Who we are

Staff

Without the talents and knowledge of our staff, West London Action for Children would not be able to uphold the great reputation it has around the 2 boroughs in which we work.

Our Professional Staff are trained to the highest standard but still retain sincerity and a belief in the people they are helping.

Likewise, the Support Staff in Fundraising and Administration are dedicated to moving the Charity onwards and upwards.

VERONICA PRETELT Therapist

BA Psych MA MHC

Veronica is a qualified counselling psychologist. She trained both in Colombia, her country of origin, and in the USA. In the States, she had the opportunity to work with people from a wide range of cultures, which fulfilled her interest in understanding cultural diversity. At WLAC, she enjoys working in individual and group settings with children, adolescents and adults.

JUAN CARLOS LEMA Therapist

Clin Psych MScSM DSFT DSTTS

Juan Carlos is a teacher, supervisor, trainer and practitioner of family therapy. He is a clinical psychologist, a qualified family therapist and a trained management consultant. He works for different organisations both here and abroad including The United Nations, The Kensington Consultation Centre, Open Channels and Orphaids in Latin America. He offers individual and family therapy, and group work. His respectful, challenging and imaginative style of work extends the repertoire of the team.

DENISE YUSUF Practise & Services Manager

MA MSc CQSW Dip SFP (BRIEF)

Denise has a CQSW, is a registered social worker and has a Diploma in Solution Focused Practice. She has had extensive experience of family work, consultation, supervision and coaching in the statutory and voluntary sectors.

EMMA FLANAGAN Therapist

BA MSc DipSW

Emma is a qualified integrative psychotherapist and social worker. She has worked in children and families Social Services and as a school counselor working with teenagers. She also has run her own psychotherapy practice for many years. At West London Action for Children, Emma runs parenting groups and offers counseling and therapy to individuals, children and families.

JENNIFER ALLEN Therapist
MA Dip.Soc.Admin, Dip.Soc.Studies, CQSW

Jennifer is a qualified social worker and accredited practice teacher, with many years’ experience in a variety of settings in the statutory and voluntary sectors. She has developed and run many groups and has a rich experience of work with individuals and families. She has a special interest in the particular challenges faced today by parents of teenagers.

JULIA HUTCHINSON Therapist
CPsychol;MBACP (Accred); BA; M.Sc; Grad.Dip (FT)

Julia is a chartered counselling psychologist. She trained in the UK, Ireland and Australia where she practised in education and health settings. Julia has also taught and trained professionals in counselling psychology and responses to trauma, abuse, suicide and self harm. She enjoys working collaboratively with individuals of all ages, families and groups to enable them to make the changes they want in their lives.

HEATHER BOXER Chief Executive/Fundraiser

Heather’s involvement with WLAC has spanned nearly a quarter of a century. She is without doubt WLAC’s most dedicated follower. In November 2005, Heather swapped her part-time fundraiser title for that of Chief Executive. Though she will continue to work predominantly raising funds, she is now also responsible for the daily management of the charity. With her tireless energy and dedication, Heather has high hopes for the charity this year.

JESSICA MADELEY Administrator

B.Eng (Hons), MA (Hons) Peace and Reconciliation Studies

Jessica joined the team in July 2007. After returning from travel and volunteer work in South East Asia she decided to move to London and find employment with a charity just like West London Action for Children. Thrilled at being lucky enough to join such a great team and such an amazing charity she hopes to keep providing the wonderful support and back up as the previous administrator.

TANYA NIELSON Therapist

Tanya joined the Professional Team in July 2007. Her experience of working with younger aged children has brough a great strength to the skills of the team.