About PANS PANDAS UK
Who We Are
PANS PANDAS UK is a charity which was established by a dedicated group of parents with children who are affected by these conditions.
Determined to make a difference to the way these conditions are understood by the medical profession and the general public, the charity was registered in May 2018.
As well as our Trustees and team members, PANS PANDAS UK has an unbelievable team of volunteers who work tirelessly to support the work we do. The enthusiasm and skill they bring to our team is amazing and we thank each and every one of them from the bottom of our hearts.
If you think that you might have a little time, or a particular skill to bring to the charity, please do get in touch with us at info@panspandasuk.org. You will find a warm welcome!
How we have evolved as a charity:
Board of Trustees
We are really fortunate to have a robust and passionate board of skilled trustees who give generously of their time to help govern and guide the work carried out by the charity.
Andy Koss
Chair of Trustees
Having witnessed first-hand the effect that PANS and PANDAS has on children and families and the support provided by PANS PANDAS UK, I am keen to give something back to the charity and support the amazing work it is doing to raise awareness among schools, the medical profession and the wider community. I also enjoy travelling, running, rugby and football, although watching more than playing these days.
Chris Derrer
Trustee
I run an award-winning digital marketing agency, meaning I live and breathe all things ‘online’. This is where I aim to help PANS PANDAS UK gain the exposure needed to help as many families as possible! When I’m not working, I am usually spending time with my wife, kids and crazy dog. I’m a proud superhero and comic book geek, but also love football, cricket and golf – not that I’m any good at playing any of them!
Dr Vicky Queralt
Trustee
I am passionate about supporting children, young people, and their families. As a clinical psychologist, I am particularly interested in child health and the interplay between physical and mental health. As a mum of three, I understand the challenges caregivers face when a child is struggling, and I know how crucial it is to access effective support. In my free time, I love exploring the outdoors—especially walking or cycling with friends.
Zoe Van den Bosch
Trustee (on sabbatical)
My background in law means that I have skills which are really useful in my role as a Trustee. I’m passionate about the work we do to raise awareness and to inform and support families in times of need. As of August 2024, I will be taking a year-long sabbatical to focus on my family.
Phil Hall
Treasurer
I love numbers, so being a Trustee and Treasurer doesn’t feel like work at all! I’m retired, so I spend my free time going on holidays, gardening, seeing the family and being the Chairman of another charity; a theatrical group for young people.
Our Team
Our executive team are an incredible group of individuals who care deeply about the vital work they do to support people with PANS and PANDAS, inform professionals and bring about change for our community.
Vicky Burford
Chief Executive Officer
I am CEO and co-founder of PANS PANDAS UK. I’m so proud of the work we are doing to improve things for the PANS PANDAS community across the UK. In my spare time I can be found baking and decorating cakes or doing karaoke!
Tina Coope
Education Lead
My role is to support children and young people with PANS and PANDAS to access better support in education. Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends at the beach and playing guitar and piano.
Sophie Dziwinski
Trusts and Foundations
I have been hugely inspired by the work of PANS PANDAS UK in the short time that I have been working with the charity. My role is generating funds from trusts and foundations for the charity’s projects. When I’m not working, I am often walking with my cockapoos or playing tennis with my family.
Kathryn Gillett
Volunteer Manager
In my role as Volunteer Manager, I offer training and support to all our wonderful volunteers in all capacities. In my spare time I enjoy planning events or snuggling down with popcorn for a movie night with my family and dog.
David Head
Finance Manager
I look after the accounting for the charity. Someone’s got to count the beans after all! Alongside working for PANS PANDAS UK, I drive a truck, work on IT support, hike and am renovating a house. I like to keep it varied!
Katy Hindson
Health Development and Communications Lead
My role involves pushing for better health services for our community and raising awareness and understanding of PANS and PANDAS. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my family and my labradoodle, George.
Lynn Hogarth
Fundraising Lead
My role is to lead the community fundraising activities to help PANS PANDAS UK thrive and grow. I have worked in the charitable sector for over 20 years and hope to put all of the experience to good use.
When I am not working, I spend my time on the rivers on my narrowboat, and I also have a real passion for renovating and interior design.
Gillian Mathewson
Scottish Representative
I work to represent the PANS and PANDAS community in Scotland, and I also deliver teacher training. In a former life, I was an engineer, a maths teacher and captain of the British Women’s Kendo team but these days, when I’m not working, you are likely to find me making wooden jewellery on my lathe.
Elizabeth Mullenger
Communications and Engagement Officer
My role is to raise awareness of PANS and PANDAS through informative, interesting communication that supports the needs of our community. When I’m not at work, I enjoy yoga, pilates, embroidery, and being frequently distracted by dogs.
Clarise Pattison
Youth Worker
I support our Youth Board to design and lead projects that reflect their voices and experiences. I’m passionate about creating empowering spaces where young people are seen and heard. When I’m not working, you’ll find me reading fantasy books, travelling, or facilitating breathwork circles.
Tauna Shields
Office Manager
My role is to support the wider PANS PANDAS UK team, however I can. When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family. We play a lot of board games and keep busy with our local Scouts Group.
Our Ambassador
Highly acclaimed British actor, Jo Joyner, has joined charity PANS PANDAS UK in its mission to improve outcomes for those living with these life-changing but poorly understood conditions.
Jo is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, and Mandy Carter in Channel 4 drama Ackley Bridge. More recently she has starred as Luella Shakespeare in the BBC crime drama series Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators.
Like many of you reading this, Jo had never heard of PANS or PANDAS until, suddenly, it affected a close family member. She was shocked by the lack of awareness and support available, which is why we are delighted that Jo has joined forces with PANS PANDAS UK to ensure that children and families living with these truly devastating conditions get the help they deserve.
Our supporters
We are grateful to have the support of these organisations. Without their help, and the support from our community, none of what we do would be possible.
To find out how you can support families affected by PANS or PANDAS, please get in touch.
