Chris Hood

Chief Executive Officer

Having spent 25 years working in and managing care and support services I joined SYEDA in April 2013 at a time when the service was in a period of flux and uncertainty. I knew immediately how important and valuable the service had been and would remain to so many people affected by an eating disorder. My understanding was greatly enhanced through the wisdom of service users, existing staff and trustees. These three groups have remained my guide and inspiration ever since.

I remain unflinchingly optimistic about the possibility of change and progress. I have seen or heard of so many of our service users make the life changing journey towards recovery. I have learnt from and been inspired by their words and stories. My ability to effectively represent the needs of our service users (past, present or future) in meetings or in funding applications is reliant on listening and learning from those who need us.

I am determined to continue to seek the necessary resources to sustain and expand our wonderful service and support our staff and volunteers to be instrumental in prevention, early intervention and recovery maintenance.

It is an honour and privilege to lead such an amazing organisation and I begin every day with optimism and positivity about what we can do together.

Outside of work my life revolves round the needs of my 3 daughters and what little time I have left is focused on cycling, reading and community/political activity.

Michelle Hinde

Clinical Manager

BSc Hons Psychology, BSc Hons Occupational Therapy

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2006 and I have worked in the field of eating disorders since 2001. I am extremely passionate about the work SYEDA do and volunteered here previously, offering support to those affected by difficulties with food.

As Clinical Manager, my role is to oversee the clinical support services, including our Early Intervention and Prevention team, which we provide both in Sheffield and across wider South Yorkshire. I triage all of our Sheffield referrals and the majority of initial client assessments. In addition, I have a small caseload of clients to whom I offer specialist ED support.

As part of my role I liaise with a number of other ED services across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and I also look at developing better and more effective community support to all those affected by eating disorders or the signs of developing eating disorders.  

Lauren Lawson

Business Manager

I joined SYEDA as their Office Manager in April 2022 and became Business Manager in December 2023 – prior to working here I worked in the private sector, with over 8 years’ experience in Administration and office management.

It is a great privilege to become part of an extremely passionate and dedicated team, to be able to assist them in making a real difference for people with eating disorders.

In my spare time you will find me chasing after my little boy, walking our dog or spending time with friends and family.

Claire Taranaski

Senior Administrator

I have over two decades experience working in administration across the voluntary and health sectors.

Since joining SYEDA in October 2020, I have felt honoured to be part of and provide a range admin support to its wonderful and dedicated team and my passion to improve the lives of those with eating disorders, their families and friends continues to grow.

After moving to South Yorkshire six years ago to start a family I have fallen in love with the region and its residents and have continued to be passionate about helping people in my local community and helping others to do the same, including as a volunteer and supporter of the local arts scene.

Lorna Cook

Senior Administrator

I joined SYEDA in December 2023 as their Senior Administrator. I previously worked in the private sector where I gained my experience in both accounts and administration

I am excited to be a part of an amazing organisation and help the team to make a positive impact on people’s lives who live with an eating disorder.

I am a family orientated person, in my spare time I care for my daughter, and spend a lot of time with my family and friends.

Sophie O'Horan Williams

Marketing & Communications Officer

I have 10 years of marketing experience and feel passionate about helping organisations tell their story. My hope is to provide life-changing communications and connect services with their users through powerful and impactful design.

 Being part of the team at SYEDA brings me immense pride. Working for a cause that is close to my heart has been a joy and a pleasure and continues to motivate me every day. In my spare time, you’ll find me teaching yoga and hiking around Sheffield with my dog and husband.

Betty Smith

Young Persons Therapist and Eating Disorders Practitioner

My role at SYEDA is to work one to one with young people across Rotherham, as part of the Prevention and Early Intervention team. I work using an Integrative approach, which means collaborating with each person to support them as a unique individual. I provide a space where clients struggling with their relationship with food and/or body image are encouraged to be curious and more compassionate towards themselves, and where they can explore their experiences, thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships without judgement.

 I retrained as a therapist following a career break from my previous work in Social Housing and qualified with a Professional Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Before joining SYEDA I worked therapeutically in an education setting and within another local charity where I continue to volunteer.

