Orsolya (Orsi) Farkas

Clinical Services Manager/Conductor

Orsi’s first connection to CPotential was working at the Centre’s summer camp in 2013. Shortly after followed her desire to live life as a Londoner and officially joined the Muswell Hill team in 2014, working as a Conductor and SEN Teacher.

Orsi trained in Conductive Education and Primary Teaching at the International Peto Institute (now known as the Semmelweis University, Andras Peto Faculty) in Hungary, and then on to the National Institute of Conductive Education (NICE) in Birmingham.

Over the years, Orsi has gained a wealth of experience working with children and young people with complex needs around the globe. She has worked privately with families, delivered intensive therapy blocks in the USA, Norway, France and Ireland, and has extensive Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching experience.

Now heading up the multidisciplinary team as Clinical Services Manager, Orsi leads and guides our hard working and fun clinicians to work in a fully integrated approach, setting combined goals across therapy sessions to enable each child to reach their full potential. She is also our lead clinical assessor for EXOPULSE Molli Suit.

Here at CPotential we work with children with various abilities, skills and diagnoses. They are all amazing, and they give us the greatest daily reward – that we can be part of their developmental journey. The families are fabulous and play a huge part in partnering closely with us to help the children achieve all that they possibly can.”

In her spare time, Orsi loves spending time with her friends and family. 

Dr Melanie R Brown

Conductor Consultant

With over 35 years of experience in the field of Conductive Education (CE), Melanie has dedicated her career to the development of this field both in the UK and overseas.

As one of the first UK teachers to train in Hungary in 1987,  Melanie was instrumental in the UK-wide development of CE. She still works part-time at NICE, Birmingham having been a lead conductor, lecturer, and CEO of the charity.

Melanie gained her PhD in 2001 in the field of CE and developed a professional body for conductors in the UK (Professional Conductor Association). She has taught and presented on CE worldwide covering a range of professional groups, and has also played a significant role in the development of training and research, continuing to use her passion to help drive the next generation of conductors and assistants.

Melanie has also contributed to research and written publications in the field of CE.

It is an absolute privilege to join the CPotential team as a consultant and help to support the innovative delivery and development of this field”.

Paula Godfrey

Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Paula trained at Oxford Brookes University in a BSC in Occupational Therapy (OT). She is a member of the Royal College of OTs, including being a committee member on the specialist section of Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) for London. She is also fully registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Paula has completed several post-graduate training courses and likes to draw on a range of strategies to engage and support children with motor disorders – trying to find the right integrative approach for the child and family.

Her post-graduate training includes:

• Sensory Integration practitioner with the Sensory Integration network
• Further integrative and specialist training in sensory integration, e.g., sensory attachment intervention to support families with the impact of trauma (including the impact of medical trauma) and training in Infant Sense Integration to children under two in key areas of sleep, feeding, relationships and play.

Other training related to children’s everyday activities such as the sequential oral sensory approach (SOS) in assessing and treating children with feeding difficulties including children with restricted diets and upper limb skills including being trained in CIMT and bimanual skills for children with motor disorders.

As an OT, Paula feels passionate about supporting children’s participation in activities and routines that they need and want to do to enjoy life, like feeding, learning at school and playing with peers.  She loves working as part of the multi-disciplinary team at CPotential where the therapists work together and share ideas from all of our different perspectives to support the children and families. Working with our children at CPotential keeps Paula creative and motivated, and always learning.  The children and families keep Paula coming back to work!

In my spare time I drag myself to the gym! In pre-covid times I loved to travel and explore new places in the UK and abroad. I also love my two cats!

Manthan Gajjar

Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist

We’re delighted to welcome Manthan to our multidisciplinary team as of January 2022.

Completing his Bachelors in Physiotherapy in India, Manthan is a proud alumnus of the College of Physiotherapy, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. He also completed a Masters of Physiotherapy in Neuromuscular Disorders with a special interest in Paediatrics, under the wings of renowned Professor Dr Nilima Patel. He is also a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Manthan has experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, helping children with neurological, genetic, and musculoskeletal concerns, but his primary motivation for joining CPotential was the integrated multidisciplinary services offered to families under one roof.

Manthan always believed “one is a student for a lifetime” and has attended numerous short courses, workshops, and symposiums in academic and clinical setups covering a vast variety of topics. He has also presented his work across various platforms such as physiotherapy institutes, and state and national level conferences.

Although Manthan likes to work with all children, his special interest is in physiotherapy management for cerebral palsy at an early age, and the application of hydrotherapy/aquatic therapy for paediatric rehabilitation, using technology-based approaches for functional management.

People find working with children is difficult, but I feel the complete opposite as all they need is play. I love playing, engaging, and interacting with children as it allows me to be part of their developmental journey.

In his spare time, Manthan really loves to travel and explore different places and cultures. He also has a love of cooking his specialty of Indian cuisine.

Nicole Cash

Principal Paediatric Physiotherapist (Consultant)

With over 25 years of experience working in paediatric physiotherapy, Nicole’s passion for brain injury rehabilitation has seen her gain experience in the NHS, the Portland Hospital, and abroad. Currently working at Evelina London Children’s Hospital as the physiotherapy lead for neuro-rehabilitation.

Nicole followed with a physiotherapy qualification in Bristol, a BA in health management in New Hampshire USA, and completed a Masters in Neurological Rehabilitation at Leeds Metropolitan University. She has a keen interest in research and has represented her teams (presented posters) at conferences in Dublin, London, The Hague, and New York.

Growing up with a younger brother with Cerebral Palsy I have first hand experience of the needs of the family and am passionate about the multidisciplinary approach that is offered at CPotential. Delighted to be part of a team that is close to my heart and close to my home.

Outside of work, Nicole loves sports and the outdoors, spending time with her family and her dog!

Ruth Hunston BMus MMT

Highly Specialised Music Therapist

Ruth has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Music Therapy, carrying out her training at highly acclaimed Nordoff Robbins.

Ruth loves working at CPotential because she gets to work directly with families.

One of the best things about being a music therapist is witnessing children being creative and playful and seeing them discover new strengths and skills.

In Ruth’s spare time, she can be found baking and going for walks in the woods!

Franki Silverman

Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist

Franki joins CPotential in 2023 as our Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist. Franki completed her BSC in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa in 2021. She is passionate about working within paediatrics and providing top level holistic care to children to support them to thrive in all areas of their life.

Jessica Grieve MMT

Music Therapist

Jess trained at Roehampton University for her Music Therapy MA and has worked in a variety of settings since graduating, including perinatal mental health, special education, and early years settings.

Having worked mainly with older people and community development in my previous career, I enjoy focusing on children and families as a music therapist.

In Jess’s spare time, she is a songwriter and likes getting out to the countryside whenever possible.

Keren Gloria Jayaseelan

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Keren completed her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Christian Medical College, Vellore and a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology in India. She has experience working with a variety of clients including complex needs, social and emotional needs, geriatric and orthopaedics, but quickly came to find her true passion was paediatric therapy. She has a wealth of knowledge in paediatric feeding interventions as well as specialist trainings in sensory strategies and hand skills. She has a passion to help improve the quality of life of children and their families especially through play. Outside of work, you can find her deep in a fun book or watching movies. 
 

It’s exciting to be a part of the talented team at CPotential to help the children become their best self.

Andrea Capdevielle

Paediatric Physiotherapist

Growing up in a South American household meant that Andrea was always surrounded by children. It was always a dream of hers to work in paediatrics, so after graduating from the University of East London it was a natural progression to step into the family that is CPotential.

They have offered me my dream job so that I can grow my skills to provide the best service I can for our clients. I can’t wait to see how we grow together.

In Andrea’s free time she likes to read, dance and watch Disney movies!

Sakshi Nair

Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist

Sakshi joined us in 2023 after completing her bachelors from Sancheti College of Physiotherapy in India.

She has always been interested in working at a Paediatric setup as her mother runs an integrated special school in India and she has been associated with it for a long time now.

Therefore, joining CPotential feels like home as they provide various integrated services. Growing up with an older brother with Autism has made me truly believe in providing a holistic approach for the betterment of the child and parents. Additionally, I have also completed a fellowship program in Paediatric Neurorehabilitation from India and an MSc in Physiotherapy from Cardiff University.

In her spare time Sakshi loves to travel and cook different Indian cuisines.

Willem Van Woerdekom

Conductor

Will joined the CPotential team at the end of 2020 and hit the ground running with Conductive Education sessions.

Previously, Will studied for 3 years at the National Institute of Conductive Education (NICE) in Birmingham, before heading down to us in London.

I love seeing kids reach their full potential and seeing their personalities come out.

In his spare time, Will enjoys reading, the cinema, and playing all kinds of games.

Sneha Kini

Therapy Assistant

Sneha has completed her Bachelors of Physiotherapy from MAEER’S Physiotherapy College, Pune India. She earned her master’s degree in Neuro Physiotherapy from Seth G.S. Medical College in Mumbai in 2018 and has been practicing in India for the last 4 years. She is currently pursuing her second master’s degree at the London Metropolitan University in Health and Social Care Management. Sneha has expertise working with children who have a range of neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, autism spectrum disorders, etc.

The main reason I joined CPotential is because I had the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team with specialties in speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, and conductive education. I am learning a lot about treating children with neurologic disorders holistically as a multidisciplinary rehabilitation centre from CPotential.

