Who We Are

Louise Hager MBE

Chairman

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.   

Victoria Portnoi

Chief Executive

As CEO of Chai, Victoria brings a strategic approach and creative thinking to the role, together with extensive experience of managing both professional and volunteer-led teams.

Victoria comes to Chai after a 25 year career in television production as an Executive Producer and Consultant. Having been involved in voluntary communal work for almost 20 years, she also held the position of Chair of Brondesbury Park United Synagogue for four years.

Jacki Stanton

Senior Database Manager (London)

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.  

Nicola Schwartz

Administrator & Executive Assistant (London)

Dana Levene

Database Administrator (London)

Dana joined Chai in May 2017 as a part time Database Administrator dealing with donations and maintaining records.  

Emma Magen

Office Manager (London)

After working in HSBC bank, Emma moved into the charity sector for 14 years before joining Chai in May 2019

Emma Cooper

Receptionist (London)

Rachael Martin

Senior Events Manager (London)

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.

Caroline Tunkel

Head of Community & Corporate Engagement (London)

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.

Jamie Herz-Yarm

PR & Marketing Manager (London)

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.

Lucy Hayim

Corporate & Challenges Fundraiser (London)

Talia Gordon

Events & Marketing Coordinator (London)

Debra Clifton

Outreach & Engagement Coordinator (London)

Danielle Perez

Events & Fundraising Coordinator (Manchester)

Charlotte Hildebrand

Head of Client Services (London)

Emma Byre

Client Services Manager (London)

Louise Crystal

Client Services Manager (London)

Nicky Phillips

Client Services Manager (London)

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 Manager (London)

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.

Jodi Lazarus

Client Services Manager (London)

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.

Nicola Elmon

Client Services Manager (London)

Celia Dahan

Client Services Manager (London)

Alicia Ani

Client Services Manager (Stamford Hill)

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.

Debbie Woolfson

Services & HR Coordinator

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.

Lyla Goodman

Client Services Administrator (London)

Lyla joined Chai in 2020 as a Client Services Administrator. She previously worked as an administrator in a dynamic and vibrant synagogue.

Melanie Davis

Client Services Administrator (London)

Lauren Smith

Client Services Administrator (London)

Mandy Saffer

Client Services Administrator (London)

Linda Sharpe

Head of Art Department (London)

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. 

Amanda Newdall

Head of Northern Service (Manchester)

Gerry Singer

Head of Community Engagement, North (Manchester)

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 has progressed to Head of Community Engagement, North. Gerry is based in the newly expanded North West hub.  

Karen Richman

Client Services Manager (Manchester)

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.

Michelle Delew

Client Services Manager (Manchester)

Lara Kaye

Client Services Manager (Manchester)

Naomi Samuels

Operations Manager, North (Manchester)

Mandy Strang

Client Services Manager & Complementary Therapist (Glasgow)

Hazel Tenby

Client Services Manager (Glasgow)

Zippora Galpert

Clinical Lead (London)

Chavi Sufrin

Deputy Clinical Lead (Children & Young People) (London)

Darija Stojnic

Counsellor & Counselling Supervisor (London)

Darit Puchkov

Children's Play & Art Therapist (London)

Louise Hager MBE

Chairman

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.  

Philip 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.

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’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 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

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 Tookman is a Palliative Medicine Physician who retired from Clinical Practice in 2021. He entered the field of Palliative Medicine in 1985. He established a large outpatient service in the Hospice Day Therapy unit and has developed innovative initiatives in the field of cancer survivorship.

Rafi Saville

Rafi Saville is an equity partner, long time board member and head of the forensic accounting department at HW Fisher LLP. Rafi brings significant accountancy expertise and his forensic analytical skills to Chai’s activities, ensuring it is able to meet the financial demands placed upon it by an ever-expanding number of client

Dr Adrian Tookman

Dr Tookman is a Palliative Medicine Physician who retired from Clinical Practice in 2021. He entered the field of Palliative Medicine in 1985. He established a large outpatient service in the Hospice Day Therapy unit and has developed innovative initiatives in the field of cancer survivorship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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. 