 I love to be out in nature, especially walking with my wonderful dog whatever the weather.

Jill Bluff

CBT-T Practitioner

At SYEDA, I deliver CBT-T. This is a 10-session programme of cognitive behavioural therapy designed for people experiencing bingeing and/or purging. I help clients discover why they are bingeing/purging and teach them strategies for preventing these behaviours long term. We also work on issues around specific foods and learn techniques to improve body image. It is very much a practical ‘doing therapy’ involving behavioural change.

Before joining SYEDA in 2020, I spent three years as a volunteer be-friender and Trustee of my local MIND. I am delighted to be part of the SYEDA team, with people who are passionate about delivering effective therapies. I have a First Class Honours degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in psychology and am currently studying for a post-graduate diploma in CBT.

Outside work, I am never happier than when I’m outdoors. I don’t even need sunshine! I just pull on my wellies and off I go!

Jessica Beard

CBT-T Practitioner

At SYEDA I deliver CBT-T, a ten-session version of CBT targeting behavioural and cognitive change for those experiencing binging and/or purging. The therapy is manual based but is designed to be flexible to suit the individual. CBT-T is very much a ‘doing therapy’ requiring behavioural change which I will guide you through, as well as addressing issues such as poor body image. 

Before starting at SYEDA I completed a First Class degree in Psychology and a Masters degree with Distinction in Psychological Research Methods, both at the University of Sheffield. Since graduating I worked as a support worker for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder and complex needs. I then began working at the University of Sheffield as a research assistant in the Clinical and Applied Psychology Unit, primarily working in the field of eating disorders. I also volunteer at SHOUT, a text-based crisis helpline.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time outside (particularly with my horse!), or inside with a good book.

Sally Brook

CBT-T Practitioner

Hello, I’m a CBT therapist at SYEDA delivering CBT-T and CBT-E, both treatments that are designed to improve your relationship with food and your body, and help you overcome your eating disorder.  

I am also a teacher at The University of Sheffield, and a BABCP accredited CBT psychotherapist. 

Prior to working at SYEDA I worked in NHS Talking Therapies as a CBT therapist and supervisor, and before then I worked as a school teacher, family support worker and psychological wellbeing practitioner. 

In my spare time I enjoy making art and craft and being out and about in the hills of Sheffield and beyond. 

Ellie Daly

CBT-T Practitioner

Hello, I’m Ellie, a CBT-T practitioner. My work revolves around a ten-session version of CBT, where I guide individuals experiencing bingeing and/or purging through behavioural and cognitive changes. This helps clients understand why they are bingeing and/or purging and educates them on how to prevent these behaviours long-term. We also work on issues surrounding specific foods, managing emotions and body image. I facilitate a therapeutic experience which is designed to help clients become their own therapists, and where I provide support acting as a ‘coach', empowering clients to make changes.

My academic background includes a degree in Psychology (BSc) from the University of Sheffield. I am thrilled to be part of the dedicated team here at SYEDA as we all share the same central premise of delivering effective therapies and supporting people experiencing eating disorders.

Outside of my role at SYEDA I enjoy the outdoors with a passion for surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and exploring. I also love indoor climbing and badminton.

Katie Carlisle

Carer’s Worker

I am the carer’s worker here at SYEDA, meaning I work with carer’s of those with eating disorders to support them during their loved one’s recovery journey. I facilitate the ‘Treading on Eggshells’ support group and do 1-1 practical skills and psychoeducation sessions. I truly believe in giving carers the space to discuss their journey; after all, eating disorders affect EVERYONE, not just the person suffering.

My background is in Psychology, achieving a first-class honours degree from Loughborough University. Since then, I have worked with individuals with eating disorders and their loved ones in various settings, including inpatient (children, young people, and adults), outpatient, day care and charity. I am currently studying for a master’s degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and will be offering 1-1 counselling support for carer’s in a trainee capacity.

I hope to support carer’s in an informative, empathic, and respectful way. Carer’s know their loved one and their own needs better than anybody else, and I hope to help you build confidence in supporting yourself and your loved one in the best way possible.

Outside of work, I love travelling, spending time with friends and reading a good book.