Participants Page – We Lead Oxleas – Cohort 1

We Lead Oxleas – Cohort 1

The Participants

“Sometimes, we don’t know that we are ready until someone tells us we are.”
Srividya Srinivasan

Click a button to view a biography.

Name and Role

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Special School Coordinator for Bexley Children’s Speech and Language Therapy

Why we lead

I attended the Oxlead course 4 years ago and found it to be the perfect springboard into leadership. At that time I was new to managing a team. The knowledge and skills I gained ignited my passion for leadership and helped me to understand that, armed with the right information and intention, everyone can lead and lead well. I am now 1 year into by band 8 role. My responsibilities have shifted and I am finding myself wanting to have more skills in shifting styles and creating safe spaces for those who are looking to me as a leader.

My Role

I am one of 4 SLTs leading a team of approx. 70 staff. We are overseen by the Therapies Lead. My time is focused on coordinating the delivery of SLT services into the Bexley Special Schools. The special school team (around 15 staff, mixed SLT and SLTA) input into 6 special schools/specialist settings. We have strong partnerships with the schools we serve.

Surprised to know…

When I got married (nearly 10 years ago) I made a list of songs that guests were not allowed to request as I didn’t want to hear them….turns out I have very strong opinions about music!

Nick Elsey

My name is Nick Elsey and I work as a child and adolescent psychotherapist in the Adolescent Team at Greenwich CAMHS. In terms of the role I play, I feel that my role is to provide a differing perspective, bringing psychoanalytic understanding to the complex and risky presentations we are faced with in the Adolescent Team in CAMHS, even if I have had to learn when to offer that perspective and when to keep quiet! I try and bring the opportunity to reflect and support all the team and especially those I supervise, and always hope that I can be available when others may need to turn to someone for help and advice. However, I also notice that this emphasis on being helpful can also mean it’s harder to challenge or offer constructive criticism. I am joining We Lead Oxleas so that I have a chance to think further about my role, in terms of leadership, and to have the opportunity to reflect on the responsibility and where I need to develop. Others may be surprised to learn that I have 15 tattoos, I got my first when I was 18 and my most recent tattoo was four months ago

Margaret Adedeji

My name is Margaret Adedeji, Service Line Manager Greenwich Older Adult Service.

I am Registered Mental Health Nurse with 40 years experience in Mental Health Nursing. I am a Professional Nurse Advocate, a Strength Coach & NHS Resilience Activator.

I joined We Lead Oxleas Program because I would like to develop and be more confident in both Operational and Strategic leadership.

I am an Author ( written 2 books) a singer ( released 4 singles), and a motivational speaker. This I do in my spare time.

Lorian Mead

I’m an Occupational Therapist who professionally leads the OTs working in the ALD directorate. I’ve been in this role since 2021, joining from a similar role in a smaller organisation, where I was in the role from 2003.

I’m currently on secondment into the role of Associate Chief Clinical Information Officer for the ALD directorate, for which the current contract is ending in July 2026. I’ve enjoyed the cross-directorate work and being more linked to organisational strategy in this role. I am considering my next steps and am joining the We Lead programme to give myself some time to focus and reflect further on the aspects I have enjoyed and learnt in this secondment.

One thing that others may be surprised to learn is that I have four children. I am also one of four siblings.

Julie Clark

Hi, I am a learning disability nurse by background now working as the service manager for the Adult Learning Disability and ASD Directorate. I was in an operational management role for 5 years before commencing in this role 18 months ago. Since I came into post there has been a lot of change in the service, including changes in the senior managers and well as more local managers. I am joining We Lead as I would like more support to develop my strategic leadership as well as how to adapt my style in order to lead/manager and inspire other leaders. I am not sure what others may be surprised to learn about me so I guess I will mention that I have 2 gorgeous grandchildren and I love dancing (and have danced ballroom at the Hammersmith Palais, a dance hall famous for the TV show Come Dancing in the 1980’s).

Ps. Yes that is my gin collection in the background shhh..

Josie Boxall

“I’m Josie Boxall, Operational and Clinical Lead for the Adult ADHD Service at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. In my role, I provide both strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the service delivers safe, high-quality, and accessible care to adults across Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich. I am particularly passionate about service development and improving patient pathways—working to reduce delays, strengthen governance, and create a more equitable and person-centred service in line with national guidance.
I’m joining We Lead Oxleas to further develop my leadership skills, connect with colleagues across the Trust, and contribute to a shared culture of continuous improvement. I value collaborative leadership and creating environments where staff feel supported, empowered, and able to thrive.”

