Meet the team

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP, ENABLING COMMUNITY

Katherine Shepherd

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CEO

Katherine has worked in the Reading voluntary sector since 2003 and initially joined the Mustard Tree as Manager of Engage Befriending.

She is passionate about increasing well-being in our local communities and believes strong partnerships are key to achieving this. She is actively involved in her local church and enjoys connecting with people.

Jackie Curtis

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Engage Programme Manager

Jackie joined the Mustard Tree team in January 2019.

She has a heart to help older isolated people make connections with other people on a personal level and to help increase their self worth.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, dancing and walks in the countryside.

Jackie Jackson

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Rahab Programme Manager

Jackie came to reading university over 40 years ago and never left. Over the years she has worked for a number of different charities in the area, most recently developing community work at Lifespring church on Oxford road.
 
She loves to get alongside people, supporting them to overcome barriers and hurdles so they can begin to live in the freedom God has for them.
 
In her spare time Jackie enjoys spending time with family and friends and in her garden.

Georgia-Mai McIntosh

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Starting Point Programme Manager

Georgia joined the Mustard Tree team in September 2021 and is our Starting Point Programme Manager. Georgia oversees our mentoring programmes, and is here to support our team.

She has both worked and volunteered with young people over the past 5 years in holistic and educational settings, with an enthusiasm for creating equal opportunities for all. With a passion for working with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds, she believes in providing support to aid the ability for everyone to succeed. Outside of work Georgia enjoys live music, trips to the cinema, reading, and watching the women’s football.

Simon Ray

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Starting Point Creative Programme Manager

Simon joined the Mustard Tree team in April 2021.

A graphic designer with many years experience, Simon is the Starting Point Creative Programme Manager. Alongside producing any design work needs, he heads up Starting Point Studio – our creative work experience programme – including our alternate provision for schools. He brings energy and enthusiasm, and a desire to see young people grow in confidence, expression and technique.

He is mad about fonts. He also loves graffiti/street-art, music, films and the colour yellow.

Sarah Porton

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Operations Administrator

Sarah joined The Mustard Tree in May 2025 from a customer service background and deals with all things admin – from answering the phone, data entry and processing volunteer applications to responding to emails and referrals and lots in between.  
 
She’s really happy to be working for a charity that looks out for those that others often overlook.
 
Outside of work you’ll find her looking after her two sons, at church, creating things, eating crisps or doing something with friends – sometimes all at once!