the families in harmony TEAM

Founder & Co-Director 

With decades of experience in education, mental health, and community activism, Johanna is passionate about addressing the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma on African Caribbean kinship care families. 

As a lived experience kinship carer, Johanna leads with empathy and drives transformational training that integrates historical context into self-development and community support.

Founder & Co-Director 

With lived experience as a kinship carer, Sharon brings decades of expertise in translating government social policy into impactful, community-led action. 

Sharon has contributed to social equity solutions, ensuring lived experience is embedded from conception to implementation. With senior management experience in government regeneration programs, she excels at bridging the gap between policymakers, professionals, and community stakeholders.

Co-Directtor 

I am excited to become one of the directors of Families in Harmony and contribute to the organization’s vital work supporting Black kinship care. The mission of creating strong networks for children and families so they can thrive is one that deeply resonates with me. 

 As a child, I spent time in kinship care while my mother was unwell, and I remain incredibly grateful for the support and stability of my extended family.   

Peer Support worker.  I am a  qualified Social Worker with over 30 year of experience working with children and families in Local Authority settings, my specialism is safeguarding I am also a kinship carer for my nephew. I am really delighted to be part of Families In Harmony to support care givers through their journey.

Youth Engagement 

Hi, I’m the Youth Engagement Worker I was raised in kinship care, I’m excited to be joining the team, brining the voice of the youth to the fore . 

I feel I can personally relate to children in Kinship care, understanding their stories and journeys, while promoting positivity and uniqueness around the story of being a kinship child.  

I’m a keen footballer, gamer, and do a bit of cooking.

My name is Shanayd, I am a peer researcher at Families In Harmony

As a kinship carer myself, I bring firsthand insight into the challenges and complexities of navigating family court proceedings. This lived experience fuels my advocacy and curiosity in research, helping to inform policies and practices with real-life understanding and compassion. 

Being an original cohort of special guardian carers invited to join the Special Guardianship Reference Group,now Kinship Care Reference Group (KCRG). 

As a dedicated Trustee, I contribute strategic oversight and governance to support the organization's mission and long-term sustainability. 

Drawing from my experience in employment engagement and housing, I collaborate with fellow board members, stakeholders, and partner agencies to enhance opportunities for individuals and communities.

It is a privilege to serve as a trustee with Families in Harmony. I bring over 20 years of experience in the criminal justice and family support interventions field, where I have worked extensively to develop and implement programs that address the complex needs of individuals and families. 

Allison has leadership and partnerships experience in the charity sector and also worked in the corporate sector.

"I believe positive impact is best achieved through good partnership work.

I am looking forward to working with passionate,  commitment  and driven colleagues in delivering vital services  in our communities while  creating change and making a positive impact in people’s lives.

I enjoy travelling,  going for long walks and reading."