Vannessa joined Memory Matters in May 2019 as the Finance Manager.

Vannessa has over 25 years in the social enterprise and voluntary sectors in various local charities. Her goal is to ensure the financial health and stability of Memory Matters to help the organisation continue to provide vital services and grow to meet the demand.

‘‘It is great to work with a positive solution-focused team who have a significant impact on the overall quality and effectiveness of Memory Matters services’’

Cyana joined Memory Matters in 2021 as one of the Dementia Advisors.

She has spent 35 years as a Mental Health Nurse, with much of her nursing career working with people living with dementia and their families.

Cyana loves working at Memory Matters and enjoys meeting and helping beneficiaries and their carers.

Debbie joined Memory Matters as a volunteer facilitator for the Memory Cafe in September 2021 and in August 2022 became a Dementia Advisor as well as running the Memory Cafe groups.

Debbie has over 30 years of experience working in Adult Health and Social Care.

‘I feel so very lucky to be part of this wonderful caring and professional team. To feel valued and listened to and to support people living with dementia is the best feeling ever. If I have made someone's day a lot better by putting a smile on their face then it’s job done.’’

Damian started working for Memory Matters in 2017. He is a hospitality enthusiast with 25 years of experience.

His goals are to help grow and promote  Moments Cafe to help provide more services to people living with dementia.

Vanessa joined Memory Matters in June 2023, as a co-facilitator for CST groups in Plymouth and Liskeard. 

She previously worked in care, visiting clients in their homes, many of whom were living with dementia. She saw first-hand what a difference a friendly face and a chat - something which she feels is the very essence of CST - can make to a person’s day. 

Vanessa says the best part of working at Memory Matters is the positivity that infuses everything the organisation does.

Anita has worked in the care industry for about 30 years. In this time she has achieved a BSC Hons in Health and Social Care amongst other qualifications. She has worked with all genres of care but has always come back to those living with dementia, feeling that it is a privilege to be able to support people during this most challenging part of their life journey. 

‘‘Working at Memory Matters is a joy. The focus on what people can achieve rather than what has been taken away is paramount to the success and enjoyment of each CST group - and in this world of doom and gloom, isn’t it great to be able to focus on the positives for a change?’’

Clarinda joined Memory Matters in 2013, before which she worked for 16 years in a day centre setting. Since being with Memory Matters Clarinda has provided  1-1 CST activity work in the homes of people living with dementia as well as co-facilitating in CST day groups.

Clarinda is passionate that people living with dementia are empowered to live well through the support that the Memory Matters team provides.

Michelle joined Memory Matters in June 2024 as a Dementia Advisor in Bude and the Tamar Valley.

Michelle has 25 years of experience as a primary school teacher and believes that everyone has a unique story and experience to share. Her aim is to help people living with dementia to feel valued, supported and listened to.

‘‘Memory Matters is a diverse and dedicated team, working together to build positive relationships and make a difference every day.’’

Tad joined the Memory Matters team in June 2024 as a Community Dementia Advisor. She has over 15 years of experience working in Speech Therapy for the NHS in Kent before relocating to Cornwall in May 2023.

Tad's passion is supporting and enabling people to live their best possible lives.

‘‘Working with such a great team of passionately caring people makes this role a pleasure to be part of!’’

Sue joined Memory Matters in October 2024 as a course facilitator and dementia advisor, a role she finds both rewarding and uplifting as she sees the positive impact it has on the clients she supports.

Sue began her career as a state-registered nurse and undertook further training to become a midwife, progressing to the role of midwifery sister.She pursued a passion for psychotherapy, earning a master’s degree from Bristol University, and worked as a psychotherapist for ten years.