Emilia D’Angela

Therapy Assistant

Emilia is currently in her 2nd year of BSc Occupational Therapy at University of East London and a member of RCOT. She has over 6 years of experience in the early years sector and child development. Supporting children with additional needs has led her to pursue her passion in Occupational Therapy. She likes to play and make each interaction fun and magical. In her spare time, she likes dancing and acro yoga.  
 

I believe that each interaction can be a fun learning opportunity for every child whilst reaching their full potential.

Abby Stopler

Practice Manager

Abby has worked with charities supporting children and young people with cerebral palsy for more than 25 years, with a background in the planning and organization of post-graduate training and events for therapists working in paediatrics.

I love coordinating the services and keeping things running smoothly for the organisation, but the best part is getting to know the families at CPotential.”

In Abby’s spare time, she’s often out walking her dog, discovering new places, doing a spot of gardening or experimenting with new recipes.

Rosie Hodgson

Family Support Manager

Rosie joined the CPotential family in 2023. She has a background in education, teaching drama, core subjects and functional skills to children with SEND.

She particularly enjoys drama and the power of creative spaces to bring people together. In her spare time she likes to read, walk in nature and visit performance spaces around London.

I’m really excited to join the CPotential team, get to know the CPotential families and help to ensure families feel supported and empowered throughout their therapy journey.

Agata Piorkowska

Clinical Services Administrator

Aggy joined CPotential in 2023 and is our lovely Clinical Services Administrator. She is a very friendly presence in the front office and has lots of stories to tell.

Johanna Vigilante

Director of Partnerships & Communications

Johanna has worked within the charity sector for the last 30 years gaining a wealth of skills and experience in PR, communications, marketing, fundraising, HR and recruitment.

I absolutely love working at CPotential, not only because of the home-from-home feel and brilliant family team, but getting to know the wonderful children and their families and witness the differences being made to their quality of life. Nothing beats it!

In her spare time, Jo is a social butterfly with family and friends. She loves walking her Springer Spaniel, singing, dancing, and embarking on many creative and sporting adventures. If you ask nicely, she may tell you about her record deal in the 90s.

Hannah Morris

Marketing Manager

Hannah joined CPotential in 2023, coming from a background in marketing spanning across the arts, education and not for profit sectors. She really enjoys the creativity that marketing brings, and is especially passionate about working in the not for profit sector as the work is so rewarding and the purpose of helping to make peoples lives better makes her happy.

In her spare time she likes to walk her family dog, dance, cook, and dabble in floristry for the occasional wedding as she is also a trained florist.

I am very happy to have joined the CPotential team and look forward to all the fantastic work that we will be carrying out going forward!

 

Paul Catton

Trust Manager

Paul has been a fundraiser for over 20 years raising money for a range of causes including community woodlands, hospices, carers and the homeless.

He spends his spare time walking, researching his family history and listening to cricket. As well as trying to keep up with the latest online game, meme or social network his daughter is into.

Luisa Hayes

Community Fundraiser

Having joined the CPotential Team in 2021, Luisa hit the ground running supporting Admin & Finance to ensure a nice seamless journey for our families. In April 2023, Luisa has taken the plunge with an exciting new internal role as Community Fundraiser.

Luisa has a creative and varied work background including music, live events, and interior design.

I’m so happy to now be part of the CPotential team and it’s great getting to know our lovely families.”

In her spare time, Luisa loves to upcycle furniture and hang out with friends (usually with cake!)

Sue O’Neill

Cleaner

Sue is one of our lovely cleaners keeping CPotential looking it’s best.

Janet McKenzie

Cleaner

Janet is one of our lovely cleaners keeping CPotential looking it’s best.

Brett Parker

CEO

Brett has over 30 years of business leadership experience ranging across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. He joined CPotential as CEO in 2019.

Brett is a Chartered Director (IoD) and has a masters in leadership and management.

I ardently believe that the not for profit sector has a vital role to play in society; creating innovative business models and services that efficiently integrate and support our communities and individuals.

Calli Pellegrini

Director of Resources & Enterprise

2019 marked Calli’s silver anniversary in working in charity fundraising and marketing. She has had the pleasure and privilege of leading teams in the fields of the arts, health and disability charities.

Calli has been a speaker at the Institute of Fundraising Conference and Arts & Business events. She has most fun though, speaking with the children that come to CPotential.

Agnieszka Kosacz

Finance Director

Agnieszka is a qualified ACCA accountant and an MA graduate in Economics.

Working within SMEs and the corporate FTSE 100, Agnieszka has 20 years of experience in the accounting environment.

In her spare time, Agnieszka can be found studying Naturopathy, baking, and gardening at her allotment.

