Donate Today - Because Childhood Can't Wait
Donate Today - Because Childhood Can't Wait

Meet the Team

Working together to make a difference

Our team has the combined experience of different industries and sectors. Some have worked in the education industry, others have come from the care sector, and while some volunteers still work part-time, many are enjoying retirement.

Despite their different backgrounds, our staff and volunteers are here because they believe that all children deserve the best start in life. By working together and sharing our expertise, we are helping to make a difference in Richmondshire.

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Lady Brenda Hale

Patron

Heather MacFarquhar

Chairman of Trustees

Tad Zaranko

Trustee

Anita Jay

Trustee

Jackie White

Trustee

Andrew Terry

Trustee

Sian Moore

Trustee

Austin Gordon

Trustee

Sue McVay

Scheme Manager

Claire Robson

Co-Ordinator

Jill Sinaguglia

Co-Ordinator

Lady Brenda Hale

Introducing our Patron

We are delighted to announce that the wonderful Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond, has become patron of Home-Start Richmondshire.  A British judge who served as President of the Supreme Court of the UK from 2017 until her retirement in 2020, and a cross bench member of the House of Lords, we are honoured that Brenda has agreed to support us.

Brenda’s work has been hugely influential in protecting the rights of women and children. She played an instrumental role in the Children Act 1989, arguably the most important piece of legislation concerning children, which defined the duties of courts, local authorities and parents in ensuring that children are safeguarded and their welfare paramount.

Heather Harker

My professional background is in Criminal Justice having been a Chief Officer in the National Probation Service before emigrating to Western Australia (WA) in 2006, where I took up the post of Deputy Commissioner for Corrections. In more recent years I worked as a freelance consultant in Criminal Justice and Management Development. Working with young people and families has been a fundamental element of my professional career that I wished to carry on in a voluntary capacity when I retired to live in the UK in 2019. HSR provides an invaluable level of support to local families and I feel privileged to have become both a volunteer and Trustee.

Tad Zaranko

I have worked for thirty six years in education, as a senior leader in three secondary schools, including one as a Headteacher.

I am a school improvement partner for two local authorities and a consultant support for the development of mathematics in small rural schools.

I am also a consultant on the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ Programme and an LA. Education lead in a HMP. Section leader in a Further Education College.

Currently a Governor of a Primary School on the Garrison for 15 years including 10 years as chair of the governing board.

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as a Trustee in January 2022.

Jackie White

My name is Jackie White I have lived in Richmond most of my life and retired in April 2019. 

I joined Home-Start Richmond as a Trustee in June 2020 and am enjoying the opportunity of working with a committed team of people who are providing friendly, practical help and support to young families.

Andrew Terry

My professional background was in children’s services, initially as a secondary school teacher and then leading teams of specialist staff for North Yorkshire Council. I retired in 2015 from the post of Assistant Director, Access and Inclusion, the service which works with and for schools and the parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. For a time, I also managed the education social work service and the looked after children’s service.

I volunteered at the Friarage Hospital for 8 years until 2023, mainly with elderly patients and now help in the community.

I believe that the early years of a child’s life are vital to their wellbeing and prospects at school and beyond, and that a stable family life is crucial. Coming from a very large family, I have personal experience of the challenges that strained domestic life can bring and I joined Home Start Richmondshire in January 2022 to play a part in helping parents and carers when they ask for additional support.

Sian Moore

I am local to Richmondshire, attending primary and secondary schools in the area.

I have worked in Local Government in North Yorkshire for more than 35 years. My main interest was in Finance, acting as the Statutory Finance Officer for approximately 15 years. I also oversaw the finance aspects of major projects including the Allerton Park waste disposal facility and fire service training centre.

I held responsibility for HR, property, IT, Council tax, business rates and housing benefits.

Since retiring in 2023 I am studying for an MSc in Psychology, which I juggle with family responsibilities.

Austin Gordon

Growing up in Leamington Spa, Austin and his family moved to the Bahamas in the late 1970’s. Austin returned to the UK in 1985 to take up a career in the sports & Leisure industry. This started with a brief spell as a professional golfer followed by a 35 year career managing and running Leisure centres and  facility contracts in the private and voluntary sector.

Austin has 3 grown up children with 4 grandchildren which keep him busy, along with being a volunteer driver in the area and the Chairman of Colburn United Football Club.

Sue McVay

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as manager in June 2023. Previous to that, I worked in the Early Years sector, operationally and strategically, for over 30 years.

I am passionate about supporting parents to give children the best possible start in life and believe that Home-Start Richmondshire has the knowledge, experience and understanding to deliver this through the staff team and network of volunteers.

Claire Robson

I joined HSR, as a coordinator, in May 2019 after working as a social worker with children and families for many years. I enjoy my role, supporting families through challenging times and helping them to achieve their goals, very much. My hobbies include reading, walking with my dogs and spending time with my children and wider family.

Jill Sinaguglia

I joined Home Start Richmondshire as a coordinator in July 2023.  I’ve had a varied career working as a radio presenter and journalist, running my own chocolate business and as a children and families’ social worker. I have three children and have found parenting to be a wonderful but sometimes scary and challenging journey.  I am passionate about getting alongside families who are struggling.  I know sometimes you just need a bit of encouragement to keep going or reassurance that you are doing it right!  I love that at Home Start we can do just that, and it is a privilege to support and empower families to reach their goals.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, visiting coffee shops and exploring new places.

Emma Felinski

I recently joined HSR as a coordinator, in April 2025 after working as a support worker for many years. I am enjoying my role, supporting families through challenging times. I have spent time overseas, including New York, Paraguay, Cyprus and Germany. While working overseas In Paraguay South America I worked with children and families living in poverty. This was an experience that was very rewarding, and my passion to support people continues. I love to travel the world and experience different cultures. I also enjoy hiking, with my two dogs, wild swimming and spending time with my children.

Daniel Bell

I read Law at Solent University and completed the professional exams at the College of Law (Guildford) before undertaking a career in intellectual property and commercial law with the Marcol Group in London.  I was commissioned into the ETS in 2010 and served with 1WG on AT4 and Op HERRICK 16 in 2011.  Took command of Arnhem Platoon, Jackson Coy at ATC(P) in 2012 before being selected in 2014 to undertake a comprehensive program of modernisation, organisational restructuring, and course re-design at RMAS as OiC Coaching Advisory Team. In 2016 having completed an MSc in Education and Innovation, I took command of the Training Management Cell at the Defence SERE Training Organisation in RAF St Mawgan.

Following that, I managed the delivery of a high profile and value training transformation project as SO3 Training Advisor to the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project in 2018. Before attending ICSC(L) and returning to the Middle East as SO2 Military Education Advisor to the Kuwait MOD in 2019 and, subsequently, as the SO1 in 2020. 

I have various interests, including being a CPSA shooting coach, an ARA rowing coach, triathlete, climber, surfer and amateur motorbike and car restorer.  I am married to Seana with 3 children and 1 dog; Gabriel (8), Niamh (7), Sonny (1) and Seamus the Border Collie (14).  

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as a Trustee in January 2022.