We call it the ‘Chai family’ because of the special warmth, commitment and care of everyone involved in supporting clients, whether in delivering services, admin, fundraising goals or strategic vision.
Meet the team…
Executive Team

Louise Hager
Chairman
Louise Hager
Louise has been involved in Chai since its inception and takes the lead role in Chai’s fundraising strategy and donor relationships. Her mother Frances Winegarten z’l was Co-Founder. Louise became Chairman in 2005 and has steered Chai through its most significant period of development as the number of centres has expanded in the UK and services have become available internationally.

Lisa Steele
Chief Executive
Lisa Steele
After graduating in Psychology and Administration from Glasgow University, Lisa worked in advertising in London before a career change into counselling and psychotherapy. Qualifying from Regent’s College, Lisa worked in private practice before coming to Chai as a counsellor in 2001. She was appointed Client Services Manager in 2008, appointed Head of Operations in 2010 and in 2012 became Chief Executive.
Fundraising, Marketing, Finance & Administration
![Manchester 2[6]](https://chaicancercare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Manchester-26.jpg)
Jilly Berens
Community Fundraiser (Manchester)
Jilly Berens
Jilly spent fifteen years cultivating new business in the telecoms industry before coming to Chai in 2017 on a part time basis. She brings those many skills to the North West region as the newly expanded hub in North Manchester responds to greater demand than ever on Chai’s services.

Danni Blumenblatt
Corporate & Challenges Fundraiser (London)
Danielle Blumenblatt
Working in fundraising since 2014, Danni has experience in managing corporate, community and challenge events. She joined Chai in 2018 with responsibility for scheduled challenge events and is the contact for anyone taking on an individual challenge.

Emma Byre
Events Coordinator (London)
Emma Byre
Former City head-hunter and modern languages graduate, Emma joined the fundraising department at Chai on a part time basis in 2013. Since arriving, her role has grown considerably with Chai’s increased fundraising activity.

Jamie Herz-Yarm
PR and Marketing Manager (London)
Jamie Herz-Yarm
After a Masters in engineering geology and working on the Olympic site in the run-up to the 2012 games, Jamie switched to marketing within the charity sector and came to Chai in 2014. She is responsible for liaising with the press, creative agencies, and Chai’s web and social media content.
![Manchester 5[3]](https://chaicancercare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Manchester-53.jpg)
Dana Levene
Database Administrator (London)
Dana Levene
Dana joined Chai in May 2017 as a part time Database Administrator dealing with donations and maintaining records.

Emma Magen
Office Manager (London)
Emma Magen
After working in HSBC bank, Emma moved into the charity sector for 14 years before joining Chai in May 2019

Rachael Martin
Senior Events Manager (London)
Rachael Martin
Rachael has spent more 20 years working in fundraising and events management positions within the UK’s leading communal Jewish charities. Since 2005, she has headed up Chai’s ever-expanding roster of events on a part time basis.

Janey Semp
Administrator (Manchester)
Janey Semp

Jacki Stanton
Senior Database Manager (London)
Jacki Stanton
Jacki gained experience managing the database of a leading nursery chain before coming to Chai in 2015. She is responsible for daily financial admin, ensuring donations are recorded, acknowledgements are sent out and for the creation of monthly fundraising reports.

Caroline Tunkel
Community Relationship Manager (London)
Caroline Tunkel
After a decade as an account executive at a City insurance firm, Caroline joined Chai in 2015 as Client Services Coordinator and in 2018 moved into fundraising. She manages community and sponsored events as well as looking after all fundraising activities for schools across the UK.

Alicia Ani
Client Services Manager (Stamford Hill)
Alicia Ani
Alicia came to the UK after graduating from the University of Barcelona in Economics. She has considerable experience in events and fundraising in the corporate world and Jewish community and previously raised money for Chai climbing Kilimanjaro and trekking in the Lake District. Joining Chai part time in 2018 as Client Services Manager, she covers the Stamford Hill community.

Debra Clifton
Client Services Manager (London)
Debra Clifton
Debra came to Chai in 2015 following a career as a nursery teacher. As a Client Services Manager, she supports clients through the difficult stages of a cancer diagnosis, putting in place the support that will benefit them most significantly.

Nicky Phillips
Client Services Manager
Nicky Phillips
Nicky joined Chai in 2017 as a Client Services Co-Ordinator before moving to her current role as a Client Services Manager in the summer of 2019. Her first working roles were in fashion where she was in sales and then merchandising, and then she worked with major donors for the UJIA. She took many years off to bring up her children before retraining as a driving instructor. She loves her role back in an office here at Chai and finds it both fulfilling and rewarding.

