and voluntary work, Andy enjoys audio/visual production and photography and spending time with his wife and son.

Andy Hart

Lorraine is an experienced fundraiser with over 12 years of experience within the charity sector including arts, theatre, dance, health and conservation. Her portfolio includes support from a breadth of donors including Corporates, Major Donors, Individuals, Communities and Trust & Foundations. Lorraine is currently the Fundraising Lead at Chester Zoo, a wildlife and conservation charity which works to ensure our planet has a place to survive and thrive for future generations. Lorraine is committed to learning and making a difference in causes that she is passionate about and can advocate for.

Lorraine Jubb

I work for Alpha UK and specifically in the youth department. I look after key relationships in the UK with Christian festivals, events and church leaders. I help to equip and encourage leaders to run Youth Alpha and I speak to thousands of young people and adults every year across the UK.

Grace Wheeler

During Maggie's 40+ years as an NHS Midwife, she saw the impact charities like Elayos make on vulnerable women and how important it is to have an advocate and doula support. Maggie is a voluntary youth and children's worker, and mentor for young people within her local church. Maggie also spends time caring for her grandson.

Maggie Coleman

Abi works at the NSPCC doing therapeutic recovery work with children and families who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual abuse. Abi has over 14 years experience working with vulnerable children and their families as a child protection social worker. She is passionate about preventative work and has seen the incredible impact that charities like Elayos can have in changing the trajectory of a family.

Abigail Vedder

Jenny Sadler has over 12 years of experience in finance and serves as the Treasurer at Elayos. As the Finance Director at Love Finance, she excels in financial modeling, analysis, and improving processes for better efficiency and results. Jenny believes in the importance of building strong working relationships and values these skills alongside her technical knowledge. 

After giving birth in 2023, Jenny got a first hand view of the challenges mothers face during the perinatal period. Even though her pregnancy was smooth, complications during childbirth highlighted the need for a strong support network. This experience motivated her to give back to those who may not have similar support, which led her to Elayos. 

Jenny is inspired by the charity's mission to offer compassion and advocacy for vulnerable mothers and birthing individuals. She looks forward to using her skills to help Elayos grow and continue its essential work in supporting families during this important time in their lives.

Jenny Sadler

Saras has worked in the women's health and reproductive rights space for most of her career. She previously led the Birthrights training programme, a national programme which provided training to hundreds of healthcare professionals and birth workers each year on the legal framework that underpins safe and rights-respecting maternity care. Saras has experience working with charities and a background in law, with a focus on human rights. She has worked with refugees, asylum seekers and those experiencing domestic abuse and has seen first hand the amazing value that volunteer doulas bring to the birthing experience and beyond. 

 

 Saras Arulampalam

Volunteers

Katharine, also known as Mez, volunteers with Elayos as a HR Advisor to the board and directors. Mez works in HR for Gas Street church, looking after all aspects of the HR processes as well as employee development. Mez is CIPD level 5 qualified.

Katharine Gauton

Dan originally created the Elayos brand and continues to support on anything design related.

Dan Sommers

Crystal has been working in the Midlands charity & health sectors for over a decade in both communications/editorial roles and community-based settings, most recently with the NHS. She began her journey with Elayos in 2020, when she trained as a doula so that she could come alongside women & babies to offer support in the perinatal season. After a experiencing a complicated pregnancy, neonatal illness, and most of her support network being overseas when her son was born a few years prior, Crystal became motivated to offer support to mothers going through hardships - by joining Elayos.

Crystal Horner

Akiko is a volunteer supporting our clients during the postnatal period. "I have been loving helping out the mums and am very grateful for the experiences I have got through my volunteering".

Akiko Tokioka