Lena has been with CHT since 2023 and leads CHT's team of practitioners at Lilias Gillies House in Coulsdon. She completed her undergraduate degree in International Politics at Brunel University and has over 11 years of experience as a service manager working with young people and in homelessness and mental health services.

 

While employed by Look Ahead, Lena was nominated for sponsorship by the London Housing Foundation to pursue a postgraduate certificate in Leadership and Management in Homelessness and Housing. This opportunity allowed her to conduct research abroad on the Housing First model and its implementation in Norway, as well as the use of Naloxone to address the growing issue of substance misuse in Glasgow. Her research provided valuable insights for her employer on the importance of making Naloxone available across all services.

 

In 2018, Lena was recognised as one of the rising stars in the National Care Forum's Rising Star Program, and received mentorship from a leading female figure in the sector and participated in training related to media and presentation skills.

 

In her spare time, Lena is passionate about creative writing and organising workshops that bring people together to share their talents. She enjoys using poetry to explore meaningful themes and led a workshop at Southwark Cathedral in honour of Backstory Month, which encouraged many to connect with their creative side and write about their feelings related to the Windrush generation.

 

What does Lena enjoy most about her role? Collaborating with her team, working strategically, and the psychological focus of her work at CHT which have helped her understand emotions, enabled her process feelings and demonstrate how the power of vulnerability and relational dynamics could enhance teamwork.