Samantha Glazer
Client Services Administrator
Samantha Glazer
Samantha joined Chai in 2019 as Client Service Administrator. Samantha previously had a background in recruitment and more recently worked in events and fundraising for Jewish Child’s Day.
![5698 Chai Headshots (Lyla Goodman) 205x205[5]](https://chaicancercare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/5698-Chai-Headshots-Lyla-Goodman-205x2055-1.jpg)
Lyla Goodman
Client Services Administrator
Lyla Goodman
Lyla joined Chai in 2020 as a Client Services Administrator. She previously worked as an administrator in a dynamic and vibrant synagogue.

Charlotte Hildebrand
Client Services Manager (London)
Charlotte Hildebrand
Charlotte joined Chai in June 2017 after a long-standing career in fashion, specialising in multi-site management internationally. She is now delighted to be part of the Chai family as one of our Client Services Managers.

Jodi Lazarus
Client Services Manager (London)
Jodi Lazarus
Jodi joined Chai in March 2011 as Client Services Administrator, having previously worked in the private hospital sector as a Hospital and Consultant Co-ordinator. Her background is in childcare, both as a nursery school teacher and a child-minder.
![Manchester 3[3]](https://chaicancercare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Manchester-33.jpg)
Karen Richman
Client Services Manager (Manchester)
Karen Richman
In her varied career, Karen has been a medical secretary at a Manchester hospital and PA to the medical officer at the Greater Manchester Police force. In 2007, she moved to the Federation of Jewish Services before joining Chai in November 2017 as office administrator based in the North West hub. She became Client Services Manager in January 2019.
![Manchester 1[3]](https://chaicancercare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Manchester-13.jpg)
Gerry Singer
Northwest Regional Manager (Manchester)
Gerry Singer
Following a modern languages degree, Gerry worked in business development in the professional services sector. In 2016, she came to Chai, seeking a more rewarding challenge as client services manager and is based in the newly expanded North West hub.

Debbie Woolfson
Volunteer Coordinator
Debbie Woolfson
Debbie’s broad experience of positions within the charity sector include at Chai, Database Administrator in the fundraising department, as well as Client Services Administrator. Since returning to work after maternity leave, she manages the volunteers who fulfil vital and varied roles supporting clients.
![Manchester 6[4]](https://chaicancercare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Manchester-64.jpg)
Linda Sharpe
Head of Art Department
Linda Sharpe
Linda began working as a professional artist in 1996. She established the Art Department at Chai in 2005. Since then the Art workshop has flourished and now has 3 sessions a week. Under her supervision the clients’ produce a yearly calendar which showcases their amazing work.
President & Trustees
Chai Cancer Care is fortunate to benefit from the considerable skills and commitment of its dedicated Trustees who bring diverse professional and charitable experience to the organisation. They ensure the direction of the charity remains focused on client welfare, that high standards of governance are maintained and that Chai is fit for the challenges of the future.

Lord Young of Graffham CH DL
President of Chai since 2006
Lord Young of Graham
Lord Young of Graffham began his career at Great Universal Stores before venturing into industrial property and construction. He held several posts in Margaret Thatcher’s government including Chairman of the Manpower Services Commission, Secretary of State for Employment, and Secretary for Trade and Industry. He entered the Lords in 1984. Lord Young’s many community posts include Presidencies of Jewish Care and The Coram Trust, and Chairmanships of British ORT, The Jewish Museum and The Chichester Festival. His involvement with Chai follows his own cancer diagnosis and the loss of his brother to cancer. ‘I have watched with admiration, the expansion of Chai, and its ambitions for the future. I am confident Chai will rise to every challenge.’

Louise Hager
Chairman
Louise Hager
Louise has been involved in Chai since its inception and takes the lead role in Chai’s fundraising strategy and donor relationships. Her mother Frances Winegarten z’l was Co-Founder. Louise became Chairman in 2005 and has steered Chai through its most significant period of development as the number of centres has expanded in the UK and services have become available internationally.

Phillip Hertz
Phillip Hertz
Philip is a partner at Clifford Chance LLP (an international law firm) where he leads the global restructuring group and has practised as a solicitor for the past 30 years. He has been involved in communal and charitable work for many years including as Chair of Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue and as a trustee of Norwood and 3C’s. Philip was immediately taken with the warmth of Chai exuded by everyone involved in the organisation and he looks forward to working with the team at Chai to help the charity flourish.

Jonathan Hodes
Jonathan Hodes
As Director of Finance UK and Italy for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Jonathan Hodes brings significant accountancy expertise to Chai’s activities, ensuring it is able to meet the financial demands placed upon it by an ever-expanding number of clients. ‘I am privileged to play a part in helping Chai fulfil its vital role.’

