Our Team

Our team is made up of:
❖ Psychologists
❖ Mental health professionals
❖ Occupational therapists
❖ Speech and language therapists
❖ SEN teachers
❖ Teaching assistants
❖ Employment advisers
❖ Psychology graduates
❖ Social workers
❖ Ex-members of the armed forces.
At Thrive Youth CIC every young person matters, therefore it is our duty to respect each and every individual. It is our duty to respect individual differences and the growing autonomy of every young person. In all areas of our work, every young person has the right to be a voluntary participant. We aim to always act according to the best interest of the young person.
Biography
Founder Director Caroline Kapenzi-Chiriseri MBPsS holds a BSc (hons) in Psychology and a Masters in Occupational Psychology. As an HE Lecturer with extensive SEND and CYP experience in home and school settings, Caroline and her roster of associates broaden the capacity and resourcing for Local Authority multidisciplinary teams, schools/FE, pupil referral units and children’s homes for reach and impact. We help you to lead, inspire and to enhance the personal, educational, creative and social development of young people to reach their full potential.

Our Board and Trustees
Anisah Jahngir
Director
Anisah Jahngir — Director
I am passionate about applying my legal skills and dedication to contribute meaningfully to a dynamic team and organization. I am especially committed to creating opportunities for youths from marginalised backgrounds, as such support is vital for their growth and for building a more inclusive and equitable society. By providing guidance and support, I aim to help young people feel valued, connected, and empowered to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Hobbies: I enjoy cooking and exploring new recipes, as well as unwinding with engaging HBO series. These hobbies allow me to balance my professional life with creativity and relaxation, keeping me inspired and energised to contribute fully to both my career and community efforts.
Debbie Harvie
Non Executive Director
Debbie Harvie — Non Executive Director
I’m an experienced charity executive and mission practice consultant with over 20 years of leadership in the voluntary and community sector. With a background as Chief Operating Officer and founding member of a national mental-health charity, I’ve spent nearly two decades building trauma-informed, ethically governed organisations that support vulnerable and marginalised communities.
My work is shaped by my professional expertise, qualifications in behavioural sciences and management, and by my own lived experience. Through these, I specialise in helping non-profit organisations embed ethical practices that reflect compassion, transparency, and accountability.
Our Mentoring Department
Mihaela Istoc
Mentorship Programme Facilitator
Mihaela Istoc — Mentorship Programme Facilitator
I am a Psychology graduate from the University of Bedfordshire, where I completed a BPS-accredited course that sparked my passion for mental health and personal development. At Thrive Youth CIC, I facilitate the Pathways to Progress mentorship programme, working one-on-one with young people to build confidence, develop life skills, and explore their future potential. I also help create a safe, inclusive environment and assist with tracking the programme’s impact.
In my role with Empower Work Organisation, I supported individuals facing challenges like bullying and job insecurity. This experience strengthened my empathy, resilience, and professionalism in sensitive conversations, reinforcing my commitment to fostering empowering spaces. Alongside my degree, I have completed Coaching Psychology Practice and a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, which inform my approach to support.
Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy walking, painting, reading, and volunteering to stay grounded and connected.
Wajiha Khan
Mentor
Wajiha Khan — Mentor
I am Wajiha Khan, a Talking Therapist Volunteer with Thrive Youth CIC, passionate about supporting others through therapeutic conversation. In my volunteer role, I offer a safe space for individuals to talk, reflect, and grow. I hold a BSc in Psychology, Counselling and Therapies, and an MBA in Education Management and Human Resources. My career spans the education and business sectors, shaping my holistic, people-focused approach.
I have served as a parent governor and held various volunteering roles, honing skills in mentoring, communication, and support. Currently, I work as a Mental Health Floating Support Coordinator, offering compassionate care to vulnerable individuals.
Hobbies: Outside of work, I am an avid traveler and enthusiastic cook. I enjoy interior decoration, hosting parties, and engaging in intellectual conversations. I am guided by values of kindness, integrity, and faith, with a deep belief in empathy and the power of goodness.
Sarah Essabiri
Mentor
Sarah Essabiri — Mentor
I am a Psychology graduate from a UK university, originally from Morocco, and I achieved a 2:1 (Second Upper Class) with Honors degree. My academic background has given me a strong foundation in human behaviour, communication, and problem-solving, which I have further strengthened through practical experience in teaching psychology at the college level and working in customer service.
I am passionate about personal growth, coaching, and family therapy, and my long-term goal is to combine my knowledge of psychology with professional opportunities in both the mental health and business fields. I am highly motivated, adaptable, and dedicated to continuous learning and excellence in everything I do.
Admin Department
Carla Fattori
Team Administrator Volunteer
Carla Fattori — Team Administrator Volunteer
I am an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced administrator, community focused, with several working years’ experience in the charity sector. I provide general administrative support to the team and assist with the planning and execution of events, volunteer recruitment and database management. I enjoy being a member of a dedicated and supportive team and being part of the work of an inspirational organisation such as Thrive Youth CIC. I am passionate about young people and their potential to thrive and drive social change.
Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy keeping fit by practicing yoga, walking and cycling. I love the arts, music, and anything about nature and well-being.
Our IT Department
Meer Dabagh
IT Support Volunteer
Meer Dabagh — IT Support Volunteer
I am part of the IT team at Thrive, where I support the organisation as it continues to grow. My responsibilities include providing technical support, setting up devices, and improving internal systems.
After graduating with a degree in Biomedical Science, I decided to follow my interest in technology and went on to complete a Master’s in Computing and Information Systems. Alongside my studies, I’ve worked in a range of customer-focused and tech-related roles, which helped me develop a strong interest in using technology to solve real-world problems.
Hobbies: Outside of work, I am passionate about personal fitness and love travelling.
Nicole Beekmever
IT Support Volunteer
Nicole Beekmever — IT Support Volunteer
I’m part of the IT team at Thrive, where I support the development of IT infrastructure that keeps communication running smoothly and ensures effective data management. My journey into IT has been shaped by a mix of experiences—I started with 6 years in customer service and 3 years in youth work, delivering careers and employability programs for NEETs, computer science students, and young people in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
I’ve also worked across hospitality, retail, and the charity sector, which has given me a strong foundation in customer service and people-focused problem-solving. Alongside that, I’ve built a strong aptitude for IT through an IT Technician Skills bootcamp and I’m currently working towards my CompTIA A+ certification.
My strengths lie in employability skills development, project management, and IT, and I’m passionate about combining these to create opportunities and solutions that make a difference.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations from Kingston University, as well as certifications in Coaching for Leadership (Resurgo), Media Literacy and Digital Youth Work (National Youth Agency), and IT Technician Skills (Just IT).