Helen Jefford

I am 53 years old and qualified as a Physio back in 1993. I have always lived and worked in SE London and very proud to have looked after patients from all walks of life. I have specialised in respiratory care and have worked across acute and community teams, where I have now settled into a job I love in Greenwich community health.

I have been in a leadership role since the late 90’s. I worked at Kings College Hospital looking after a team of Physios working in intensive care, which was a highlight of my career. It was a privilege to look after extremely sick patients and support those around me to thrive.

I took a leap of faith and moved into a community post with Oxleas in 2007. I have worked in the same team ever since, looking after a large MDT of 24 staff who care for patients living with COPD.

Aside from my working career, I am a mum to a 21 and 24 year old and a gorgeous 4 legged dog called Dobbey.

My other big passion is to travel and explore the world. Last year I took a sabbatical for 6 months and travelled across SE Asia on my own. I took a 20kg back pack, said goodbye to my family and friends, and travelled across 7 countries and volunteered in 5. I worked for different charitable organisations and helped to look after elephants, sea turtles and dogs.

I appreciated coming back to the UK and my job as, people, connection and being productive are important to me!

(after the dog).

Ellie Girdwood

I am Ellie, a Speech and Language Therapist in the Greenwich Neuro Rehab team.

I have been working in the team in various roles for nearly 10 years. I currently work in a split role: highly specialist SLT in neuro rehab and in a service development role, working with the wider care homes teams. My service development role was newly developed, and I have been able to shape how that role will look. I lead on wellbeing within the neuro team and have a role as staff assemblies chair, supporting the use of charitable funds within my directorate. One part of my role I particularly enjoy is supporting junior staff who are new into their role / profession and supervision. My role allows me to support the wider MDT both clinically and from wellbeing support.

I was keen to join WeLead programme to help me to reflect on the work I have done within my service development role. I am hoping to develop my skills in leading change, particularly with with wider stakeholders such as care home managers. I am hoping to this will help me foster stronger working relationships, leading to improved care.

One thing that might surprise people about me is I am an extra in a Bollywood film which is on Netflix. I also teach yoga part time, which fits nicely with my role in wellbeing.

Danielle Walsh

My name is Dani and I’m a clinical lead Speech and Language Therapist in the Greenwich Neurorehabilitation team. In my other life I’m a mum of two humans and one dog! I am passionate about everything I do and always strive to be the best I can be. I am joining We Lead Oxleas to help guide my team through current and future challenges so we continue to provide the best service for our patients and importantly enjoy doing it – we spend a lot of our life working so it’s important to me that we enjoy it – we all picked this profession because we care and want to help people. I make sure to carve out time each week for me so I can swim (preferably outdoors) and run. I’ve also recently started strength training which I am loving! I am just back from the Alps where I completed a 2-day mountain running event!

Becky Linane

I’m Becky Linane, I am a children’s nurse by profession and qualified just before the millennium! I work as one of two Matrons leading the Community Children’s Nursing Service which is a large team including a community children’s nursing team, a hospital at home team and asthma and sickle cell specialist services.

I started this position in March of this year, although I have worked within the community children’s service since 2015. I wanted to join the Oxleas We Lead programme to help me embed the leadership qualities I already possess, while allowing me the time and opportunity to reflect and gain confidence in my own abilities. I then want to use this knowledge to continue to improve outcomes for children and young people. I am passionate about giving all children the opportunity to reach their full potential.

One thing about me that may surprise others is that I am learning to be a beekeeper. I currently have three hives in my garden that I am helping to look after with my husband (who has been doing this for a few years now). We will be harvesting our 4th batch of honey before the autumn.

Abi Riley

I am Abi Riley, a principal Forensic Psychologist working at the Bracton Centre (Medium Secure Forensic Inpatient Unit). I have worked for Oxleas for 4 years across prisons, forensic inpatients and the community, after completing my training to be a psychologist with the prison service. I currently manage and supervise four individuals within my team, but also lead on several other areas, such as Trauma-informed care. I would like to join We Lead to challenge myself to reflect on my role as a leader and consider new ways of working or areas that I need to develop. People are often surprised to learn that I am not a natural red head but have dyed my hair for the past 15 years!