Why Uvia

FOUNDER & CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

After my medical training at Oxford University, I worked in London and the Channel Islands, including as an air ambulance doctor. I began my psychiatry specialist training at Charing Cross Hospital. I was later made a Medical Research Council Clinical Research Fellow and I obtained my PhD at Imperial College London.

I am a UKRI Future Leaders Principal Clinical Research Fellow at University College London (UCL), where I lead the Translational Psychiatry Research Group at the Institute of Mental Health. My research has been published in leading international medical and scientific journals including Nature, The Lancet Psychiatry and World Psychiatry.

I’ve worked in a range of specialist National Health Service specialist services and in private practice. I’m a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. I’ve undertaken advanced training in enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with the University of Oxford. I want to use all of my skills and training to help as many people as possible.

LEAD COGNITIVE SCIENTIST

I am a senior cognitive neuroscientist conducting research into how changes in the brain can underpin mental health issues. I have spent years understanding how this can be used to lead to better interventions for people experiencing mental health difficulties. I am particularly interested in how we learn and how our memory works. I’m really enjoying using all of these skills to create a digital learning environment that will help people learn skills to manage their mental health.

I am a lecturer in Mental Health Sciences at University College London where I teach and supervise cutting edge research.

I use my experience in neuroscience and mental health science to help develop science-led content app for uvia and make sure that everything we are doing is based on good quality mental health science.

HEAD OF COMPUTATIONAL PSYCHIATRY

I am an internationally recognised expert in the field of computational psychiatry. I trained in medicine at the University of Cambridge and University College London. I then specialised in psychiatry in London.

I have been a Consultant Psychiatrist since 2017, and I have worked as a doctor in the NHS since 2004. I work in specialist services for the diagnosis and treatment of young people with possible psychosis.

I am a member of both the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Physicians, meaning I have both psychiatric (mental health) and also general medical expertise. I am a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Computer Science in University College London..

LEAD UX DESIGNER

I see myself as a UX-focussed Service designer with nine years experience creating engaging digital products for real people. I’m passionate about solving complex problems in simple, holistic and elegant ways. I transform findings acquired in user research and testing into intuitive interfaces, always considering more than just the digital environment. I’ve found that the best results are achieved with teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

MENTAL HEALTH SCIENTIST

I am passionate about making tangible real-world improvements to the lives of individuals with mental health difficulties via the design of novel digital psychological tools. I initially studied journalism before completing a master’s degree in psychology. I have previously worked as a researcher in large psychiatric genetic phenotyping studies at Cardiff University. I also have practical experience of supporting individuals with a range of complex mental health needs. I am currently completing a PhD at University College London exploring how neurodiverse children’s physical environment influences their socio-emotional development.

I bring a wide range of relevant expertise to the research and development of Uvia including; experimental research project management, teaching, grant proposal formulation, public engagement, epidemiological statistics, science communication, risk management, and large-scale evidence synthesis. I also have a keen interest in cognitive neuroscience and incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning into psychological therapeutics.

DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY

I am a Principal Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience working in the UK National Health Service and in private practice. I am registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council and am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the British Psychological Society. I am trained in a range of psychological approaches and psychological therapies . Following my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology I completed additional post-graduate training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and behavioural couple therapy. I hold full accreditation with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.

I have worked in a range of clinical settings with patients across the lifespan, from childhood through to old age. I currently specialise in helping adults struggling with common mental health issues including depression, anxiety disorders, negative body image and low self-esteem. I have a special interest in LGBTQ+ mental health, having developed a group therapy programme for LGBTQ+ people.

I am a sincere, nurturing and thoughtful leader . I really enjoy working collaboratively with people to help them achieve their goals and to thrive. This includes when supervising colleagues and helping them deliver the best care possible whilst developing their skills and potential. In my NHS role I lead a large team of psychological therapists. I have written book chapters and articles in leading journals. I have taught colleagues and students attending clinical training programmes. I am bringing all of these skills and experience to support Uvia to become the leading mental health app in the market.

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

I built up a wealth of experience in business operations during years working in the shipping and logistics industry. Initially, I worked at HE Moss Shipbrokers Limited, part of the Cunard Group, and then Anglo Maritime Shipbrokers Limited. I studied Law, Commerce and Accounts at the City Of London University. I since founded and directed several boutique chartering brokerages including Intank Chartering Limited and Portland Maritime Limited. I am also a marine consultant and director of property management companies. I love swimming.

HEAD OF BRAND

I am a conceptual art director and designer specialising in branding. New Yorker by birth, Londoner by choice, I help companies develop their identity, communicate their story and grow their business through ideas-led design.

Throughout my extensive career, I have gathered experience across many different disciplines of design including advertising, publishing, digital, public relations, marketing for the arts and branding. I have worked on huge global brands and small start-ups, with luxury fashion houses and not-for-profit charities, and with budgets big and small and even won a couple of awards.

Some of the huge range of clients I’ve worked for include Ford, P&G, Warner Music, EDF, Estée Lauder, Bowers & Wilkins, Faith in Nature and The House of Commons.

My campaign work has included creating an image that was projected onto the House of Commons and was featured on the front page of The Guardian and The New York Times.

I have a particular interest in the mental health space and democratising access for all.

LEAD MENTAL HEALTH NURSE

I have over 10 years of experience as a registered specialist Mental Health Nurse. I have a special interest in community crisis and emergency psychiatry. I am delighted to bring that expertise to the clinical leadership team at Uvia. I hold a Masters degree in Mental Health Studies, a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Practice and I am credentialled as an Advanced Level Nurse Practitioner by the Royal College of Nursing. I am also an independent prescriber. My top priority for Uvia is creating a safe and supportive environment for our users.

MEDICAL SECRETARY AND EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Holding a degree in psychology and having spent two years in the private healthcare sector, I bring an understanding of mental health to Uvia. I am passionate about mental health and this has been cultivated during during my psychology studies.

In my previous role as a medical secretary, she was often the first point of contact for patients. This experience has honed my ability to empathise with users and understand their needs, making me a valuable asset in developing a mental health app that truly resonates with its users.

My personal interests also align with the mission of our app. Just as I value physical fitness and social connection in my personal life, I am committed to creating an app that promotes mental resilience and fosters a sense of community among users.

This unique blend of academic background, professional experience, and personal interests make situate me well to assist in developing a mental health app that is not only effective but also deeply compassionate and user-focused.