Our Team
Connecting the dots
Michelle Gersh
Founder & Director
Alongside her clinical expertise, Michelle is a passionate self-taught plantswoman who literally lives, eats and sleeps everything botanical! Her own journey into gardening has taught her many things which have direct health and wellbeing benefits e.g. being patient and mindful whilst watching plants grow, accepting failure, persistence, the wonder of achievement, the beauty and wonder of nature, that all things die and that there’s a life cycle to everything. She particularly enjoys the feeling of calm and sense of ‘flow’ that can be achieved through immersing herself in her garden. The acquisition of her own little greenhouse further enhanced and increased her ability to be self-sufficient by propagating her own plants, thus not relying on expensive garden centres and nurseries for the produce necessary to deliver Green Connections workshops.
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She is focused on developing the organization with the combination of her clinical expertise, integrity and passion to help others.
Kay Joel
Director & Advisor on Safeguarding
Kay Joel is employed as a Senior Consultant for Education at NSPCC. She has worked extensively in the education sector and has experience in varied roles including safeguarding, leadership and management, special educational needs and inclusion in schools, multi-academy trusts and local authorities. She regularly carries out safeguarding audits in schools. Kay's wealth of experience places her in a unique position to advise Green Connections CIC on all matters relating to safeguarding, thus enabling us to deliver the safest possible service to our participants.
Leroy Curtis
Director & General Secretary
Leroy is a local Hertsmere resident who attended and loved our early pilot workshops before the inception of Green Connections CIC. He is an experienced Chartered Accountant working as a Transaction Manager for an international car manufacturer. As well as offering his experience and views as a local resident, Leroy generously gives his time in a voluntary capacity, monitoring our accounts and book keeping.
Leah Madnick
Clinical Supervisor & Advisor on Mental Health
Leah Madnick is Professional Lead Occupational Therapist at West London NHS. She offers regular clinical supervision to our director and occupational therapist, Michelle Gersh. Leah offers a breadth of experience gained from working with a wide range of clients/patients in the health and education sectors. Leah's career and training have included managing a University student counselling and mental health service as well as working in senior positions within mental health trusts & hospitals both in the UK and in Israel.
Pam Robertson
Critical Friend - Accessible Resources
Pam brings her wealth of knowledge and expertise from a long career in social care and her current Trustee role at Watford Mencap.
Pam generously gives her time to help us create materials, resources and programmes which are accessible for all, particularly adults with learning disabilities.
Pam also writes wonderful postcards for inclusion in our Green Letterbox project.