Staff

Jodi Whitehouse

Founder & CEO

Jodi brings nearly three decades of leadership in the rare disease and charity sectors, shaped by her lived experience of Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN). In 1997, at the age of 16, she co-founded Caring Matters Now with her parents after being encouraged by Dr Atherton at Great Ormond Street Hospital to support other individuals and families affected by CMN. Living with CMN herself, Jodi has a personal understanding of the challenges associated with the condition and remains passionate about ensuring that no family faces CMN alone.

Since becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2012, Jodi has led the charity’s growth into a respected patient advocacy organisation, supporting hundreds of families across the UK and beyond. Under her leadership, Caring Matters Now has strengthened its support services, expanded international awareness of CMN, and helped secure more than £1.5 million towards pioneering CMN research.

A key part of Jodi’s work has been her long-standing collaboration with Professor Veronica Kinsler, spanning more than 20 years. This partnership has contributed to significant advances in the understanding and clinical management of CMN. Jodi considers it a privilege to serve the CMN community and remains committed to driving the charity’s strategic vision, advancing research, and empowering individuals and families affected by CMN.

Hannah Cree

Head of Support

Hannah first became involved with Caring Matters Now in 2014, following the birth of her son with scalp CMN. During what she describes as an anxious and uncertain time for her family, the charity provided invaluable support as they adjusted to life with the condition. Motivated by this experience, Hannah developed a strong desire to give back and support others facing similar challenges.
Over the years, Hannah and her family have actively participated in numerous fundraising events, and she later took on the role of Regional Contact for Northern Ireland, offering guidance and support to other families affected by CMN.

Hannah’s academic and professional journey reflects her commitment to understanding and supporting others. She graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a 2:1 Honours degree in Psychology in 2010, followed by a 2:1 Bachelor of Social Work in 2012. Her career has included roles with the NSPCC, as a respite carer for a child with physical disabilities, and within youth work.

In 2024, Hannah stepped into the role of Head of Support. In this position, she leads the development and delivery of high-quality support services, working alongside volunteers and professionals to strengthen the charity’s support strategy. A key focus of her role is ensuring that anyone affected by CMN receives the right level of support, tailored to their individual experience of the condition. Hannah is committed to delivering compassionate, responsive support so that individuals and families feel informed, connected, and empowered at every stage of their journey.

Lisa Sly

Head of Finance

Lisa is based in Cambridge with her husband and three children. She first became involved in Caring Matters Now through fundraising efforts for the charity.

Lisa has qualifications in accounts, bookkeeping and payroll, and is passionate to use her extensive skills, experience and qualifications to enhance the work of Caring Matters Now. In 2018 Lisa became an employed member of staff as the Finance Officer. Lisa oversees the charity finances, enabling Caring Matters Now to better support those affected by CMN and fund the pioneering research.

Helen Stroud

Head of Communications

Helen is the Interim Head of Communications at Caring Matters Now, bringing over twelve years of experience in marketing and communications. She holds a degree from the University of Leeds, along with professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Digital Marketing Institute. This combination provides her with a strong foundation in both traditional and digital marketing and communications strategies.

Helen is passionate about storytelling and creating engaging communications that inspire members and wider audiences to take action. As an adult with CMN who has experienced the work of Caring Matters Now, she has a deeply personal connection to the charity’s mission. Helen is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those with visible differences, improving public understanding of CMN, and ensuring that families affected by CMN feel seen and supported.

Rachel Swanson

Communications & Engagement Coordinator

Rachel joined our staff team as the Fundraising and Communications Coordinator in August 2021. In 2012 Rachel graduated from university with a 2.1 Honours degree in Social Care, where she realised her passion for fundraising during a placement working with dementia sufferers. Since graduating, Rachel has worked for various charities in a variety of fundraising roles. Her experience has mostly included working alongside supporters, organising fundraising events, developing communications with the public and raising awareness of the cause. Rachel has a real passion for making a difference to those who need it and is excited to be working alongside the Board of Trustees, staff team and volunteers to further enable Caring Matters Now to support families affected by CMN.

Carolyn Lewis

Support Coordinator

Carolyn is based in Bedfordshire and joined our staff team in February 2023 as our Charity Administrator. Carolyn has extensive experience in administration and events organisation and holds business administration and project management qualifications.

With her previous experience working for charities, and recently attained mental health awareness qualifications, Carolyn is passionate about helping people, and brings her fantastic organisational skills to her role at Caring Matters Now to support families affected by CMN. Carolyn will be overseeing our administration function, looking after our events and event bookings, new member registrations, merchandise orders, and assisting our Board of Trustees, staff team and volunteers, so if you have any queries, please get in touch.