Meet the team
HOME / MEET THE TEAM
CEO
Jamie Sleigh
Jamie is a dedicated business leader, charity advocate, and mental health champion with over 24 years of experience across retail, manufacturing, logistics, defence & security, and IT. As Interim CEO, he brings a strong track record of empowering teams, advancing governance, and cultivating positive organisational cultures. A passionate supporter of local charities and long-standing Rotary member, Jamie combines his commitment to people development with a hands-on approach to process improvement, aiming to drive meaningful, lasting impact.
Known for his dedication to mental health advocacy and personal growth, Jamie is focused on supporting the Senior Management Team to strengthen the charity’s culture, boost financial security, and enhance community engagement.
He joined GDA in October 2024 and is hearing.
Senior Management Team
Mary Hailes
Mary joined the charity in 2007 and is now GDA’s Office Manager as well as over-seeing BSL interpreter and Community Centre bookings. Mary is hearing and a CODA. She has recently passed her BSL Level 3 course.
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Gilson Sly
Gilson joined GDA in 2021 and is now our Support Services Manager. He ensures that all our services are well supported. He is Deaf and a BSL user.
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Caroline Trickey
Caroline joined GDA in June 2024 as our Finance Officer. She is now Acting Finance Manager. Caroline is hearing.
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Managers
Jemima Buoy
Jemima joined the GDA staff in July 2020. She is the Training Manager and runs BSL College and providing Understanding Deafness courses. She is Deaf and a BSL user.
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Martha Avery
Martha is Deputy Support Services Manager. She joined GDA in 2019 as an Equipment Technician. Martha has quickly learned Levels 1,2 & 3 BSL and is now on a Level 6 BSL course. Martha is hearing
Staff
Shannon Mackriell
Shannon joined GDA in January 2024 and is our Children, Young People and Families Officer. Shannon is currently learning Level 3 BSL. Shannon is hearing
Emily Kirby
Emily is our new Bookings Co-ordinator Assistant. She joined the GDA team in August 2022. She is on our BSL Level 2 course. She is hearing.
Emma Jenkins
Emma is our Equipment Technician maternity cover for Jessica. Emma is hard of hearing. She has previously worked at GDA, and we are happy to welcome her back onto the team.
Kim Mackriell
Kim is a BSL tutor having joined the GDA team in January 2022. She teaches BSL at Level 1 and teaches extra-curriculum activities for other deaf people. She is Deaf and BSL user.
Kate Ather
Kate is our Wellbeing Officer. Kate started with GDA in 2019 as GDA’s Employment Project Officer and is now a key member of our Wellbeing team
Kat Taylor
Kat joined GDA in April 2022 as our Finance Assistant. She is Hard of Hearing (HOH) and is learning BSL Level 2. Kat also works one day a week for the Wellbeing Team.
Jessica Shepherd
Jessica is our Equipment Technician and runs our hearing aid clinics. She joined GDA in July 2022. Jessica is deaf and BSL user. Jessica is currently away on maternity leave and will be returning in 2025.
Louise Barks
Louise joined GDA in March 2024 as a Bookings Coordinator. team. Louise has a mild hearing loss and is learning BSL 'Begin' Level at GDA.
Trustees
Sam Stocken
Sam joined us in September 2021 as a Trustee. She has twin boys, one who is Deaf since birth with bilateral hearing loss, and is enthusiastic about supporting the Deaf Community. She is hearing.
William Stavert
William is profoundly Deaf and has experience of working in the Deaf Education sector for 21 years. Previously, he was the chairperson of Deaf Direct for 11 years and is now a Trustee for Action Deafness. William joined GDA as a Board Trustee in 2023. William is continuing to work as a Freelance BSL Teacher and tutors deaf children and parents who have a deaf child. He is based in Malvern, Worcestershire.
Vicky Sheen
Vicky joined GDA as Trustee Treasurer in December 2022 after previously working with GDA on a professional basis. Vicky was keen to continue her relationship with GDA after seeing what great work they do for the hard of hearing and deaf community of Gloucestershire and the wider area. Vicky has worked in finance all of her career – very nearly 40 years.
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