Meet The Team

Karolina Gerlich – Chief Executive Officer
CWC Karolina has been a care worker for twelve years alongside being an experienced Director in several capacities within the non-profit sector. She is passionate about social care and social justice and never misses a chance to advocate for care workers.

Another passion of hers is women’s rights and she is currently also an Advisor for the Women’s Equality Party. Karolina has been invited to participate in many media experiences as a voice for care workers to raise awareness of their under-valued hard work.

She loves working at The CWC because the determination, commitment and sacrifice of the care workforce deserves recognition.
Lee Stribling – Head of Operations
CWC Lee came to The CWC with a wealth of experience in the Social Care sector having worked for Skills for Care for a number of years as well as for a Local Authority dealing with Social Care. Lee is a curious, compassionate and determined individual with a postgraduate degree in Planning with a focus on Social Care.

Victoria Newton-Cutler - Head of Fundraising
CWC With 30 years of experience working within the commercial sector supporting corporate and private clients alike, Victoria has a wealth of experience in truly understanding needs, through building genuine rapport, she quickly develops strong, long-term relationships and professional friendships.

Victoria is naturally empathetic, warm, and friendly and loves nothing more than to use her active listening skills to really get to the root of her client's requirements employing a consultative approach to support them achieve their goals.

Personally she spends many hours walking the English coastline with her husband and black Labrador Wellington, and, can often be found reading in quiet sunny spots.
Shanna Wells - Operations Manager
CWC Shanna holds a BSc in Marketing and a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology, bringing with her over 20 years of senior-level experience across marketing, events, and fundraising within the education and non-profit sectors. With a deep understanding of digital marketing, brand strategy, and effective communication, she has a proven track record of delivering impactful campaigns and successful large-scale projects.

As Chair of the British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS), Shanna has led national initiatives, overseen governance, strategic planning and finance, and managed complex organisational operations – experience that directly informs her work as Operations Manager at The Care Workers’ Charity. Her ability to bring people together, lead with empathy, and keep an eye on both detail and the bigger picture makes her ideally placed to support and strengthen the charity’s day-to-day operations.

She is passionate about giving back and is committed to raising awareness of the vital role of social care, while ensuring care workers receive the support they need and deserve.

Outside of work, Shanna is a singing teacher, continues to champion music through her role at BABS, and loves spending time with her husband, two boys and two dogs.

Sophie Henry - Marketing & Events Manager
CWC Sophie is part of the creative team behind our event strategies at The Care Workers’ Charity. With extensive experience crafting innovative events that resonate with purpose, Sophie has worked with large and small companies to deliver impactful campaigns. Sophie hopes to use her strategic expertise and imaginative approach to ensure that our initiatives not only raise awareness but also inspire and engage the wider social care community. Her goal is to build strong relationships and change the conversation around social care.

Outside of work, she is also a Trainee Mental Health counsellor, dedicated to supporting mental well-being. Sophie loves to be outdoors, exploring new places and going on adventures. Whether it's hiking, camping, or discovering hidden gems in nature.

Neil Flack - National Accounts Manager
CWC
Neil has owned his own business in the aviation sector for 12 years as well as working in high profile sales consultancy roles within the industry. He has enjoyed building long lasting relationships with his customers across a broad range of sectors, including transport and electrical wholesale markets, bringing a wealth of client driven sales focus spanning 25 years.
He has an approachable personality and values excellent customer care and understands the need for building professional relationships through good communication and understanding. Neil has a passion for highlighting the need for better mental health support and wellbeing.

Personally, Neil enjoys spending his free time at home in Hertfordshire with his wife and 2 children. He has a keen interest in baking, reading and the occasional bike ride.
Tom Anson - Lead Sales Generator
CWC

Tom was a Support Worker for 2 years at an adult residential home and so his role at the CWC gives him the opportunity to continue making a contribution to the care sector and those working within it.

In his spare time Tom loves keeping fit by swimming with a club as well as running by the beach. He likes to unwind by learning Spanish, going to language meet up groups and local comedy nights and generally enjoys being around other people. In his downtime he likes to listen to the news in Spanish, podcasts and read about politics.

Cath Williams – Lead Generation Executive
CWC Cath is a part-time member of the Fundraising Team at The CWC and has over 16 years’ experience of working with charities, building relationships.

She is qualified in Advice and Guidance with an interest in social welfare, she previously worked for The CWC as a grant administrator, giving her a valuable insight into the support needs of care workers.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and walking their two dogs.
Olivia Firth - Policy and Projects Manager
CWC

Olivia has an Undergraduate degree in Human Rights and Social Justice and a Master's degree in Human Rights, both from Kingston University. Within academia, she specialised in intersectional feminist theory, race and sexuality studies. Alongside this, Olivia has worked as a care worker, both in domiciliary and residential settings. By joining The Care Workers' Charity, she hopes to continue amplifying care workers voices and pursue her passion to ensure every care worker is treated with dignity and respect in all sectors.

In her spare time, Olivia enjoys going to theatre shows with friends and family, as well as learning new arts and crafts, baking and reading historical non-fiction.
Ikran Ahmed - Project Coordinator
CWC

Ikran joins CWC, having previously worked as a Consultant and Operations Director in the charity and third sectors. She has worked in many capacities for the NHS, including digital projects and transformation, facilitating improvements in access to health and social care for vulnerable and under-represented groups.

Ikran trained in medicine, psychology, and later in social care, with a particular aptitude for integrating and bridging the gaps between health and social care. She has won several recognitions, including from the local mayor and community leaders.
Taylor-Anne McCarthy – Head of Grants
CWC Taylor has worked at the charity since 2020 and brings five years’ experience as a Project Officer in a Local Authority working on the development of major projects.

In her previous role, Taylor worked with various grant funders to implement projects to benefit residents. Her role at The CWC allows her to work on the other side of the coin, awarding grants to help improve the lives of others.

In her spare time, Taylor has an unquenchable thirst for travelling and finding the best beaches
Daina Karai – Grants Administrator
CWC Daina is a Grants Administrator at The CWC with a background in Peer to Peer Lending working in the Department that dealt with sensitive and vulnerable cases. She has been described as a creative and curious perfectionist.

Working for the CWC gives her and opportunity to try something new and make a small difference to care workers’ lives.

In her spare time she enjoys cooking and yoga