You can read staff case studies and stories here.
Charlet - CEO
Charlet was born, raised and lives in Merton. She has a degree in Law and a background in communications. Charlet is passionate about mobilising lived experience of barriers to strengthen social justice movements and pushing for more diverse, equitable and inclusive communities. She also has an interest in art and design and how it can be used to push for change. This has helps to develop our Craftivism & Chat project.
David - Deputy CEO
David joined Merton CIL in 2019. He has an Economics degree from University College Cardiff, as well as a diploma in Marketing, and has previously held senior positions in Nielsen Market Research, HJ Heinz and IMS Consumer Health. David works to support the development of our organisation and manages our Independence and Inclusion project.
Stuart Butler - Advice Quality Manager
Stuart joined Merton CIL in 2015. Stuart has an extensive background in advice and advocacy, joining us from Citizens Advice. He read Classics at King's College London and has a degree in Law from Birkbeck, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law.
Pippa Maslin - Policy and Campaigns Manager
A state secondary school English teacher for thirteen years, and then a carer for her father and a media arts university tutor whilst undertaking a Ph.D., Pippa found herself at a crossroads and decided to become a trainee caseworker with Merton Centre for Independent Living in late 2018. Motivated to help Deaf and Disabled people to have greater choice and control, she has gained, through her casework, an understanding of the structural inequities faced by many. Determined to bring about systemic change, she is now our Policy and Campaigns Manager.
Rey - Advice Service Supervisor
Rey joined the Merton CIL team in January 2024. Rey has a degree in Law and Sociology degree from Warwick University and has experience in the charity sector and the civil service. In their spare time, Rey enjoys going to gigs, hiking and all things DIY.
Maddie Cowey - Speaking Up Supervisior
Maddie re-joined Merton CIL in Sept 2024. Maddie previously worked at Merton CIL as a Caseworker after completing our advice trainee programme which she joined in 2020. She graduated with a Classics degree from the University of Warwick. Maddie has lots of paid and voluntary experience in the charity sector. Living with a long-term health condition, Maddie is passionate about raising awareness about coping with disability, particularly as a young person. In her spare time Maddie loves going to gigs, outdoor swimming, and singing (usually to herself).
Paula Brown - Caseworker
Paula lives in Merton and joined Merton CIL in 2019. In her spare time Paula enjoys gardening.
Sarah Jones-Nash - Caseworker
Sarah originally joined Merton CIL in July 2019 as a casework support volunteer. She then progressed and became our office administrator in October 2020 and in April 2021 joined our casework team as a trainee. Sarah has a degree in Communications and 10 years experience in the charity sector working to empower Deaf and Disabled people. In her spare time she enjoys creative writing, going to gigs and swimming.
Miral Shaheen - Caseworker
Miral recently joined Merton CIL in February 2024. With a Masters in International Human Rights Law and experience in the charity sector, she’s passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. Miral is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by Disabled people, aiming to create positive change and promote inclusivity.
Lauren Heanon - Communications & Admin Officer
Lauren joined Merton CIL in October 2023. Lauren has had experience working within the voluntary sector in Merton. Lauren also graduated from Kingston University with a degree in Primary Teaching with Science. In her spare time, Lauren likes to design and create jewellery.
Amelia Knipmeijer - Trainee Caseworker
Motivated by her lived experience of a long term health condition to support Deaf and Disabled people, Amelia joined Merton CIL in October 2023 after graduating from Roehampton University with a degree in Sociology.
Philip Stapel - Caseworker
Philip joined Merton CIL in Dec 2023. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis.