OUR PEOPLE
At Nova, people are the core of everything we do. Our human approach to all aspects of our work generates a family feel. Together, we make social change happen, day by day, one person at a time. Meet the people supporting our vision for the world:
Tania Nunes
Tania Nunes
Trainee Finance Assistant: Born in Venezuela
My name is Tania, and I was born in Venezuela. I’ve been living in London for 7 years. I love my family more than anything in this world, and I also love learning new cultures. I am very grateful to this country for giving me, my husband, and my children so many opportunities to live, enjoy and grow. I joined Nova in 2021 and they have given me the opportunity to learn the native language and even work. Thank you so much for being such a helpful and lovely team always available to help.
Iden Obahiagbon
Iden Obahiagbon
IAG Adviser: Born in Wales
Welsh born, London raised. From a mixed English and Nigerian household.
After my degree in Psychology, I mostly worked in schools with vulnerable students with SEN and behavioural needs. I enjoyed working 1-1 with students, supporting their mental wellbeing and helping them achieve their goals. Through working in the school, I discovered my interest in pursuing a Counselling and Psychotherapy Masters. I joined Nova because I was intrigued by their approach and commitment to growth, promoting equal opportunities and welcoming attitude towards their clients. I look forward to developing my interpersonal skills and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Lizzie Cho
Lizzie Cho
Director: Born in London
Born in London, 1972, to Jamaican dad and White British mum. Raised in South Wales. Lived in seven countries, married a Korean. Two sons of that mixed heritage with gay Italian godfathers. My own grandfather was born on Grenfell Road in North Kensington in 1910 – I’ve come full circle. Brought up in a single parent family, on an estate and proud of what I got from that :)’
Georgia White
Georgia White
Children and Young People’s Lead: Born in Surrey
I have always been passionate about wellbeing and creative expression. During my own struggles and trauma in childhood/early adulthood I turned to the arts and it brought so much sunshine into my life. I followed the creative path and it led me to musical theatre and performing as a professional singer on TV, at festivals etc. So I know how beneficial it is to find creative community and through that, have some incredible experiences you previously only dreamt of! I wish to bring hope, optimism and practical ways for the children and young people in Nova to explore their identities and overcome any blocks they encounter so they too can continue to make their lives feel purposeful and fun!
Alex Coackley
Alex Coackley
IAG Adviser: Born in Rwanda
Born in Rwanda to English and Welsh Parents, spent time as a child in Yemen, Benin, Senegal, Indonesia and Wales. Now settled in London raising two daughters in the East End.
Anya Stojanovic Chand
Anya Stojanovic Chand
ESOL Tutor: Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina
I am a Business English trainer, very fond of my sessions with my students, where we explore topics like Millennials in the work place, Work aspects of Social Media, Work place diversity, Democracy and all other aspects of modern society and work culture. I love the uniqueness (individuality) of each and every student, the flair they bring with them, and I am committed to help them expand on their potentials. My background is in engineering and IT but I am also very passionate about exploring literature and languages. In my spare time I write crime novels and film scripts. I was born in Sarajevo. The word “saray” in Turkish means “palace”.
Moira Conway
Moira Conway
English Tutor: Born in Geneva
Born in Geneva to British parents, with primary schooling in French leading to a lifetime’s interest in languages and travel. I gained a degree in Modern Chinese Studies, followed soon after by a Shanghainese husband and an extensive second family in China. Now firmly rooted in London and recycling the language skills to throw a spotlight on English and explore the expressive potential of both the language and our lovely learners.
Selma Khelfaoui
Selma Khelfaoui
Family Support Assistant and Holiday Programme Champion: Born in Algeria
Born and raised in Algeria. I am from the golden generation. My mother was kind and affectionate, and father was a man of strong character. I spent by childhood with my brothers and sisters where I lived a simple and happy in the moment. When I completed my education, I moved to London to live with my husband, and I am now dedicated to raising my daughter as a local resident in North Kensington.
Tom Charles
Tom Charles
Trusts & Foundations Officer: Born in Sheffield
Born in Sheffield to working class British, hippyish parents. I grew up in a city in managed decline, learning the importance of solidarity and loyalty, and the transcendent power of kindness. My journey has taken me to various stop-off points, geographically, ideologically and spiritually, but North Kensington, where I arrived in 2007, is the place I feel most at home because of its beautiful spirit: multicultural, diverse, vibrant and bohemian.
Adrian Kargbo
Adrian Kargbo
IAG Adviser: Born in Sierra Leone
A Sierra Leonean and a local 80s baby with a number of years experience in IAG. Running EET projects (Employment/ Education / Training). Passionate about helping people to improve their lives in a positive way. Enjoys cooking, loves playing and watching footie and a social monkey.
