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Our Team

From Children’s Services to Adult Outreach – whatever your query or if you require specific help, click here to find out who is the best person for you to contact at Carlisle Mencap.

Catherine Burn BEMCEO

Hi, I'm Catherine and I'm the Chief Executive at Carlisle Mencap and accountable for all our services. I have 25 years experience in the commercial, voluntary and community sector. Catherine.Burn@carlislemencap.co.uk

Michelle ThompsonREGISTERED MANAGER - DOMICILIARY CARE

Hi, I'm Michelle and I am the Registered Manager for Domiciliary Care. I directly manage our Supported Living houses and Adult Outreach. I have worked for Carlisle Mencap since 2009 but started my career in Learning Disabilities at 17 years old. The best part of my job is advocating for service users to ensure that they have the best possible opportunities to live their best life. Michelle.Thompson@carlislemencap.co.uk

Jenny FarishREGISTERED MANAGER - CALIFORNIA HOUSE

Hi, I'm Jenny and I'm the Registered Manager at California House, which is our adult respite. I started my journey with Carlisle Mencap in 2013 as a support worker then took up a post as a Social Worker for adults before returning to Carlisle Mencap in 2017 to take up a management position. The best part of my job is spending time with service users, providing them with opportunities and developing relationships with families. Jenny.Farish@carlislemencap.co.uk

Charlotte CrosbieSERVICE MANAGER - GRACE LITTLE CENTRE

Hi, I'm Charlotte and I have oversight of The Grace Little Centre and the sessions that take place there. This includes Children's Services, Adult Day Opportunities and Sports Development. I also manage the Children's Outreach team. I joined Carlisle Mencap in 2023 but previously worked for Royal Mencap Society in Cornwall for almost six years and started my career in the ambulance service. The best part of my job is being able to run a variety of sessions that increase social inclusion for vulnerable individuals locally. Charlotte.Crosbie@carlislemencap.co.uk

Wendy WilsonTRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Wendy is our staff development manager.

Sonia McMillanOFFICE AND HR MANAGER

Hello, I'm Sonia and I'm the Office and HR Manager at Carlisle Mencap. I was previously an insurance broker for 38 years and joined the charitable sector in 2020. I've been with Carlisle Mencap since January 2023 and the best part of my job is being part of a team that is helping people in the community with Learning Disabilities to feel connected and valued. Sonia.McMillan@carlislemencap.co.uk

Tracey DonFINANCE MANAGER

I'm Tracey and I am the Finance Manager. I have worked for Carlisle Mencap since December 2022 and I am responsible for the overall finance of the company, reporting to the CEO. I have been in accounts and finance since I was 18, having started in the industry side of accounting I then moved to practice where I did my 3 year AAT training. I then moved back into industry, as I prefer the variety involved. I am proud to work for Carlisle Mencap as they do amazing things to help people with learning disabilities feel valued and included in our local community. Tracey.Don@carlislemencap.co.uk

Julie HarrisonBUSINESS INTELLIGENCE MANAGER

Hi, I'm Julie and I am the Business Intelligence Manager at Carlisle Mencap. My role involves looking at the 'bigger picture' and how we can make sure Carlisle Mencap continues to evolve and can be at the forefront of change. I also work with the Service Managers to look at funding priorities and needs for the different services. I have been with Carlisle Mencap since 2010 and have worked across the different areas of the organisation, before taking up my current role in Business Intelligence in March 2022. Julie.Harrison@carlislemencap.co.uk

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