Alexandra Maurice
Alexandra Maurice
After seeing first hand the incredible support Chai Cancer Care provides to patients and families, Alex wanted to get involved. Having previously been on Chai’s advisory board sharing her fundraising, marketing and sponsorship knowledge, she is honoured to now be serving as a trustee.

Richard Segal
Richard Segal
Richard’s professional posts have included MD of the Rank Group plc and MD (later Chief Executive) of Odeon Cinemas, the FTSE ranked PartyGaming plc and founder of 3i Investments plc. Non-executive Chairman roles include Direct Ferries, Racing Post and Encore Tickets. His community and charitable work is extensive: former Co-Chair of Governors, Immanuel College; Trustee of Hazon Yshaya UK supporting humanitarian needs across Israel; non-executive Director, Hampstead Theatre and Trustee of children’s charity Spread a Smile. Like many Richard’s motivation to see Chai develop and flourish is a personal one, as he assists fellow Trustees and the executive team in their work.

Leon Shelley
Leon Shelley
Leon has over 20 years of legal experience working for major international companies bringing legal, compliance and commercial expertise to Chai’s activities. “I feel privileged to play a part in helping Chai fulfil its vital role.”

Susan Shipman
Founder President
Susan Shipman
Following a career in advertising, Susan founded Chai Cancer Care with Frances Winegarten z”l in 1990. Inspired by Susan’s daughter Natalie z”l, who passed away in 1990, aged eight, from cancer, Chai initially ran a telephone helpline and education programme. Susan then focused on establishing a place for complementary therapies that supported both the cancer patient and their family. After her husband Philip passed away in 1998, Susan remarried in 2002. The ceremony was held at Chai’s Hendon flagship and the couple made Aliyah the next day. Susan remains Chai’s Founder President, and a Trustee, attending meetings in person or via Skype from Israel.

Dr Adrian Tookman
Dr Adrian Tookman
Palliative Care Physician and Medical Director of the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead. Dr Tookman entered the field of palliative medicine in 1985, and has been key to the development of this field of cancer survivorship. His clinical innovations include developing an outpatient service in a day therapy unit in the Hospice. His work encompasses both patients and their carers.
Advisory Board
From marketing to law, IT to construction, our Advisory Board includes professionals whose expertise, practical knowledge and ‘can do’ enthusiasm contribute in key areas to help Chai achieve its goals.

Brian Brick
Brian Brick
As one of Chai’s earliest supporters, Brian has given guidance to the Executive Team since it started, on the pressures of growing an organisation.

Jo Coleman
Jo Coleman
Charity lawyer, Jo has supported Chai by ensuring it complies with the increasing burden of charity regulation and upholds high standards of governance.

Alan Fell
Alan Fell
With Chai occupying a significant place in the community, Alan is involved in reviewing strategic and governance issues to ensure its readiness for future challenges.

Jonathan Freedman
Jonathan Freedman
After the loss of his own mother to cancer, Jonathan brings both business experience – and great empathy – to the task of making sure Chai’s services reach those in need.

Michael Glass
Michael Glass
Over nearly 20 years of commitment, Michael’s IT expertise has been invaluable in ensuring Chai’s systems operate efficiently to meet its ever-changing needs.

Robert Prevezer
Robert Prevezer
With a long and successful career in integrated marketing, Robert’s contribution stretches across business, communication and marketing issues.

Marc Samuels
Marc Samuels
Property developer Marc was pivotal during the development of the flagship centre in 2003 and continues to advise on the needs of communal buildings.

Dr Adrian Tookman
Dr Adrian Tookman
Palliative Care Physician and Medical Director of the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead. Dr Tookman entered the field of palliative medicine in 1985, and has been key to the development of this field of cancer survivorship. His clinical innovations include developing an outpatient service in a day therapy unit in the Hospice. His work encompasses both patients and their carers.

Diane Zitcer
Diane Zitcer
Diane’s journalism, marketing and communications skills have seen her contribute to many specific projects and Chai’s wider strategy for more than a decade.
Medical Advisory Panel
From our inception we have been very fortunate to have the guidance and expertise of our Medical Advisory Panel, who keep us up to date with the latest trials and developments in the cancer world, ensuring we are proactive in how we shape provision to benefit clients. We are privileged to count upon their depth of experience and research insights across many specialist fields.

Dr Rachel Craig
Dr Rachel Craig
Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Royal Free London & Marie Curie Hospice, Hampstead. Dr Craig specialises in delivering holistic assessment and palliative management of any illness at any stage of that disease. She works closely with patients, carers, nurses, doctors and other health care professionals to ensure people receive optimal palliative care and symptom control.

