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Who we are
In addition to our board members, we have access to an advisory team of Special Educational Needs experts, including an educational consultant, specialising in SEND and learning challenges, a consultant speech and language therapist with extensive experience in the community, an educational psychologist and a social worker.
Without their expertise we would not be able to deliver our work at the level we are proud to be able to do so.
Sam Salomon
Sam Salomon Chairman
Joined the JSENSE Board of Trustees in 2017 and became Chair in 2020. Sam is a management consultant, specialising in Pharmaceutical and life sciences/implementing robust people strategies/lean management and a Trustee at Delamere and Langdon.
He is also Chair of the Fed's philanthropy and leadership course and is a registered Foster Carer. Sam is passionate about his service to the community and making a difference
to the community. Sam's vision is for JSENSE to be the 'Go to' partner for schools and parents, whilst continuing to support the breadth of the Jewish community in a sensitive way, ensuring our services are equipped to cater for a range of needs.
Ben Kay
Ben Kay Treasurer
Ben joined JSENSE in November 2023 as treasurer and trustee. Ben is a European Finance Director for a listed American manufacturing firm, he has almost 30 years of experience in finance both in the UK and abroad. He has worked for other charitable organisations and is interested in helping JSENSE strengthen its ability to support the community. the overall project management strategy.
Jonny Wineberg
Jonny Wineberg Trustee
Joined the JSENSE Board of Trustees in July 2013. He is a former Deputy Principal Youth Officer for Manchester City Council, Lecturer in Youth Work & Management and Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region. Jonny is currently also a trustee of Jewish Action for Mental Health and professionally works as a Consultant for non-profit organisations and is Director of Operations for the We Stand Together charity, celebrating diversity, challenging hatred and building a safer and stronger UK.
Sam Cohen
Sam Cohen Trustee
Joined the JSENSE Board of Trustees in 2012 and helped register the charity in March 2013. Sam is currently Deputy Chairman at Delamere Trust. He was an elected member at Bury Council for over 20 years, and was the Company Secretary and Hon. Treasurer of the Bury Metro Racial Equality Council before it closed, volunteering for them for 17 years. Coming from a retail background, he also has volunteered for Bury Citizens Advice and as Chairman at Bury Law Centre as well as serving for 35 years on the Governing bodies of two Unsworth primary schools. One of which has a special unit for SEN pupils. Sam previously represented Bury on the Greater Manchester Police Authority & District Crime Prevention Panel.
Caroline Wertheimer
Caroline Wertheimer Director of Operations
Caroline initially joined JSENSE in 2019 as project support. Bringing her experience in contract management, along with her experience in working with other charities for a number of years, including The FED in their events and marketing team. Caroline brings a structured approach to her role as Director of Operations, offering invaluable skills and ensuring all JSENSE's operational considerations are effectively integrated into the overall project management strategy.
Jo Richler
Jo Richler Educational Consultant
Joined JSENSE as a trustee and is now senior educational advisor. She has worked for twenty five years right across the education sector from primary to higher education as a SEND tutor, senior manager and SEND consultant. She has established a formidable reputation as a leader and innovator with a particular expertise in
learning disabilities and inclusion. She is a trustee of the Delamere Trust and a strategy and policy adviser for a number of SEND charities in that sector. She is highly qualified in
the area, possessing a PGCE, MSc, and is an Accredited Member of the Society of Education Consultants, a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Suzy Gellman
Suzy Gellman Project Director
Suzy is a qualified social worker and began her Career at Manchester Jewish Federation, initially researching the needs of carers in the Greater Manchester Jewish community and subsequently developing and managing a carers project.
Suzy spent many years championing the cause of Carers /Parent Carers and spearheading the development of a vast range of services and training initiatives working in collaboration with her colleagues in Local Authority.
Suzy went on to establish a training company focusing on Jewish cultural awareness, exceptional customer Service and Personality style awareness.
Suzy has always been extremely passionate about SEND and volunteered for Contact Community Care Group for many years.
Suzy joined JSENSE in 2021 to develop the Helpline into an advocacy service which is now a thriving and much needed service.
Suzy is an IPSEA trained advocate and is proud to be part of an organisation that empowers Parent Carers and CAYP with SEND, to have their voices heard.
Sue Goldman
Sue Goldman Advocate
Sue Goldman, a qualified IPSEA trained advocate, has worked for JSENSE for 2 years. Sue has previously held the position of a parent governor at a Special Educational Needs College for students from 16-25 years old and brings a wealth of experience to the team. Sue has also worked with young adults with learning difficulties in the Community for many years. As the mother of a young man with Autism, Sue feels passionate about ensuring children and young people with learning difficulties have the opportunity to express themselves in a positive and confident way. Sue is delighted to be a part of such a wonderful organisation and committed to advocating for parents with children and young people with SEND.
Bev Cohen
Beverly Cohen Advocate
Beverley Cohen was involved primary education for over 30 years. She has a wide range of experience including roles as Deputy Head Teacher, Assistant Head Teacher, SENDCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Trainer and Counsellor.
As a SENCO and Safeguarding Lead, Beverley was trained by Salford LA, Salford NHS, the NSPCC, and Salford Safeguarding to deliver training on Autism, ADHD, Behaviour, Attachment, Dyslexia, Keeping Children Safe in Education, the FRIENDS Programme (which prevents anxiety and increases emotional resilience in children), Mindfulness in the classroom, and Mental Health First Aid to staff, parents, and children.
Bev retired from education two years ago, she is thrilled to be working as an advocate for JSENSE. This is an amazing organisation providing excellent advice to parents, schools and children.