Chris Gilbert

Chair of Trustees

Chris is Group Finance Operations Manager for Elementis plc, a FTSE250 specialty chemicals company. His daughter attended CPotential.

Tim Hammett

Trustee

Tim has a long track record in the financial sector (specialising in investment, company research and marketing) and over the last 7 years has become an experienced business coach, consultant and strategist running his own firm.

Tim also has more than 10 years of experience as a trustee of another North London-based educational charity.

Raisa Hassan

Trustee

Raisa is a disability activist and public speaker, creative writer, essayist and performance poet, former English tutor and a disability, language and intersectionality campaigner. And she has been a Trustee of CPotential since 2018.

She’s certainly no stranger to us – she came to us for Conductive Education when she was younger and has been in touch with us ever since.

Raisa will complete her Masters in Education with SEND in 2024. She is currently also trustee of disability arts charity Carousel, in Brighton.

Read more about Raisa.

Catharine Seddon

Trustee

Catharine spent many years as a film documentary maker, first for BBC TV and then as an independent producer for Channel 4.

She began working for the judiciary in 2002, sat on social security tribunals for many years and continues to sit on tribunals in the jurisdictions of employment and mental health. She is a presiding magistrate in Central London and sits as a Lay Assessor under the Equality Act in county court cases.

Former national public appointments include the Determinations Panel of The Pensions Regulator and Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) chair and member of the Human Tissue Authority.

Catharine is currently Senior Independent Director for the Gambling Commission and chair for the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee for the Legal Services Board. She is also a Board member and chair designate of the Audit and Governance Committee of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, in addition to being a founding member of the Health Service Products Appeal Tribunal.

Tony Dowle

Trustee

Tony is a Chartered Surveyor and a Chartered member of several prominent construction related organisations. He is Principal at NE55 where he provides advice on the resolution of disputes and other construction-related matters.

Previously, he was a Director of a large London-based construction group for over 25 years involved with projects totalling in excess of £3bn.

Deborah Trigg

Trustee

Bringing a wealth of clinical expertise and knowledge, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Deborah to our Board of Trustees as of February 2022.

Deborah has worked as a physiotherapist in the speciality of paediatrics for over 20 years, she is highly specialised in all aspects of cerebral palsy and movement disorders.

After an initial career in the NHS, Deborah has been running her private physiotherapy business for the last 14 years. She is passionate about improving physiotherapy service and provision for children in the independent sector, including within charities. She has been a member of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP) Private and Independent Sector Committee (PPIPS) since its inauguration.

Deborah is really enthusiastic about her new role as a trustee and is aiming to help CPotential with developing its clinical strategy, services and quality assurance. She will also assist with promotion to parents and families and encourage links with other therapists and professional bodies.

Deborah is also a Trustee of Brook Cottage Farm Riding for the Disabled Association.

Louise Carswell

Assistant Manager

Steven Veal

Assistant Manager

Nicholas Wall

Shop Assistant

Adam Regester

Artistic Director Consultant - Charity Shop

Since starting with CPotential in March 2023, Adam has already created two brilliant window displays at the shop in Crouch End, and will soon be creating a fun Kings Coronation window, and various other exciting themes as the months’ roll by.

Throughout Adam’s career, he has participated in a number of varied and exciting creative projects both in the UK and abroad. These have included Point of  Sale (P.O.S.) design, interior design, textile design, display design, visual merchandising, trade fairs/exhibition design and display, greeting card design, paint finishes, prop-making, photography, mural painting, fine art, and sculpture.

I’m thrilled to be the new Artistic Director Consultant at CPotential. The team has been very welcoming and I’m excited to be working with such an enthusiastic and dynamic group of dedicated people. I look forward to creating some exciting new window displays at the shop in Crouch End and developing the brand image further. Adam Regester

Adam’s client list is super impressive, working with the following and more…

• Bally International Ltd (Footwear display)
• Berkertex Brides (Display consultancy)
• Caviar House (Display and VM Consultancy)
• Coloroll (Display)
• Courtaulds Plc. (Display)
• Cybercard (Greetings Card Design)
• The Emmanuelle’s (Display)
• Fortnum and Masons (Prop-Making)
• Good Relations (Display Training)
• H2 Yacht Design (Artwork)
• Harrods (installation for Sanderson)
• Hawes and Curtis (Display / Prop making)
• Hyper Hyper (Display)
• Jockey Menswear (Display), Linguaphone (Display)
• Proportion London Ltd., (Prop-Making)
• Swiss Centre (Display)
• Turnbull & Asser (Display

Adam’s spare time is full of creativity too, with a love of art, design, interiors, sculpture, photography, e-commerce, cooking, cinema, and travel.