Cofounder & CEO

Senior Leadership Team

Ruth has set up a number of projects tackling sex trafficking in the UK. Marion Carson and Ruth have recently published “Walking into Freedom”, a practical Christian manual empowering all to leave sex trafficking. Her academic social work background has supported her approach for over three decades and has led to consultancy work around the world.

Deputy CEO

Senior Leadership Team

Emma joined Azalea on the Encompass team in 2019. Having a particular interest in caring for and walking alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, Emma spent three years training as an Art Therapist in 2014 to become equipped to respond to the needs of survivors. Since graduating the MA programme, Emma has worked as an advocate for UK survivors of human trafficking, through the support provision of the National Referral Mechanism.

Deputy CEO - maternity cover

Senior Leadership Team

Kate is a qualified solicitor with a background in commercial property. Most recently, Kate was the in-house real estate lawyer for one of the largest registered charities in England & Wales, which provided the opportunity to gain experience in charity law and governance. Kate is married with two children. When she is not running around after the kids, Kate enjoys walking the family’s two dogs and loves gardening.

Operations Manager

Senior Leadership Team

After a life-time in the City specialising in financial and professional services Gus decided that he would like to do something charitable by giving back to the local community and helping to look after those who are vulnerable and less privileged. After volunteering to cook frozen meals for Azalea during Covid, he agreed to take on the role of Operations Manager. Gus qualified as a chartered accountant in S.A. before moving to London. He started worked for PwC before moving on to and a variety of fund management companies in relationship management and new business services. He enjoys (watching) rugby and is a keen Saracens supporter as well as playing tennis, cycling and paddleboarding.

Encompass Director

Senior Leadership Team

Hollie studied Politics and International Relations at university and has always had a heart for social justice, particularly in the domain of exploitation, prompted largely through her voluntary work with refugees in France. She has endeavoured to travel as much as possible between studying and working, whether that be with voluntary teams, for work, or for leisure. Hollie loves to meet new people and explore new places.

Flourish Lead Officer and LAST Development Officer

Jayne first joined Azalea in 2019, after meeting one of our Encompass guests at a local church. Being so inspired by this meeting, Jayne first became a regular frontline volunteer before joining the staff team as our Flourish Lead Officer. Jayne has developed our Flourish project and leads it with excellence. She brings a unique eye, understanding nature and firm boundaries and through this and her high intelligence, she has created a space in which our Encompass guests feel safe, understood and empowered.

Anti International Sex Trafficking Officer

Becki joined Azalea’s Front-line team in April 2022, after meeting Ruth and Hollie at an event she was hosting at her University, London School of Theology. Becki now works for Azalea alongside her Theology and Counselling studies. Becki spent eight years working with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Brisbane Australia, where she fell in love with travel, coffee and the beach. Travelling and being amongst different cultures is where Becki first experienced injustice and from there, her heart grew to want to join the fight against human trafficking.

Partnership Mental Health Officer

Faith first volunteered for Azalea for 3 weeks in 2015 whilst on a summer break from University. She has then been involved, on and off, in various roles whilst continuing her professional development. After graduating with a psychology degree from the University of Glasgow in 2016 she then qualified as an Integrative Counsellor in 2022. Faith has a particular passion to watch others thrive according to their personality and giftings. Joining the Azalea community at a young age she was inspired by how beneficial it was to all to support one another in a caring, safe way. She has a particular interest in therapeutic support and loves to understand and connect with others. In her free time, she likes to get out into nature and spend time on creative projects.

Frontline Volunteer Administrator

Samantha (Sam) joined Azalea back in 2015 as a Church Rep. This led to her baking cakes, frozen meal making, Half Marathons, admin and eventually stepping into Frontline work in 2019. Sam has a heart for all the guests that walk through the doors of Azalea and is a Volunteer herself at our Monday night Drop in. She became Frontline Volunteer Administrator in September 2021. Sam is an active member of her Church and is on the Welcome Team. She likes to walk in the countryside, has been known to run occasionally, adores her bet bunnies and loves spending time with her family and eating good food in particular chocolate!

Flint Project Officer

For several years Ben has worked frontline with vulnerable young adults and families in both Children’s Services and the Charity Sector. He is a fully accredited ‘Solution Focused’ Practitioner and is both a published author and international trainer in the approach. In his spare time, Ben enjoys jogging, playing guitar and attempting to surf - key word being 'attempting'!

Operations and Finance Officer

Janet has over 30 years’ experience of working in the charity sector, working in a variety roles ranging from training manager to staff care and development. She enjoys bringing order to the workplace, and does it brilliantly! Janet is also busy with her church where she is part of the worship team and missions committee. To relax, she enjoys singing with a local choir.

Emergency Support Officer

Sarah joined Azalea as a volunteer in 2021, helping in Drop-In on a Wednesday which she really enjoyed.  Recently the opportunity arose for her to support our guests during the Cost-of-Living Crisis as an Emergency Support Officer.  Sarah now also joins us on a Thursday to give one to one support where she is able. Sarah’s background involves supporting and signposting individuals at her local Foodbank and more recently with asylum seekers through her community work at her church.