A bit about us

Jennie Yelverton

A qualified Breastfeeding Counsellor, Jennie has been supporting local parents in West Kent for 10 years.  As an experienced group facilitator, she is passionate about empowering families in the transition to parenthood and beyond, delivering education and support for parents and developing practitioner skills and training.

Karen McCully

Karen has worked in breastfeeding and nutrition support for over 10 years. Born at Pembury Hospital and raised in Kent, she spent her early career in the US before returning to the UK and managing the Kent Breastfeeding Peer Support Programme. She qualified as an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2015 and a Babywearing Consultant
in 2016.

Laura Shtaingos

A qualified Integrative Counsellor and Breastfeeding Counsellor, Laura also has a background in business development. Laura is passionate about working with families during the transition to parenthood, helping to process the physical, emotional and relationship adjustments this brings for so many of us.

Andrea Garrad

Breastfeeding Counsellor

Harriet Rudd

Breastfeeding Counsellor

Jane Gillhouley

Breastfeeding Counsellor

Jane Gerard-Pearse

Lactation Consultant

Jani Combrink

Lactation Consultant

Jennie Yelverton

Breastfeeding Counsellor

Karen McCully

Lactation Consultant

Laura Shtaingos

Breastfeeding Counsellor

Ema Saunders

Chairperson

A founding trustee, Ema is a seasoned HR professional and executive coach, having worked at Savills for 14 years. Ema is a trained peer supporter for Baby Umbrella, and has personal experience of the services provided through Baby Cafe after having her son.

Hope Maguire

Treasurer

Hope became a trustee and Treasurer for Baby Umbrella in October 2020 and is a passionate supporter of new parents mental health and wellbeing. With 10 years of operational and HR experience, Hope brings a wealth of knowledge gained from working with small businesses and start-ups. 

Bronwen Edwards

Secretary

A trustee since October 2020, Bronwen will undertake the role of Secretary. A passionate supporter of new mothers, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the charity sector and good governance, having worked for the Directory of Social Change. Bronwen also sits on the Young Parent's Panel for the Lullaby Trust.

Alissa Brumby

Trustee

A trustee since October 2020, Alissa brings a wealth of experience working in the Third Sector. Having led philanthropy teams to raise funds for many worthy causes, Alissa is passionate about maternal mental wellbeing and hopes to support Baby Umbrella raise vital funds to continue their work.

Alison Day

Trustee

A trustee since October 2020, Alison brings over 10 years of marketing and communications experience to Baby Umbrella. She is passionate about supporting parents on their journey and has personal experience of using the services provided by West Kent Baby Matters with both of her children.

Chloe Gastrell

Trustee

In her position as trustee since October 2020, Chloe supports Baby Umbrella with legal and governance advice, having worked as a qualified solicitor specialising in Intellectual Property and Media for over 10 years. She cares deeply about supporting new parents with breastfeeding and their mental health, and has benefitted from the services offered by West Kent Baby Matters.

Jane Gerard-Pearse

Trustee

A founding trustee, Jane is a stalwart of our local perinatal support community. A qualified nurse, midwife and lactation consultant for 14 years, Jane brings specialist knowledge and experience to the team.

Nicola Kirkwood

Trustee

A founding trustee, Nicola is passionate about maternal mental wellbeing. A qualified doctor, she currently works at the Royal Marsden hospital as an oncology specialist. Nicola also has personal experience of using the services provided by Baby Cafe.