Staff

Stephanie Smith

Chief Executive

I joined Raystede in early 2020, just weeks before the start of the COVID pandemic. It has certainly been a very challenging time but I have really enjoyed working with our wonderful staff, volunteers and Trustees to ensure Raystede continues to help animals now and in the future. I am proud that my first CEO role is at Raystede as I grew up in East Sussex with great admiration and affection for the charity. I live with my family in West Sussex which includes brothers Sparky and Fuji, two ginger cats.

Kerry Darwin

Head of Commercial and Visitor Operations

My background is sales and promotions in several different worlds including off-shore, events, retail and regional press. Specialising in people management and income generation, I left the corporate environment for Raystede in 2017. I am responsible for the Commercial operations that help support Raystede. Every penny of profit goes directly into helping the animals in our care and I am passionate about delivering products to suit our diverse market to maximise that injection of much-needed funds. I am also responsible for the visitor experience at our animal welfare site near Ringmer. We welcome visitors to enjoy our beautiful surroundings, experience an insight into a working welfare centre and learn about how to give animals their best lives. I live in West Sussex with my family and our gorgeous cat Bang.

Janet Parsons

Head of Marketing

My background was originally in travel and tourism. I worked for a French tour operator and in the Brighton & Hove Visitor and Convention Bureau. I switched to the charity sector in 2004 and worked for a Sussex hospice as their Head of Communications and Donor Marketing before joining Raystede in March 2021. I am proud and privileged to work for such an amazing charity doing incredible work for animal welfare. I have an elderly black Labrador called Gypsy and a very timid but loving rescue cat called Lenny.

Heidi Christmas

Head of HR and Volunteering

I joined the team in July 2023, and I am responsible for all aspects of HR and volunteer management. I have worked in HR for over 25 years and am looking forward to using my extensive HR experience to benefit the charity and all those that support it in various ways.

I believe that all animals should have the best life possible, whatever environment they might be in. I used to volunteer at Drusillas educating the visitors about the animals there and what we can do to support the conservation of all animals, but especially those that are endangered.

I’ve had cats since I was 9 years old and have had a number of rescue cats. I currently have two black and white rescue cats called Jezz and Charlie, who have us very well trained.

Gemma Price

Head of Education & Learning

I graduated with a degree in Zoology and a post graduate certificate in Education. I embarked on a career in education and my interest in animals led me to the Institute of Marine Science, Honduras where I became a lecturer. I travelled to the Ecuadorean Amazon to work on a conservation project involving rescuing animals from the illegal pet trade. Eventually, I took up the post as Head of Education at Raystede where I have been able to fully satisfy my passion and desire to protect and serve animals.

Matthew Gough

Head of Animal Welfare

My background was originally in law and the private sector, however, I moved into animal welfare a number of years ago, having always had the utmost respect for animals and their welfare. I worked in frontline animal welfare and rescue for a national charity for a number of years where I would investigate complaints of neglect and cruelty on a daily basis, sometimes leading to prosecutions. I moved from the frontline into operational management, recruitment, and latterly training, before joining Raystede in 2019. I was attracted to Raystede by its level of care, excellent facilities, and its desire to do the absolute best by every animal it comes across. I hope that I can evolve Raystede’s work to do even more for animals in the years to come. I live in West Sussex with my amazing Raystede rescue dog, Moira.

Diane Bate

Head of Finance & Resources

I joined Raystede in January 2023 as Head of Finance and Resources, where I am responsible for leading the strategic direction and operational management of Finance, IT and Facilities. I have worked in the charity sector for over 20 years as a Chartered Certified Accountant and am passionate about animal welfare, having spent the previous 8 years working for a global animal welfare charity. I am proud to work for Raystede, where we focus on each animal’s needs and drive long lasting change through our education programmes. I currently live in East Sussex and in my spare time, roll up my sleeves as a volunteer for a wildlife rescue charity, cleaning and feeding injured local wildlife brought in for rehabilitation.

Wendy Bardsley

Head of Fundraising

I joined Raystede in August 2023. My favourite part of working here is meeting our wonderful supporters and working with the amazing Raystede volunteers and staff. Their dedication to helping animals and improving their welfare is so impressive.

My background spans both private and third sector organisations in the travel industry, business consultancy, fundraising development and volunteer management. I have always had a passion for animal welfare and have volunteered in my spare time for various charities. This includes previously being on the board of SOS Lynx in Portugal to protect the Iberian Lynx, fostering litters of puppies and helping rehome them and volunteering as a home visitor for the RSPCA.

I live in Sussex with my family, and we have a small Chihuahua with a big heart called Betty Boo. Betty loves people so much she became a volunteer with Pets As Therapy, visiting children’s hospices. Betty is now a regular visitor to Raystede, enjoying the beautiful grounds and the visiting families and their furry friends.

Jeff Tucker

Peaceways Pet Crematorium Manager

I was born in London and moved to Hailsham, East Sussex in the early 2,000s. I worked in the New Covent Garden flower market as a porter for 21 years. I have been managing Peaceways since 2011 and am dedicated to helping and supporting families through the hardest of times of losing a beloved family pet. I have a 13 year old Border terrier called Tom, aka the Ginger Whinger, who I adore.