Dr Niki Davies
Dr Niki Davies
GP, The Finn Medical Center with Special Interest in Palliative Care, UCLH. Dr Davies has a particular interest in improving cancer diagnosis and end of life care. She is a Macmillan GP in Harrow.

Professor Michael Douek
Professor Michael Douek
Hunterian Professor 2015, Royal College of Surgeons, Professor of Surgery & Consultant Surgeon, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals. Professor Douek’s area of expertise is breast cancer surgery and reconstruction. He is chief investigator of several trials involving patients with breast cancer and melanoma and is a pioneer in intra-operative radiotherapy for breast cancer.

Professor Andrew Eder
Professor Andrew Eder
Pro-Vice-Provost at University College London, Professor of Restorative Dentistry and Dental Education, Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the Eastman Dental Hospital. Professor Eder is focused on excellence and innovation in clinical dentistry and continuing dental education, including issues around oral cancers, their treatments and counteracting their long-term side effects.

Mr Daren Francis
Mr Daren Francis
Consultant Laparoscopic, Colorectal and General Surgeon, The Royal Free, London.
Mr Francis’ clinical interests include advanced laparoscopic surgery, colorectal surgery and endoscopy. His practice also includes robotic surgery for rectal cancer and prolapse. He has been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals in the fields of colorectal and general surgery.

Miss Joanna Franks
Miss Joanna Franks

Professor Daniel Hochhauser
Professor Daniel Hochcauser
Professor of Medical Oncology at UCLH and Clinical Director of the Cancer Research UK-UCL Centre. Professor Hochhauser’s clinical focus is on gastriointestinal cancer. Additionally, he has an interest in early phase clinical trials and is currently Principal Investigator for several novel therapeutics.

Dr Jonathan Krell
Dr Jonathan Krell
Consultant Medical Oncologist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London. With a clinical focus on the systemic management of patients with gynaecological cancers and breast cancers, Dr Krell is also involved in research around cancer genetics and hereditary malignancies involving the BRCA gene and other genetic mutations.

Dr Daniel Krell
Dr Daniel Krell
Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Free London, Dr Krell’s clinical work focuses on the management of patients with gastric, oesophageal, colorectal, pancreatic, liver and biliary tract cancers using chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapies. He is involved in clinical research and trials aimed at identifying new cancer therapies.

Professor Jonathan Ledermann
Professor Jonathan Lederman
Bio to follow.

Dr Jane Neerkin
Dr Jane Neerkin
Consultant in Palliative Medican UCLH and the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery. With a specific interest in palliative care for people with neurological diseases, Dr Neerkin developed her speciality working at several London hospices, UCLH and the Royal Marsden. She and her team of clinical nurse specialists are dedicated to caring for patients receiving both curative and palliative treatment.

Professor Gordon Rustin
Professor Gordon Rustin
Consultant Medical Oncologist, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. Professor Rustin’s areas of interest include ovarian and testicular cancers, gynaecological oncology and new drug development. He is responsible for a pioneering chemotherapy treatment in relapsed ovarian cancer patients and for categorizing the response and progression of ovarian carcinoma, known internationally as the ‘Rustin criteria’.
Dr Adrian Tookman
Palliative Care Physician and Medical Director of the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead. Dr Tookman entered the field of palliative medicine in 1985, and has been key to the development of this field of cancer survivorship. His clinical innovations include developing an outpatient service in a day therapy unit in the Hospice. His work encompasses both patients and their carers.

Professor Albert Singer
Professor Albert Singer
Consultant (Hon) Gynaecologist, Department of Women’s & Children’s Health at The Whittington Hospital, Professor Emeritus of Gynaecological Research, University of London. A pioneer of colposcopy in the UK, Professor Singer’s main research areas are the origins, detection and treatment of cervical and lower genital tract pre-cancer. He established a clinical and research unit attached to University College London in 1983 and is often consulted for a second opinion in complex cases.

Dr Adrian Tookman
Chairman of MAP
Dr Adrian Tookman
Palliative Care Physician and Medical Director of the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead. Dr Tookman entered the field of palliative medicine in 1985, and has been key to the development of this field of cancer survivorship. His clinical innovations include developing an outpatient service in a day therapy unit in the Hospice. His work encompasses both patients and their carers.

Dr Jonathan Sive
Dr Jonathan Sive

Dr Laura Tookman
Dr Laura Tookman
Medical Oncology Consultant, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Dr Tookman’s clinical work focuses on the treatment of gynaecological malignancies. She gained her PhD research at Barts Cancer Institute where she was investigating a potential novel treatment for ovarian cancer.