Our Core CIC Team

 

Founder & Managing Director

Mental Health & Community Development Leader

Leanne Rowley

Experienced care worker & former care leaver. Trained in trauma-informed care. 

As Founder & Managing Director, Leanne provides the vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the foundation. She oversees all aspects of development, from service design and funding strategy to governance and community partnerships. 

Leanne ensures all projects are trauma-informed, inclusive, and impactful. Combining professional expertise with lived experience, she drives forward innovative mental health and community development initiatives that empower care leavers, families, and vulnerable groups.

 

Operations & Facilities Director

Dave Bicknell

Experienced care worker. Trained in trauma-informed care.

Oversees the smooth running of our hub- from maintaining safe, welcoming spaces to managing resources, logistics, and facilities. Dave makes sure our offices, therapy rooms, workshops, and storerooms are ready for staff, volunteers, and the community every day.

 

Driver & Community Food Support Assistant

Wendy Jennings

Former foster carer and care worker. Trained in trauma-informed care.

Wendy supports our community outreach by collecting donations, preparing food parcels, and helping deliver essentials to local families, food banks, and community kitchens. She also assists with events and provides a welcoming presence wherever the foundation is represented.

 

Youth Disability Engagement Worker

Kerry Rowley

Former care leaver with lived experience of autism and FASD. 

Kerry works as a liaison for the foundation, providing insight and guidance on how we can make our projects and services more inclusive for people with disabilities. Drawing on her lived experience, she helps shape programmes, so they are accessible, supportive, and representative of those with autism, FASD, and other additional needs.

 

Junior Ambassador

Logan 

Son of the Founding Director.

Logan represents the heart of why The Astaris Foundation for Change exists- a symbol of hope, resilience, and generational healing. As Junior Ambassador, he supports age-appropriate projects, encourages kindness, and promotes pride within the community. His role highlights the importance of youth voice and reminds us of the future we are working hard to build together.

 

Our Core Therapy Team

 

Our therapy team is made up of two experienced counsellors and a qualified psychotherapist, supported by a dedicated Client Intake and Case Coordinator.

Together, they ensure every individual receives the right level of care from the moment they reach out, providing trauma-informed therapy alongside personalised support and guidance throughout their journey. 

 

Our Volunteers

We currently have 4 volunteers working with us!

If you'd like to join us, please click here to fill out our form, located on our 'Apply to Volunteer' page!