Mayte Bologna
Mayte Bologna
Consultant: Born in Venezuela
I am an experienced Designer and Creative Project Manager focused on creating compelling brands with memorable experiences and innovative projects that drive positive change.
I initially joined Nova as a volunteer, and have led the creative production of TEDxLadbrokeGrove, as well as boosting Nova’s social media presence and co-developed “The School of Humanity” events which have welcomed hundreds of attendees. When I'm not crafting brands, you can find me making art from non-recyclable materials, trying new recipes, reading non-fiction, or searching for inspiration through international travel.
Esther Ameyinoge
Esther Ameyinoge
Programme Officer: Born in South London
Born and raised in South London to a vibrant Nigerian household, with interests in international development, advocating for the marginalised, and all things chocolate!
Coming from a background in working with charities, education and social enterprises, I am pleased to be a part of an organisation such as Nova.
Pauline McKittrick
Pauline McKittrick
Children’s Tutor: Born in Liverpool
I guess you could say I'm a lifelong learning, single parent, step parent, Sister, whose experience rich and into Recovery of all types; a late flowering coach/teacher history-freak on a mission to catch up; who cooks, travels, dances, reads, swims and meditates [but not all at the same time]; European of Irish descent, via Liverpool, Edinburgh, Chester, Wigan, Shrewsbury, Prague, Venice, Spain and all things Spanish; but only if you really have to put a label on me - and as I'm constantly evolving I may well be different tomorrow… :)
Patrick Ball
Patrick Ball
ESOL Tutor: Born in Sheffield
I was born and raised in Sheffield, and studied in London before moving to Philadelphia, USA, to do a PhD in philosophy. While I was in America I realised that I want to be an English teacher, and I taught ESOL in Sheffield and in Kyoto, Japan, before joining Nova in North Kensington in 2024. I am excited to be a small part of a wonderful community.
Katya Elina
Katya Elina
Head of Services: Born in Leningrad
Born and raised in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, to a family with many generations of educators. While studying mathematics at university, fell in love with teaching and have been working in education ever since. London has been my home for the past 20 years – its diversity and bustle remind me of my home city.
Sandra Mullings
Sandra Mullings
Receptionist: Born in North Kensington/London
Born in Paddington to Jamaican parents in the 60s. I am a carer for my younger sister and the proud mother of 3 children – 2 boys and a girl. My background is in education, fashion, admin and the childcare sector.
I went to the local primary and secondary school in North Kensington. I see myself as a life-long learner graduating from the West London University in 2014 with a BSc Hons Psychology degree as a mature student.
I collect hats and scarves and absolutely love Jogging/gym, yoga, cooking and travelling.
Matthew Barnett
Matthew Barnett
Head of Children, Young People and Families: Born in Germany
Born in Germany, to English and Welsh Parents, after an unsettled start I eventually spent my formative years in Yorkshire. My working class family did a fantastic job of instilling their values of decency, solidarity and compassion for others. They inspired me to take chances and not limit myself, encouraging me to follow a more unconventional – and unlikely – career in the arts and eventually make my way down South to the big city to chase my dreams! I’ve now been settled in London for over 20 years and a little prouder every day to be a small part of our diverse and vibrant community.
Abigail Wren
Abigail Wren
Children’s Maths Tutor: Born in the UK
I was born in the UK and have lived in various places including Wales, Exeter, Leeds and the Cotswolds. I have been a KS2 teacher for 6 years and specialise in supporting children with additional needs. My favourite subjects to teach are Maths, History and Geography as they all allow for lots of investigation and practical learning. Outside of teaching, I love to read and to watch football. I support Tottenham and love to go and watch live football matches.
Marija Mirazic
Marija Mirazic
Enrichment and Family Support Manager: Born in Yugoslavia
Born in Serbia, Yugoslavia. In London since 1997. Moved to North Kensington in 2012 and found Nova. In my mother tongue, the word Nova means New. Nova has brought new opportunities to me – just like it says in its name.
Nadia Anwar
Nadia Anwar
Children’s Maths Tutor: Born in the UK
I have always enjoyed maths. Hence I decided to complete a maths degree at Imperial College London after completing my A-levels. In completing this I studied for a PGCE. I then spent 7 years working a a maths teacher at a local high school. I find teaching to be very rewarding.
Mirjana Majerski
Mirjana Majerski
Administrator and Receptionist: Born in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslavia. Moved to England in 1993 due to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the war I realised my passion for helping others and wished to pursue that as a career in the future. That wish was fulfilled when I started working at Nova in 2007 and I hope to continue for many years to come.
