Our Team

The Maya Centre is nurtured by a team of qualified, dedicated and professional women with a passion for women’s mental health and wellbeing.

All of our core team are from global majority communities and have intersectional experience of VAWG, trauma, migration, asylum, displacement and racism.

Our team have the collective experience and skills to meet the needs of women from a wide range of cultural and language backgrounds.

Hover over our team to learn more.

Gona Saed

Chief Executive Officer

Throughout my career, I have worked extensively on developing projects that empower women, advocate for equality, and influence positive policy change. At the Maya Centre, I value working with a dedicated team that empowers women to find their voice, heal, and rebuild their lives. I find deep meaning in contributing to an organisation that stands for equality, emotional wellbeing, and social justice. When I’m not working, I enjoy reading and writing, engaging with social movements for justice and equality, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Melanie Atherley

Clinical Director

I’m a qualified person-centred and bereavement therapist, with a strong background in the third sector and many years of experience managing counselling services. Together, we guide women through deeply personal and often painful healing journeys. My role is to ensure that each woman receives the care, respect, and continuity she deserves, from the moment of referral to the completion of therapy. While the work can be challenging, it’s deeply rewarding. It’s an honour to be part of a compassionate team, working in a peaceful space that supports the wellbeing of both our clients and our staff.

Mauva Adams

Finance Manager

I am an experienced Finance Manager with extensive experience in budgeting, overseeing the financial management by monitoring and allocating financial resources, preparing internal and external reports and assisting the CEO with the strategic planning. I enjoy how we - the women at the Maya Centre - come together, work together and enjoy food together! When I’m not working I love binge watching series, going to the theatre, having short breaks in spa hotels and always thinking of ‘doing something different’ each year!

Mary Heffeman

Clinical / Irish Women’s Service Lead

I was born and raised in Dublin and have lived in north London for the last thirty years. I’m a trauma specialist who has twenty years’ experience, working in both the charitable and private sector. I have been at the Maya Centre for ten years and I’m now the Clinical Lead for the Irish Women’s Service. As well as my therapeutic work, I’m also a doctoral research student working on the history of psychoanalysis in Ireland. In my spare time, I love all kinds of music and walking my dog.

Zekiye Kartal

Senior Therapist

I'm a qualified counsellor and have been seeing clients for the past 8 years. I'm trained and certified as an Integrative and Intercultural therapist. While English is the main language I use in sessions, I also work with clients from diverse backgrounds and speak German and Kurdish (Kurmanji dialect). At The Maya Centre, I’ve been working with women from all walks of life and have been freelancing for the past 4 years. In recent years, I qualified as a group therapist and was fortunate to receive the opportunity from TMC to run a psychotherapy group.

Monique Burrows-Fearon

Office & Systems Manager

My role is to support and develop the running of the office, systems and clinical services, ensuring that our centre supports staff, therapists and clients simultaneously. I appreciate The Maya Centre’s focus on supporting and empowering women of all cultures through their therapeutic and healing journey, in a safe space. This is something I can make a valuable contribution to. Outside of work, I like to paint, dance and take part in activities that bring out my inner child.

Fahriye Alili

Clinical Liaison & Admin Officer

I support the centre to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. What I love most about working at The Maya Centre is being part of a dedicated organisation that supports women and having the opportunity to work alongside such a wonderful and committed team. I was inspired to join the centre by the meaningful support it provides and the opportunity to help guide women and contribute to positive change during challenging periods. In my spare time, I love travelling, experimenting in the kitchen, relaxing with a movie, and escaping into a good book 🖤

Lori Skerritt

Communications & Digital Engagement Officer

My main role is to make sure that - who we are, and what we do, is communicated in a clear way internally and externally. And what I love about my role - is the ability to share the amazing work we do as a charity and hopefully inspire others to do the same. I love being part of a charity that has helped so many women access free therapy, who may not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise. Outside of work I’m a proud mum of an energetic toddler and I enjoy winding down with a little quiz or home renovation show.

Beth Tewelde

Women Engagement & Support Worker

My role is to engage with the women who use our services as well as women from the community - to access the support they need and deserve for their mental wellbeing. I was inspired to work at The Maya Centre because I enjoy working with women in an organisation that is a led by and for women from the global majority. I love going to the theatre and catching up with friends and family outside of work and going to new places and creating new experiences.

Katie Jones

Fundraising Consultant

I joined The Maya Centre in June 2025 as a Fundraising Consultant, working with our CEO to secure funding for our services and ensure our organisational sustainability. I was inspired to support the incredible work of The Maya Centre having my own experience of mental health issues and the powerful benefits of women supporting women. Outside of work, I can usually be found in a muddy field with my daughter and three dogs, or round the dining table with good friends and good food.

Thu Pham

Finance Assistant

I enjoy being part of a supportive team, connecting with women, and contributing to the smooth running of the finance department. Outside of work, I love spending time with my children, cooking, and discovering new activities.

Our Counsellors and Therapists

Our Counsellors are all BACP registered and are well supported via clinical supervision, regular staff meetings and bespoke CPD training on women’s mental health.

Our Complementary Therapists are qualified practitioners with specialisms in Reflexology, Reiki & Meditation and Holistic Massage respectively.

Our counsellors and therapists speak 13 different languages between them and most of them are from global majority communities. They provide culturally appropriate and accessible support and have intersectional experience of migration, racism, trauma, gendered violence, and neurodiversity (ADHD and Dyslexia).

Join our team

Check our vacancies page to check if we have new opportunities, or showcase your interest in becoming a volunteer.