We’re delighted to welcome three inspiring new trustees to the Mindapples Board, each bringing unique expertise and a deep commitment to our mission: making mental wellbeing something we can all talk about and take care of every day.
Charlie Hamilton
Charlie is a PhD researcher in neuroinclusion at Lancaster University and a cognition researcher at UCL’s Centre for Research in Autism & Education. A former national charity CEO and experienced fundraiser, she now focuses on participatory research, cognitive justice, and workplace inclusion for autistic and ADHD women. She is Fundraising Lead for the Autistic Girls Network and Founder of Psalms & Sisterhood CIC, a Christian social enterprise supporting neurodivergent women through faith-rooted retreats, self-directed coaching, and community.
“I became a Mindapples trustee to champion mentally healthier workplaces that value diverse ways of thinking.”
Julia Lyons
Julia brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to mental health, with a particular interest in demystifying psychological wellbeing and making it accessible and engaging for all. She is a Principal Clinical Lead and Chartered Counselling Psychologist with an extensive background in NHS and private sector mental health services. Julia currently leads large-scale psychological service delivery across the UK for Onebright, covering everything from early intervention and awareness to psychiatric and inpatient care pathways. Her role includes strategic leadership, clinical governance, and supporting the quality, safety and development of mental health services.
Her journey began in audit at Deloitte, before moving into cognitive research and innovation as a Scientist at Cambridge Cognition. She later trained as a psychologist and has worked across physical and mental health services, combining clinical work with teaching, service development and research. Julia has also lectured at the University of Manchester and supervised doctoral students in counselling psychology. She has published widely on therapy outcomes, personality disorders, and policy in child and adolescent mental health, and delivers training on neurodiversity, trauma, and wellbeing.
“What excites me about Mindapples is the chance to shift the narrative: to promote mental wellbeing as a lifelong skillset, starting with children and families and supported through schools and communities.”
Suzanne Parsons
Suzanne is an educator with a deep-rooted commitment to maintaining and improving mental health and wellbeing for children and young people, especially those who are overlooked, misunderstood, or marginalised in traditional systems. Much of her work has taken place at grassroots level: supporting children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, building inclusive school cultures, and equipping adults with tools to respond with care, connection and consistency.
She was drawn to Mindapples because its vision clearly communicates that understanding how our minds work, and how to stay well, is for everyone, not just those in crisis. She has long admired the charity’s work in helping people understand their own mental health and in inspiring communities to take ownership of their wellbeing through accessible, evidence-informed resources.
Suzanne says joining the board felt like the right step at the right time. She’s excited to bring a grounded perspective to strategic conversations and to support Mindapples in continuing to grow its reach, impact and relevance across education and beyond.
“I’m proud to be part of a charity that champions the message that mental health is something we all have, and something we can all learn to take care of.”