Heartwood House Trustees
Geraldine started her career in the headquarters of a
After studying Law at Trinity College Cambridge and the
Geraldine started her career in the headquarters of a
After studying Law at Trinity College Cambridge and the
Geraldine started her career in the headquarters of a global real estate company where she served as Corporate Affairs Director EMEA. After 20 years, she moved into the Third Sector, where she served as Director of Operations for a national charity.
Passionate about the provision of appropriate education and support to young people affected by traumatic events, Geraldine was appointed a Trustee of Heartwood House (formerly known as Red Balloon NW London) in 2015. She was appointed Chair of Trustees in 2018. Geraldine was appointed a Director and Trustee of the League of Remembrance in 2017 and Chair of Trustees in 2022. The League of Remembrance provides direct support to UK Armed Forces veterans and retired nurses in Greater London.
As a member of the First Aid Nursing Yeomany (FANY) since 2006, Geraldine has served on its Board for five years. She has held several senior appointments within the Corps and has supported numerous Major Incidents in Greater London.
Geraldine is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Farriers. Outside of her voluntary commitments, Geraldine is currently studying for a professional qualification in traditional and modern upholstery in Shoreditch. Always one to embrace a challenge Geraldine has parachuted with the Army’s Red Devils, completed several Olympic Bobsled runs, sailed 4,000 miles and walked 100km (from London to Brighton) in 24 hours.
In 2022, Geraldine was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London.
Anna has been involved in education for nearly 20 years, initially as a Modern Language Teacher then developing a focus on pastoral care, becoming a House Mistress for several years. This experience has led to her current role as Deputy Head Pastoral at a leading Independent school in London.
Spurred on by the desire to join an organisation that was instrumental in helping her Godson through school and championing him until he made it to University, Anna was appointed a Trustee of Heartwood House (formerly known as Red Balloon NW London) in November 2020.
As a member of the National Education Union, Anna recently took part in a teacher exchange with Nicaragua, providing recommendations for their English teaching. Today, she continues to support the Education development in that region.
Having moved to London in 2023, Anna and her husband are enjoying city life, the great connections and its many museums. She also enjoys finding places to walk with Bruno – their gentle Labradoodle
After studying Law at Trinity College Cambridge and the College of Law in Guildford Richard, joined Stephen Harwood Solicitors. In 1979 he joined Nabarro Nathanson, Solicitors, in the City of London, where he specialised in commercial property, investment letting and development work for over 30 years.
Richard joined Heartwood House (formerly known as Red Balloon NW London) in 2010, encouraged by his wife who was already involved as a dedicated English teacher, to assist with the governance and development of the organisation. He felt the Centre made a real difference to the lives of youngsters who had been failed by mainstream education but were still capable of achieving progress and success.
A keen choral singer for many years with local choirs, Richard is also an enthusiastic hill walker in Wales. He has walked the London LOOP, a 150-mile path that almost completely encircles Greater London, and most of the Thames Path. He is an ‘enforced gardener’ but feels it’s growing on him!
With over a decade of experience as a recognised leader in health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ), Kevin has earned acclaim for driving excellence and sustainability. As a respected figure in the industry, he has led transformative initiatives resulting in significant reductions in incidents, garnering multiple International Safety Awards.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Kevin is deeply committed to serving his community to make a tangible difference. In 2023, he proudly joined Heartwood House (formerly known as Red Balloon NW London) as a Trustee, drawn by our mission to support children affected by trauma and bullying. This role allows him to leverage his leadership skills and industry expertise to contribute meaningfully to an incredible charity. With personal experience of challenges within the British education system he would have loved to have somewhere like Heartwood House to attend when he was a teenager.
As Chair of the IOSH Chiltern Branch, Kevin collaborates with fellow professionals and thought leaders to shape the future landscape of health and safety practices. As a Chartered Member of IOSH and a Practitioner Member of IEMA, he continually strives to expand his expertise and stay at the forefront of industry developments. Kevin sits on the editorial board for SHP Magazine and regularly write articles and support various industry events around the world.
Outside of work, Kevin cherishes quality time spent with my family, creating lasting memories together. He has a passion for immersing himself in the captivating worlds of literature, finding inspiration and solace within the pages of a good book. When seeking a challenge, he delves into the realm of strategy video games, honing his tactical skills and strategic thinking.
These pursuits not only rejuvenate his spirit but also fuel his passion for making a positive impact, both professionally and personally.
Simon joined Heartwood House (formerly Red Balloon NW London) as a Trustee in September 2021, wanting to use the benefit of his experience to give something back to the community. He believes that everyone should have access to education in a safe and welcoming environment.
A Fellow Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years’ financial experience, Simon has worked as an auditor with PwC and has also worked in leadership positions responsible for financial strategy, planning and analysis within both the Public and Charity Sectors. He also has many years’ experience leading IT and implementing Finance and IT transformation projects. Simon is currently Director of Finance at a large National Charity.
Simon is married with two young children and when not providing taxi services to various post-school activities he enjoys gardening, cooking and travelling.
As Head of People for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) – a UK parliamentary regulator – Jamie focuses on developing transformative people strategies to create operational excellence and deliver the end-to-end human resources and people development cycles. Prior to this, he worked within Human Resources across several industries, including international hospitality and a leading theatre and arts organisation for young people. Jamie is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Jamie joined Heartwood House (formerly Red Balloon NW London) as a Trustee in October 2021 and has been in awe of our students, staff and the amazing work we do ever since. Having first-hand experience of being bullied at school, he has always admired how the work of our Centre, the value of our teaching, our homely buildings and our brilliant team come together to create one of the most uniquely inclusive learning environments for those who need it the most at the time when it is most needed. This is what he loves most about being involved with Heartwood House.
Alongside this trustee role, Jamie is also a trustee of CARIS Families – a London-based charity that supports families in north London through, and beyond homelessness.
Jamie has a keen interest in theatre, history, travel and cooking, so he can often be found exploring European cities and sampling the local cuisine.
Thomas has been a nurse for nearly 20 years and is qualified in both adult and children’s nursing. He has worked across a number of NHS Trusts in emergency care and paediatric nursing, before moving into safeguarding as a specialism.
Thomas holds a MA in Advanced Child Protection and now works for an NHS Trust that provides community for both physical and mental health care as a Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children and Young People. Thomas is also the co-chair of the Safeguarding Children Named Nurse / Named Professional Network for London, linking directly with NHS England.
Thomas was appointed a Trustee of Heartwood House (formerly known as Red Balloon NW London) in November 2020, just after the first Covid-19 lockdown during which he was Safeguarding Lead for the London Nightingale Hospital. In March 2024, Thomas took on the role as vice-chair of the Board of Trustees for Heartwood House.
Thomas also supports and volunteers for a national first aid charity, which he joined when he was 17 years old, undertaking a variety of roles, including direct care, leadership and development, and safeguarding. The role Thomas holds within the charity holds safeguarding responsibility for London and also in the West Midlands. He was awarded an Officer of the Order of St John honour in 2020 to recognise his voluntary service and is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Nurses.
Thomas was born and raised in Harrow and knows first-hand how difficult school experiences can be if mainstream education does not fit your needs. He comes from a large family where giving back to the community, particularly to young people, is really important. Thomas recently joined a running club and enjoys gardening, loves to travel and spending time with his family and friends.