Jude Evans
Jude Evans
Children’s English Tutor: Born in Essex
I was born in Essex but grew up by the sea in Dorset. Teaching is my passion; I’ve worked in education for over twenty-five years, and have taught and trained all age groups, in lots of different settings, including stints in France, Italy and SW China. More recently, I’ve been working in primary education and my specialism is English, although I love teaching French too, as this was my degree and PGCE subject. I love making learning fun and interesting! I enjoy studying too, and am currently working towards a diploma in counselling. In my spare time, I like doing mindful art, walking on the beach and travel. I live in Poole with my two children and my cat.
Tieu Pham
Tieu Pham
Head of Engagement, Partnerships and Events: Born in Saigon
Born in Saigon weeks after its fall. Escaped in a leaky boat and spent time in a Philippine refugee camp. Accepted to the coldest place on Earth (Harrogate in winter) in the late 70s. Had a grand tour of various (council) estates of England before living out my teens in London’s East End. In the 90s met my partner, in the more elegant environs of Bath.
Sina Mahabadi
Sina Mahabadi
Children’s Science Tutor: Born in Iran
I started teaching when I was only 16 yrs old as a teacher assistant 🙂 Since then, I haven’t given up my passion for teaching. My first official teaching experience was running some lectures at university when I was finishing my PhD degree. Once I finished my PhD in biomed Eng, I decided to get my Master in education and ultimately my teaching certificate. From that point, I started teaching both at university and part-time at high school for various subjects. I have taught electronics, math 103, dynamics, radiobiology and biomedical sensors at three universities and four colleges. I have also taught at five high schools and ten tutoring companies for subjects including maths, biology, chemistry, physics and creative writing.
Kieran Walker
Kieran Walker
IAG Adviser: Born in Dagenham
I have worked in various roles throughout my career but they all have one thing in common, helping those in need. Fresh out of college I started work as a carer for the elderly and the physically handicapped. I then moved on to become a support worker for adults with learning disabilities helping to integrate the clients into the community whilst simultaneously teaching them life skills. After that I became a benefits advisor correcting the errors of the DWP and increasing household incomes and improving the financial situations through things like grants and trust funds. Now I’m here at Nova where I hope to have a positive impact on as many lives as possible.
Trustees
Stewart McCure: Trustee
Stewart is founding Director of Dramatic Change, a global training consultancy founded in 1995. Born in Australia, he has degrees in Business and Literature & Philosophy from the University of Sydney. He has performed, produced and directed improvised theatre around the world and builds workshops to enhance self-confidence, focus and motivation. Stewart has been a Nova Trustee since 2006 and is a former Chair of the organisation. He is a member of the PCC of St John’s Wood Anglican church. He has lived in London for 20 years and is passionate about creating a more inclusive city with opportunities for all.
Jonnie Beverley: Treasurer
Jonnie has been closely associated with Nova for over 20 years and was its Chair until 2 years ago, when he formally retired as deputy CEO of Westway Development Trust. His work for the Trust included working with migrant and refugee communities in K&C to help develop their voluntary services through joint projects, consortia, fundraising and support over the longer term. He is currently engaged part-time as a business & project development consultant with Surrey Docks Farm and remains a trustee of several charities in Kensington and Chelsea.
Anji Kang-Stewart: Trustee
Anji is Global Head of Marketing at Man Group. She is responsible for developing and implementing the firm’s marketing strategy to support Man’s global business across all client channels. She has sixteen years of experience across sales and marketing roles in asset management.
Prior to joining Man Group, Anji spent six years at Wellington Management as the ahead of EMEA Marketing. Previously Anji was Marketing Director at Neuberger Berman. Anji holds a BSC and MA in Anthropology from University College London.
Nick Wellington: Chair
Nick is a trusted advisor, consultant and coach, whose work is informed by his personal and professional experiences and knowledge.
Nick's career has spanned government, finance, energy and professional consultancy working with organisations such as Deloitte, Santander, Aviva and the FCA.
Nick's passion for diversity and inclusion has remained strong throughout his career and now much of his work, specialises in helping senior leaders build a bridge to underrepresented staff.
Leslie Ramos: Trustee
Kanika Seth: Trustee
Kanika is a Partner at EY with over 15 years financial services consulting experience in delivering complex compliance, regulatory, risk management, governance, technology and cyber security engagements.
Kanika has a Masters in Management from the London School of Economics and is a certified professional. She holds a variety of leadership roles across EY and is a key sponsor for diversity and inclusiveness initiatives within the financial services industry.
Jay Burgoyne: Trustee
Volunteers
Volunteers