Dr Adrian Tookman

Dr Tookman is a Palliative Medicine Physician who retired from Clinical Practice in 2021. He entered the field of Palliative Medicine in 1985. He established a large outpatient service in the Hospice Day Therapy unit and has developed innovative initiatives in the field of cancer survivorship.

Dr Rachel Craig

Consultant in Palliative Medicine Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Marie Curie and North Camden Community.

Dr Craig specialises in delivering holistic assessment and palliative management of patients. She works closely with patients, carers, nurses, doctors and other health care professionals to ensure people receive optimal palliative care and symptom control. She also works as a Medical Examiner for Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and Barnet Community.

Dr Niki Davies

GP at The Pinn Medical Centre, she also has a special interest in palliative care.

Dr Davies has previously been Macmillan GP for Brent and Harrow, helping to improve early cancer diagnosis in primary care. 

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

Emeritus Professor at UCL and formerly Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at UCLH and Pro-Vice-Provost at UCL.

Professor Eder is a London-based dental specialist who has cared for patients with complex oral health needs and contributed to the training of specialists and NHS trainees for over thirty years.

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.

Dr Ian Ellis

Dr Ellis qualified in Medicine from the Middlesex Hospital in London before going on to establish the national Tay-Sachs carrier screening programme in the 1990s. This was to be the start of his lifelong interest in genetic disorders of the Jewish community.

He has been a consultant clinical geneticist in Liverpool for over 30 years with a broad range of clinics in adult, paediatric and cancer genetics. During that time, he established EUROPAC, an international research collaboration to identify genetic markers that predispose to familial pancreatic cancer.

Dr Ellis helped to establish the UK Gauchers Disease Association, Jnetics and their continuing campaigns to offer extended carrier screening. He is also an advisor to CHANA, the fertility support charity for the UK Jewish community, as well as to CHAI.

He is now providing a consultancy service in Clinical Genetics to The London Clinic and continues his interest in medicolegal aspects of genomic testing and the psychosocial consequences of widespread genetic screening.

Miss Joanna Franks

Joanna Franks is a consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon, practising both at UCLH and privately.

Joanna's area of expertise is the assessment and management of all conditions relating to the breast, encompassing both benign and malignant disease. Her interests include the detection of early breast cancers, oncoplastic breast conservation, mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, risk reduction and breast screening.

 

Professor Daniel Hochhauser

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. 

Professor Gordon Jayson

Professor Jayson qualified in Medicine at the University of Oxford. His subsequent medical and oncology training took place in Manchester and the Christie Hospital. Over the last 20 years he has characterised the effects of anti-vascular drugs on cancers and has identified a response biomarker that is being evaluated in the CRUK VALTIVE programme, the aim being to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from anti-vascular drugs. This work is largely focused on ovarian cancer, the disease that Professor Jayson manages in Christie Hospital.

Mrs Michal Korman

Paediatric Haematology/Oncology nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital where she has worked for 12 years.

Michal specialised in Autologous Stem Cell transplants and High Dose Chemotherapy in children. One of the most rewarding parts of her job is watching patients ring the ‘end of treatment bell!’.

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. 

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.

Mrs Guida Kurzer

Guida Kurzer is a Clinical Nurse specialist, currently based at Bartshealth Trust working in the gynaecology oncology department supporting patients who may have genetic mutations that increase their risk of cancer. Guida has a special interest in women's health, including fertility, menopause, recurrent miscarriage and natural labour. She is a qualified Nurse Practitioner with a BSc from King’s College London.

Professor Jonathan Ledermann

Professor Jonathan Ledermann is Professor of Medical Oncology at UCL Cancer Institute and UCL Hospitals where he has worked for more than 35 years.

He specialises in the treatment and research of gynaecological cancers. For many years he was the Director of the Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre and he has led several international clinical trials developing new treatments for ovarian cancer. During his career he has had many different appointments to national and international societies responsible for gynaecological cancer practice, treatment guidelines and research.

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.

Dr Jonathan Sive

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.