David Ellis

Chair

David retired from teaching in 2017 after 35 years, twelve of which were served as a head teacher in York. David has recently become Captain of Sandburn Hall Golf Club and has chosen York Mind as his Captain’s Charity for the year. In his professional life David experienced first-hand the impact of mental health on the lives of young people and their families. David hopes that his experience as a senior leader and manager of a large comprehensive school will contribute to the work of York Mind allowing us to continue to make a difference to the lives of people of all ages across the City of York.

Paul Yeomans

Vice Chair

Paul has worked in Project Management roles for over 20 years, alongside this he also volunteers as a Mental Health Act Manager for the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Prior to becoming our Chair in 2017, Paul was a trustee for two years and a regular fundraiser for York Mind - he stood down from the Chair role in Nov 2019 due to work commitments and is now Vice Chair. Paul has lived experience of mental illness and the associated stigma that can still exist in certain places, especially the workplace.

Jennifer

Trustee

Jennifer is Managing Director of Frankly, an innovative leader development organsisation. Her work enables leaders and organisations to reach their full potential. Prior to setting up her own business, Jennifer worked as a senior leader for a large technology corporate. Her work so far has enabled her to combine wisdom from three careers; marketing and business planning, acupuncture and employee wellbeing and culture change and leadership.

Having overcome difficult times of her own, she is passionate that all people should be able to access good quality mental health in the same way we can physical health. She is a published author, ambassador for IDAS charity and works extensively for the not for profit, Heard in London.

Joy

Trustee

Joy has been working in financial institutions in Hong Kong for 18 years, In her most recent role, she served as the General Manager for a US-based life insurer while concurrently holding a position on the Board of Directors. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in the corporate governance of the company, shouldering statutory responsibilities with dedication.